Study sustainability practices, resource management, and the effects of climate change in the stunning landscape around Chiang Mai, Thailand. Spend your days and nights surrounded by the natural wonders of the forests and the fields, the elephants and the agriculture, and learn alongside the local communities that are working to preserve Thailand's natural landscape.

About

Thailand has a vast geographical landscape, with water on three sides of the country and mountains and plains scattered throughout. These geographical differences lead to periods of extreme weather, which creates unique sustainability challenges for the country. In the northern city of Chiang Mai, you will study and observe sustainable development practices and the effects of climate change first hand. Work alongside local communities to investigate the relationship between environmental and natural resources challenges. Through daily classwork, field excursions, and a 6-week internship or research project, you will learn about the unique ways in which Thailand is working to create a sustainable country.

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 fresh Thai lunches 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