USAC Thailand: Chiang Mai-Southeast Asian Economic Studies

My semester in Chiang Mai Thailand was one of the best chapters of my life. I met so many incredible friends in the program, many of whom I still keep in touch with now. The city was perfect for living in, exploring, and travelling around. The staff from the Thai buddies to Jum, the program coordinator made it their job to make us feel at home and comfortable while also encouraging us to branch out and try new things. Between the food, friendly people, and amazing memories, this is a program I'd recommend to everyone wanting to go abroad!

USAC in Thailand gave me numerous opportunities to go out of my comfort zone, travel, learn, and make memories. I made life-long friends in the program, many of whom I continue to stay in contact with. Now that I am back in the United States, I miss the friendliness of the Thai people and the DELICIOUS cheap food. I, along with many other program participants are already trying to plan a trip back to South East Asia.

I absolutely loved my time studying abroad with USAC in Chiang Mai, Thailand! The city is wonderful (as somebody who is not a city person), very walk-able, and near to a lot of other great places to visit. The CMU USAC staff are phenomenal and planned a ton of great events to help us get to know the area and were great resources for everything. The Thai buddies program that USAC sets up is a really great way to meet Thai students and get to know the area better. The courses were not very difficult (compared to my usual STEM courses) but they were very engaging. Chiang Mai is very affordable and I always felt safe. The food is phenomenal, I miss it every day! I got my degree in geology and didn't take any major related courses while abroad, but I still had a lot of opportunities to engage with my field outside of classes. I truly cannot recommend this program enough! (I also have pics and a website if you want those! I couldn't get the form on the website to go through but I uploaded an image there)

Deciding to study abroad in Chiang Mai through USAC was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The staff was ridiculously helpful and the city itself was amazing. Wonderful field trips and all of the students became very close. Highly recommend a specialized program as the community you gain from being in the same cohort as other students is hard to beat. I would highly recommend this program to anyone, but especially those who love nature and learning about Buddhism and psychology. The professors are amazing as well.

Studying abroad in Chiang Mai was the best decision I have made during my academic career so far. This program has a stellar staff that genuinely care about you and want you to succeed. During my Spring semester, I was able to take several interesting courses including Buddhist Psychology and Buddhism in Thailand, which had accompanying field trips and applied practice. The community around us was welcoming as we were introduced to our "Thai Buddies" who helped us get acclimated to the new environment around us. I spent my days exploring Chiang Mai and trying a wide variety of new foods. The Songkran water festival in April was life-changing and an incredible cultural experience. I would recommend this program to anyone who isn't afraid to explore and embrace a new culture. The dorm situation was superb, with a spacious single room and bathroom all to myself on a floor with the other students in the program. We had a community built on our shared classes, went out for dinner together each night, and went on arranged field trips with our program advisors. I can't emphasize enough how amazing the field trips were, and I recommend signing up for all of them (most are completely free). We had the chance to make traditional crafts, bathe elephants, tour gardens and farms, and bicycle through the countryside. Additionally we explored waterfalls and national parks with our new friends from Chiang Mai University through the Thai Buddies program. During this study abroad, we had several periods of holidays from class and many people were able to explore more of Thailand and visit places like Bangkok and Krabi. This is one of the least expensive programs, but it has some of the greatest staff and field trips of any program and I would highly recommend it.

I genuinely could not say enough good things about this program and the people involved. The professors were amazing, and really cared about their students and wanted them to learn, but also have fun and immerse themselves in the culture. Everyone I met was amazing and we created a community there. Studying abroad was the best decision, and even though I was so scared to leave everything I knew, I had the best time. I always wish I was back studying abroad. This program is amazing and everyone involved was working so hard to make sure we were safe, learning, and having an amazing time. I could not recommend studying abroad/this specific program enough!

My study abroad experience in Chiang Mai was an extraordinary journey of both self-discovery and intellectual growth. Immersed in a community that embraced kindness as its core value, I found myself learning how to be a more mindful and present person. The opportunity to step outside my familiar bubble, engaging with the local culture and people, transformed my understanding of the world. From the nourishing and affordable food to the sustainable practices I encountered, every detail of the environment inspired a deeper appreciation for life. A particularly transformative part of my education came from my professors. They are deeply committed to helping us apply classroom concepts to the world around us, using cultural immersion to bring lessons to life. Whether we were enjoying meals prepared by locals, exploring temples, or learning from community members, every experience allowed us to connect academic theory with real-world practice, enriching my understanding of sustainability in profound ways. Their perspective helped me to become a more grounded and centered individual, capable of experiencing life with greater peace and connection. Chiang Mai was a place that allowed me to explore, not just intellectually, but emotionally and spiritually, leaving me with lifelong friendships, a deeper understanding of sustainability, and a clearer sense of self. The sense of security, safety and belonging I felt throughout the entire country allowed me to move freely, experience its wonders, and connect with people on a deeply human level.

The people, culture, and overall experience were unique, and ultimately, I would recommend studying in Chiang Mai to anyone independent who wants a different path than most, wants an original experience, and is willing to put themselves out of their comfort zone. Everyone is kind, the lifestyle is relaxing, and the perspective you gain from individuals worldwide in Chiang Mai is invaluable.

This study abroad experience changed my life! If its your first time traveling to Asia or you are contemplating study abroad, choose this program! The staff makes the trip so easy, stress-free, and comfortable. They answered all of my questions and made the visa process so easy to understand. Once you're there, the staff in Thailand are some of the most welcoming, kind-hearted people I have ever met! They made my time in Chiang Mai so special, going out of their way to show us the most popular local food spots, tourist attractions, and shopping areas. I still keep in touch with them two years later! The accommodation was clean, comfortable, and spacious, and safety was a top priority here. I was able to travel every weekend and explore Chiang Mai was feeling completely safe. I would recommend traveling as much as possible to make the most of your experience, not to mention it is so affordable compared to the US and European countries. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone looking for a life-changing study abroad experience.

I was so nervous to study abroad, especially in Thailand, but it ended up being the best decision I ever made. I made the best friends and had really cool Thai buddies that made the experience amazing! I look back on my experience and miss it so much. I recommend anyone to go study abroad in Thailand, you won’t regret it!

I studied abroad in Chiang Mai for 10 weeks in the summer 2024 and I had the time of my life. USAC was an amazing program that made the transition living abroad easy. They provided included weekend trips that allowed us to do all the touristy fun things for no extra cost. The courses were very interesting and the professors were great and flexible. I wish I could go study abroad again!

Studying abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was an incredibly immersive and transformative experience. One of the highlights was being part of a program that brought together people from diverse backgrounds across the globe. This allowed me to learn about a variety of cultures, not only Thai but also from my peers. Engaging with classmates from different countries expanded my global perspective, and the interactions added richness to my overall experience. In addition to learning about other cultures, I gained a deep understanding of Thai culture through the USAC program's engaging field trips. Visits to Elephant Sanctuaries, Temples, and historical museums offered hands-on exposure to Thai traditions, customs, and the country's profound spiritual heritage. These experiences complemented my classroom learning, where I studied the Thai economy and learned about the values that guide business practices in the country. Beyond Chiang Mai, I also had the opportunity to explore other cities in Thailand, such as Phuket and Bangkok. Each city offered a unique experience and perspective on the diversity within Thailand itself, from the bustling energy of Bangkok to the serene beauty of Phuket. The program’s structure was flexible, allowing me to balance academic learning with travel, which enhanced my understanding of Thailand’s cultural and economic landscape. Overall, my time in the USAC program was truly unforgettable. It not only taught me about Thai culture and the business environment but also fostered personal growth as I navigated new experiences and broadened my worldview.

I completed a study abroad program in Chiang Mai, Thailand and it was an amazing experience. Everything exceeded my expectations and I was able to fully immerse myself into the Thai culture. The courses offered allowed me to view the countries surrounding and the US through a different perspective. I loved all of the classes that I took. Especially the Thai language, Peace and Conflict, and Buddhist Art classes. Through these courses, we explored the Old City and learned about some dying arts, such as gold leaf, from masters of the craft. Another course that stood out to me was the meditation course where we learned about its history and even went on meditation retreats at the local monastaries. The city of Chiang Mai has many activities such as hiking the Monks Trail, climbing the Sticky Waterfalls, workshops, temples, spas, massage parlors, and many others. Anything that you can think of is available and if it's not you can travel to other sides of the country. I took trips to Bangkok and an island in the south Koh Lanta. It is such an amazing place to visit and to meet people of many walks of life. I cannot wait to travel to Chiang Mai again!

My experience in Chiang Mai was amazing! The USAC staff were incredibly helpful and I got to truly immerse myself in the culture. My professors were amazing too, and I really liked the small class sizes.

This study program filled with activities is an enriching and exciting experience. Thailand is a fascinating country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. So we explored and enjoyed a lot. Additionally, participating in various activities while studying allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Thai way of life and learn in a practical and fun way. From biking routes to bathing with with elephants! There are endless opportunities to make your experience unforgettable. Undoubtedly, a wonderful program with a team that assits you at all times and makes the experience unforgettable.

I truly had the time of my life here. I'm certain I will be going back as soon as I can. The food was great, the company was great, and the country was amazing. There was so much to do, so much more I want to do.

I decided to study abroad in Thailand on a whim and I'm so grateful that I did! It was such a transformative experience and truly reignited a passion for travel and cultural immersion. I remain close with people from my program as well as other Thai friends I made during my semester. Cannot recommend enough -- take the leap and go!

Studying abroad has given me one of the best memories. I loved being able to emerge myself into Thai culture and explore Chiang Mai. The program was very organized which I appreciate as it facilitated my overall experience.

During my junior year of college, I was deciding where I wanted to study abroad and I was scrolling through photos of Thailand. I came across pictures of Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. I read about the symbolism behind the temple, how it represented the need to get rid of material possessions, attachments, greed, and desire to achieve true happiness and Nirvana. I instantly knew this was where I was destined to go to study abroad. I decided to study abroad in Thailand because I had a huge interest in connecting more deeply with my Hmong roots, learning about Thai culture and the Thai language, healing, growing, and traveling. My parents are refugees from Laos and were in Thai refugee camps, so I always felt a sense of longing for this second home. Growing up in a predominantly white community of Spokane, Washington, I grew up being stared at, judged, and harassed simply for being Asian. I was made to feel like an outsider and perpetual foreigner when I was called a “chink,” constantly asked, “Where are you really from?” and was shouted at more than a few times, “Go back to where you came from!” I heard from two of my Asian American friends that they really enjoyed studying abroad in Thailand and felt so welcome there. That sense of belonging and inclusion was a feeling I had been desperately searching for my entire life. With the help of my study abroad office at Gonzaga University, I applied to the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) program in Chiang Mai, Thailand for the Spring 2023 semester. In Thailand, it was funny how many Thai people would assume that I was Thai and would start speaking to me quickly in Thai. I would have to throw up my hands and explain in Thai, “Sorry, I only speak Thai a little bit,” to which they would usually reply with, “Wow, I’m surprised because you look Thai,” or “You speak it so well.” It was an oddly comforting feeling to be mistaken for being Thai because in the US, I often was seen as a foreigner in my own home country. I finally felt like I fit in, belonged, and wasn’t being judged for the way I looked. I was accepted and seen as just the same as everyone else, which was a sense of belonging that I had been searching for for a very long time. I enjoyed connecting with Hmong people at markets, at my university (Chiang Mai University), and randomly while traveling throughout Thailand. I loved having two Hmong friends who are from Wisconsin who became like family to me while I was abroad. As a Hmong-American woman, I felt privileged to get the opportunity to learn more about my Hmong people and culture in the “Highland Ethnic Peoples and Social Transformation of Northern Thailand” class. I felt grateful that I got to meet and learn from my uncle, who is a professor at CMU, and who taught me a new perspective on how Hmong people are part of a larger international Indigenous struggle and movement. For my final project in that class, I analyzed how Hmong people and other Indigenous communities in Thailand are fighting for Indigenous rights, recognition, and citizenship. One of my favorite things I did was visit Buddhist temples all around Thailand. The temples were stunning with gorgeous artwork and immaculate details. I especially loved the fun popular culture references inside of Wat Rong Khun. I also enjoyed meditating at waterfalls and hot springs because of the great sense of peace and relaxation I would feel. I loved cafe-hopping with friends and studying together with fun music and delicious food and drinks. I enjoyed hiking at Doi Inthanon National Park because I watched the sunrise with friends, and met a few elderly Hmong tour guides along the hike, being greeted like family. I also enjoyed hiking with my friends and a Karen tour guide in northern Chiang Mai, then stayed overnight at a Karen village. It was fun cooking with the family and getting a hand-tying blessing from the village shaman. Another main highlight was speaking with a Karen man in four languages, English, Thai, Hmong, and Karen. I don’t speak Thai, Karen, or Hmong fluently, but it was fun practicing with him and teaching him some basic Hmong. I also loved relaxing on the beaches, swimming, and snorkeling in Krabi, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Phuket. The water was so clear and stunning. I truly felt like I was in paradise. Celebrating the Songkran festival in Bangkok was another main highlight. The Songkran festival marks the beginning of the Thai New Year and it is known as the “world’s biggest water fight.” The festival includes water to represent cleansing to bring good fortune. Appreciation of family is another important aspect of the festival, with many Thai people making their way to their hometowns to spend time with older relatives. Splashing others with buckets of water and having water fights in the sweltering heat was so fun, especially on the popular Silom Road. Songkran is definitely my new favorite holiday! There are three key takeaways from my study abroad trip: 1) It’s OK to be suspended in uncertainty. I thought that I would be ready for a master’s or doctorate program right after undergrad, but I felt exhausted and burnt out from six years of college (two years of Running Start and four years at Gonzaga University), so I felt like I wouldn’t be able to give my all and I didn’t feel ready. While meditating in Thailand, I felt this calling to just continue exploring and finding what’s best for me along that journey. The possibilities are endless. I learned that I should not confine myself and limit my dreams. I am currently suspended in uncertainty and that’s OK with me. 2) Be open to everything and attached to nothing. I learned that it is helpful for me to not get attached to the outcome of situations. Through meditation and learning more about Buddhism, I learned the value of letting go of attachments to let go of unnecessary suffering. I also learned it’s helpful to accept the reality of things to protect my peace of mind. Keeping an open mind will help me in my future adventures, jobs, and interactions. I learned that the universe will present me with the right people and opportunities at the right time if I keep an open mind and remain open to new experiences. 3) It’s OK to just be. I have always strived to learn, unlearn, and relearn. While growth is important to me, I also have to accept the reality that I am enough just for being me and simply for existing. Although I believe it’s usually uncommon for seniors to study abroad during their last semester, I knew I wanted to take this leap to go on an incredible journey and dip my toes into traveling internationally. I knew that it would be less daunting to start traveling internationally when I had a support network and guidance from my study abroad program. In my freshman year, I would have never thought I would be traveling abroad my senior year and making my dreams come true by living in Thailand. I am more open to possibilities and am seeing where the wind takes me rather than trying to force a certain path. I am taking time to just travel currently without any school or work, just simply quietly existing and traveling throughout Asia for a few months. I need to do this for myself. So much of my life, I have spent on living for others and seeking external validation. But now, I can finally say I am working on living for myself more, while still trying my best to balance supporting my friends, family, and community back home with healthy boundaries. Through USAC, I was able to build the confidence and courage to continue traveling abroad in Asia for 6 months after the program ended! I was able to solo travel for 6 months, visiting a total of 8 countries this year -- Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. I am thankful that I studied abroad during my senior year because I was able to celebrate the end of my college journey by living in a new country and expanding my perspective immensely. Overall, studying abroad in Thailand with the help of USAC was a great opportunity to start my traveling journey. I am so grateful to USAC for allowing me to deepen my understanding of my Hmong culture, make new friends from around the world, and grow as a person emotionally, spiritually, and culturally.

The last few years, I've been wanting to visit Thailand and through this program I was able to. Not only did I get to live out a dream of mine but I also got to do a lot of firsts! First time flying abroad! First time flying over seas and 3 different continents! First time being in Thailand, be surround by another language, seeing and petting Elephants, make friends from around the globe. And so much more. Through this experience, I was able to become a more independent person. I will always cherish my time in Thailand and highly recommend everyone to visit the beautiful country one day!