Challenge your Western healthcare beliefs in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand, where traditional and holistic medicinal practices are practiced alongside modern approaches to healthcare. Learn about these indigenous practices from Thai instructors, and work alongside community members to better understand the healthcare systems of Thailand.
About
Thailand has a rich history with traditional medicinal practices and philosophical approaches to health care. As the country surges in to the 21st Century, these traditional approaches are beginning to blend with more modern medicinal practices of the Western world. On this program, you will not only study the differences in healthcare practices between the metropolitan cities and the rural communities, but also the differences between the holistic Thai approach with Western healthcare practices. Work side-by-side with local communities to learn about these holistic approaches, collect medicinal plant samples in the fields, and assist in the preparations of medical supplies. This program also provides a 6-week internship or research placement that will allow you to further your understanding of the Thai healthcare system.
Housing & Meals
You will live in a studio apartment that is a 5-minute walk from the MSID Thailand program center. If you choose an internship or research placement outside of Chiang Mai, you will stay in an apartment or rented room. If you stay in Chiang Mai, you will stay at your apartment or relocate to a different apartment in an area of the city closer to your placement. You will receive a weekly meal stipend.
About the Program Center
The MSID Thailand Center is based at the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI), which has been in Chiang Mai, Thailand, since 1998. ISDSI is staffed by a mix of American, Thai, Karen, and Hmong instructors and support personnel, with a unique, team-based approach to teaching.
The new sustainably built center's amenities include WiFi, a library, a cafe, a gym, a yoga studio, and an outdoor cafeteria that serves lunch daily.
Excursions
Although excursions change from semester to semester, you can expect to visit a variety of sites that may include local markets, development agencies, and areas of interest around Chiang Mai.
Flight
The Learning Abroad Center works with Village Travel, a local travel agency, to arrange a coordinated flight for program participants. The flight is optional, and is arranged for those who want to fly with other program participants. Group flight information is typically available by the program application deadline, if not before.
Ground transportation from the Chiang Mai International Airport (airport code: CNX) into Chiang Mai is provided by our partner organization and the cost is included in the program fee. The transportation schedule aligns with the group flight arrival time. Our partner organization comes to the airport once to collect everyone.
Therefore, you can either book a ticket on the coordinated group flight, or book a flight independently that arrives prior to the group flight's arrival. If you arrive late and miss the group, you may be responsible for arranging and paying for your own transportation into the city.
For immigration purposes, you should purchase a round-trip ticket, since you must be able to show your entry and exit dates from Thailand. You should also not enter the country more than 7 days prior to the start of the program.
Learning Outcomes
Foster an understanding of the global context through classroom and experiential learning
Cultivate awareness and appreciation for critical global issues issues through engagement with local communities
Translate insights gained into thoughtful and respectful long-term perspectives on concepts of social justice and sustainable development
Strengthen communication skills through acquisition of local languages and cultural awareness
Gain cross-cultural competencies through extended engagement at a local grassroots organization
