GoAbroad

ISDSI’s semester is a rich, hands-on learning experience exploring Thailand's diverse cultures and landscapes, learning directly from the people involved in creating a more sustainable world. Based in Chiang Mai, ISDSI semester students spend significant time immersed in Thailand's cultures and ecosystems. Our unique Expedition Field Courses involve traveling and studying throughout Thailand, fro...

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Program Highlights

Learn hands-on outside the traditional classroom—get your hands dirty learning basket-weaving, cloth-dying, compost-making, traditional farming and fishing techniques, and so much more!

Immerse yourself in local culture, live with host-families, and engage with community leaders.

Backpack on remote forest trails, sea kayak between tropical islands, and bond with your cohort and instructors as you complete these challenges together!

Work on organic farms and be challenged by those who are living sustainably in rural Thailand.

Complete 3 independent research projects on your chosen topics under your professor's guidance, and learn about issues that interest you while gaining experience for graduate studies.

Quick Details

Locations
  • Chiang Mai, Thailand
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundTerms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Asian Studies
  • Biology
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.77

Total Reviews

13

A Life-changing Experience!

by: Meghan Willis - United StatesProgram: Culture, Ecology and Community - Thailand
10

I studied abroad with ISDSI through the CEC program in the fall of 2024, and I returned to the U.S. with a new community, stronger research skills, and unreal experiences I will never forget. Regarding community, the people I met in my and other “sibling” programs, the fantastic staff at ISDSI who guided us through the semester, and everyone in between were the ones who made my time in Thailand special. I have many wonderful memories with CEC, and some of my favorites include visiting Karen villages, staying in homestays, exploring Chiang Mai restaurants, and snorkeling in the Andaman Sea. Academically, we learned how to conduct mini-research projects which helped me ask better questions in interviews and prepare for my future senior thesis. I would recommend ISDSI to other students because it is an immersive, hands-on, and challenging program in all the right ways. And, my biggest takeaway is I learned how truly supportive, inspiring, and uplifting a community can be, even when they were strangers only a few months ago. So, to CEC, ISDSI, and everyone involved in our program and beyond: Thank you for a truly life-changing experience.

A very meaningful study abroad experience

by: Jade Lichtenstein - United StatesProgram: Culture, Ecology and Community - Thailand
10

My experience with ISDSI was truly special. I had the opportunity to learn from so many amazing people who were extremely generous in sharing their lives and wealth of traditional knowledge with us. Each field expedition gave me the chance to push myself in an outdoor setting, with a strong emphasis on learning by doing. We explored farming communities, mountain ranges, mangroves, beaches, and the ocean, providing experiences that taught me about the ecology of the environment I was in and the people who protect and depend on it. The opportunity to take Thai language class was definitely a highlight of the semester, as it helped to form bonds with our host families, make new friends, and feel more at home in Thailand. While still being very educational, this program is undoubtedly fun. Every day felt like a new adventure, as there were endless activities to satisfy many different interests. We bathed elephants, learned to make natural tie dye, meditated with monks, made our own chocolate bars, and hiked to one of the highest points in Thailand, just to name a few. ISDSI also operates on the block plan, so CC students who thrive in an adventurous, experiential learning environment should definitely choose this program! Similar to CC, ISDSI’s small size creates a very strong sense of community among peers, faculty, and professors. I am so grateful to ISDSI for providing the opportunity to learn while traveling throughout Thailand, and would tell anyone considering this program to apply immediately!

Best Experience!

by: Georgia Sento - United StatesProgram: Culture, Ecology and Community - Thailand
10

I participated in the CEC program in the fall of 2024, and it was an experience I could never have imagined. Going into it, I had little experience with traveling or fieldwork, so I didn’t know what to expect from the country or the academics. Both turned out to be incredible in ways I’ll never forget. As an environmental science major, I learned so much through experiential learning about agriculture, forest ecosystems, and ocean ecology. Beyond that, I was immersed in Thai culture and had the chance to connect with some of the kindest families and individuals I’ve ever met. This way of learning shifted my perspective and made me realize how much more there is in understanding the world than what you get in a classroom. I came back with a deeper sense of how the environment shapes people’s lives and how people, in turn, shape the environment, whether spiritually, politically, or through sustainable practices. One of the highlights of the program was backpacking through Northern Thailand and staying with host families in different villages. Nature felt intertwined with daily life in a way I’d never experienced before, and the families we stayed with welcomed us with such warmth and generosity. Even with a language barrier, we shared meals and connections I'll always remember. Their relationship with the environment was also amazing and they had knowledge of nearly every plant, animal, and resource around them, and an understanding of the importance of protecting the land they depend on. Another highlight was sea kayaking across an ocean channel to reach our next campsite. The group of students I was with on this program were my favorite people, being so funny and supportive, they made this challenge a very memorable one. Whether we were admiring the beauty of the ocean or pushing through rough waters, we had each other’s backs and were always laughing. The field instructors also made a huge impact on the program. Their expertise and guidance brought so much depth to everything we experienced. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone. You don’t need to study the environment or have a ton of outdoor experience to take something meaningful away from it. This program shifts your perspective in ways that are hard to describe, but it opens your eyes to the beauty and complexity of the world. I hope everyone has an opportunity to experience something like this at least once in their lives.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Chiang Mai, Thailand

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • All Program Activity Costs

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)

Application Procedures

  • Transcript
  • Letters of Reference
  • Online Application
  • Other

Frequently Asked Questions

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