Learn about human rights policies and issues in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on a 6-week internship or research project. Work directly with ethnic minority groups in the picturesque mountains, study gender equality near lush rice paddies, or advocate with human rights groups  in Chiang Mai's red-light district. 

About

Study human rights issues in Chiang Mai, Thailand. With a large portion of the Thai population being over the age of 60 and a slightly larger male-to-female ratio, Thailand serves as the perfect backdrop to focus on various human rights issues and policies. You will work directly with local communities and disadvantaged groups, such as the elderly, women and children, and ethnic minority populations. Participate in a 6-week internship or research project focusing on human rights advocacy, gender equality, or rural education.

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 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, students 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