USAC Thailand: Chiang Mai - Southeast Asia Culture, Politics, and Business
- Hosted at: Chiang Mai University
- Location(s): Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Internship
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Known as the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai is located on the Ping River in Northern Thailand and dates back over 700 years. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it is in one of the most scenic areas in the country. Unlike most of Thailand, the cl... read more
All Reviews
I made several friends who I was able to practice Chinese with (some who are fluent and some who are learning) and will keep in contact with. The Chinese course itself was also engaging and provided great practice with writing in addition to speaking and reading. Outside of the education component, Chiang Mai was a wonderful cit... A student - Berea College View Entire Review
Honestly, I learned so much that I could write a book! My experience taught me how to communicate across cultural boundaries. It taught me to value where I come from and how to see the value in other cultures. My experience taught me to take adventures to understand more about myself and my relationship as well as responsibilit... Deshontanae Davis - Berea College View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself. I had never been away from my hometown for more than 3 weeks so this was a huge step for me. When I was in Thailand, a huge weight was lifted off of me and I had so much freedom to do what I pleased. I was able to read, write, observe, think. Lauren Bateman - University of Tulsa View Entire Review
I gained confidence in myself, and knowledge of a part of the world I formerly had minimal experience with. The western view of eastern culture is pretty skewed, and it was extremely beneficial to witness the east first hand. Sarah B - University of Maine - Orono View Entire Review
Perspective on myself and the culture that I grew up in from an outsider's point of view. A student - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
The opportunity made me grow as a person as I stepped out of my comfort zone and left the place I called home to meet new people and explore something completely new. I was able to immerse myself into a country that will now forever hold a special place in my heart as I learned not only more about a different part of the world, ... Sulie G - California State University - Chico View Entire Review
It has made me more open to work abroad, particularly if it were a humanitarian organization. Craig T - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
The experience did a lot to shape my future plans. I came out of it with the conviction to work in a field that lets me help to deliver educational opportunities to needy communities. What I gained from the experience was an understanding of my identity with humanity, and through that identity I have found myself wanting to work... Kelly R - Western Washington University View Entire Review
I learned things I don't like, and things I like. I learned to accept things I will never understand! It got me interested in a part of the world I never thought about before. It prompted me to teach English, and make a difference. I am currently working and studying in Beijing, China. My experience has also opened up doors for ... Hero H - University of Nevada – Las Vegas View Entire Review
There is so much to learn from cultures that may be different from your own. The experiences I had in Thailand was absolutely worthwhile. R'Mon Harvell - Berea College View Entire Review
I learned countless lessons, but I think the one that sticks out is that I learned how to manage myself in a very different culture. A student - Eastern Kentucky University View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself as well as Thailand and Southeast Asia. I really value the fact that I was able to feel like a local by the end of my semester, and I know I will always consider Chiang Mai a second home. It was absolutely worthwhile to go abroad, and I wish I could do it forever! Maria J - University of Cincinnati View Entire Review
I am capable of so much more than I ever realized. I can honestly say I didn't have a single bad day, and I owe that to the pure positivity I was able to cultivate within myself while in Thailand. Unfortunate things may happen sometimes, situations can be inconvenient or uncomfortable, but life abroad is an exquisite sort of cha... Jaiden D - Western Washington University View Entire Review
I learned about what's important in life through admiring the lifestyle of the Thai people and their Buddhist philosophy. Alegra D - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
I was able to appreciate many things I did not pay attention to from home. I realized, after seeing how many other people lived that I come from a very fortunate home. I saw a complete new lifestyle where people lived in small huts and in villages in the jungle with no electricity or running water. A student - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
Yes! Better understanding of how people in other parts of the World live and their ideals, customs, beliefs, and values. Full immersion was the best way to learn about a different culture as well as learn about myself and grow tremendously from it. You learn about yourself significantly when you're pushed outside of your comfort... Jessica O - California State University - Chico View Entire Review
Yes A student - University of Nevada - Reno View Entire Review
It is super cheap to study here. I loved it sooo much and can not wait to go back. Rent is about 180 - 200 USD. Meals are about a dollar a plate and they are super healthy for you. We actually lost about 10 lbs each when we were there. Transportation is super cheap as well. We lived about 1/2 hour from BKK and its like 10 -... Brittany J - University of Nevada - Reno View Entire Review
About
Known as the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai is located on the Ping River in Northern Thailand and dates back over 700 years. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it is in one of the most scenic areas in the country. Unlike most of Thailand, the climate in the north—and especially in Chiang Mai—can be cooler, with rain and mist, but it still has tropical heat and humidity. The region is full of lush jungles, national parks, and over 300 Buddhist temples. Historically and culturally important for trade, Chiang Mai Province is the second largest province in Thailand. A city of cultural, trading, and economic prominence for hundreds of years, Chiang Mai is host to many historical and cultural landmarks. There are over 700 temples in Chiang Mai alone. The famous “night market” is a sprawling tourist attraction that offers all sorts of trinkets, local handicrafts, food shops, and shows. Its tiny passageways and colorful booths are great fun to explore, however there are many side streets of shops and restaurants away from the touristy zone where students can find authentic local cuisine and truly start to experience all that Chiang Mai has to offer. Near the city there are national parks and nature preserves, including the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, Obkhan, and Doi Pui Suthep National Park. Located just outside of town, Wat Doi Suthep Buddhist temple overlooks the city—and Chiang Mai University—from the top of Doi Pui Suthep. CMU students traditionally hike to the top as part of an annual tradition; once they arrive at the top they find the elaborate temple with its pure gold dome, the beautiful view of the city, dancing shows by local hill tribe children, musicians, vendors, and a marketplace.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadInternship
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
- Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
- Thai
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Asian Studies
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
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USAC Scholarships
USAC awards over $500,000 in scholarships and discounts each year to assist students with their study abroad expenses. We have a variety of funding opportunities available for students enrolled in USAC programs. We also encourage students to research online for additional sources of financial aid and external scholarships for study abroad students. Additional scholarship information and application instructions will be provided on your Student Gateway account once you apply to a USAC program.
$500-$1000
Deadlines:
October 1 (for spring) and April 1 (for summer and fall/yearlong)
Guidelines/Requirements:
If you have questions regarding scholarships, feel free to contact the USAC Scholarship Coordinator at scholarships@usac.unr.edu.
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