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Program Overview

This six-week experiential learning course focuses on agroecology and entrepreneurship, particularly the study of coffee, chocolate, and cannabis production. It includes intensive classroom learning, field studies, and a four-week internship or research project. Participants explore cultural and ecological practices, visiting farms, cafes, and production sites.

Weeks 1 – 2:
Intensive classroom study and seminars on the theory and practice of agroecology and entrepreneurship as applied to coffee, cacao, and cannabis production. This will include field studies, workshops, guest speakers, and more. Students will also take basic Thai classes to communicate in everyday life.

Weeks 3-6:
Students will then be placed in a 4-week internship or independent research project focused on their preferred area of study related to coffee, cacao, or cannabis production. The final project will be a presentation and report on the internship and application of the seminar weeks.

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Program Highlights

Complete an independent research project on your chosen topic.
Follow the coffee production process from bean to cup.
Visit cannabis farms and processing facilities.
Visit cacao farms and an award-winning artisanal chocolate company.
Connect with locals during your internship and feel the welcome and hospitality of our wonderful Thai community partners.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Wifi Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Welcome Dinner
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Some Equipment
Guide / Chaperone
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Training
Language Lessons
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Textbooks / Reading Materials
Course Materials
Academic Credit
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support
Internship Placement

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Chiang Mai, Thailand

Fields & Subjects

  • Agriculture
  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Development Studies
  • Earth Sciences
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Food Science
  • Geography
  • Independent Study
  • International Business
  • Natural Sciences
  • Science
  • Sustainable Development

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027, 2028
  • Terms Available
  • Summer

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Letters of Reference
  • Transcript
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18-30

Duration

  • Summer
  • Short Term
  • 1-3 Months

Starts At

Contact Provider for Cost Details

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about International Sustainable Development Studies Institute

5.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
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Top categories

Internship Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Work Environment
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Social Life
5.0
Living Situation
4.0

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Showing 1 of 1 review

Channing BarkerUnited States · January 2025

A Life Changing Experience!

My time at ISDSI was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. Throughout my time in Thailand, I was given ample support and knowledge to be independent and respectful in a foreign country. As a college student and young adult, the encouragement we were given to be independent and experience all that the culture had to offer allowed me to not only grow as a student, but as a person as well. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, which allowed me to make new friends, go new places, and try new things. I was able to experientially learn new skills and be immersed in a culture foreign to my own and now very special to me. It was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Sustainable Development Studies Institute.

Do I need a visa to travel to Thailand for the summer?

If you are an American citizen staying in Thailand for the duration of this program, you do not need a visa. However, a visa may be required if you plan to stay longer or are of another nationality. 

Click Inquire Here to contact our Admissions Team and get your questions answered.

How does the internship placement work?

Placements are developed in collaboration with the student and the host organization. In Thailand, most organizations do not have a “list” of available internships but instead work with ISDSI to create unique learning opportunities for our students. Once you have completed your application and explained your goals, ISDSI will suggest a placement and you will have the opportunity to discuss this with our team before arrival. 

How do I get credit for this program?

ISDSI will work with you to ensure the internship meets any requirements for credit and hours for your home institution. Internships can be extended beyond the end of the program if necessary. A maximum of 6 credits are available for this program. The specific credit you get will be up to your home institution's policies. 

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