Sustainable Development Study Abroad Programs in Thailand

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, from remote mountain villages in the North to the islands in the South. Students engage in hands-on learning, with assignments ranging from skin-diving coral reefs to organic farming in a rural village. They live with local families, hike, sea kayak, and travel through the landscapes they study during expeditions. During each block, students also complete an independent research project. Strong partnerships with local communities are key to the success of ISDSI courses. We work with them to help tell their stories. As a result, our partner communities are passionate about connecting with and teaching our students and sharing their lives, knowledge, and struggles. Students become part of grassroots solutions to global problems while living with and learning from the local people.

Asian Elephant Behaviour and Community Driven Conservation in Thailand This is a 4 week field course that offers university students the opportunity to join an ongoing research project studying the behavior and ecology of re-wilded Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Students will gain hands-on experience in animal behavior sampling methods, research design, and behavioral data analysis. Students will learn critical thinking and problem solving skills for implementing successful field research protocols, learn the fundamentals of recording and interpreting animal behavior, all while collaborating with indigenous mahouts (elephant keepers) and their community as they work to conserve the forest. By promoting a multispecies approach to conservation, this course not only improves outcomes for animals and the environment, but also recognizes the interconnectedness of human health and well-being. In addition to participating in this vital research, students will have the chance to learn from expert staff, mahouts, and community leaders, and gain cultural immersion. Perfect for students with a passion for biology, ecology, conservation, animal behavior and welfare.

Mahidol University International College (MUIC) offers an exceptional study abroad experience in Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital. Known for its excellence in health sciences, international relations, and cultural studies, Mahidol combines academic rigor with a focus on global perspectives. Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities and have access to expert faculty dedicated to their success. This program is perfect for students who are curious, adaptable, and eager to immerse themselves in Thai culture while pursuing academic goals. With English-taught courses across diverse fields, participants gain transferable credits and practical knowledge in a dynamic learning environment. Located just outside Bangkok, Mahidol provides easy access to the city’s bustling markets, historic temples, and thriving nightlife. Students can explore Thailand’s beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and natural wonders during weekends. Discover the perfect blend of learning and adventure at Mahidol University!

Spend three months traveling from South Africa to Thailand to Costa Rica and getting the opportunity to work with cheetahs, elephants, monkeys, and more! Designed with pre-veterinary students in mind, our courses are small, hands-on, and taught by veterinarians (DVMs) and marine science instructors. With three four-week modules in South Africa, Thailand, and Costa Rica, develop your veterinary skills with companion animals, elephants, cheetahs, marine life, and various animals of the Amazon rainforest! This is your chance to get hundreds of hours of veterinary experience with diverse species and get to know your vets one-on-one. Learn with your cohort and travel together for the summer semester of a lifetime!

Challenge your Western healthcare beliefs in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand, where traditional and holistic medicinal practices are practiced alongside modern approaches to healthcare. Learn about these indigenous practices from Thai instructors and work alongside community members to better understand the country's healthcare systems. Thailand has a rich history with traditional medicinal practices and philosophical approaches to health care. As the country surges into the 21st Century, these conventional approaches are beginning to blend with more modern medicinal practices of the Western world. Work with local communities to learn about these holistic approaches, collect medicinal plant samples in the fields, and assist in preparing medical supplies. This program also provides a 6-week internship or research placement that will allow you to further your understanding of the Thai healthcare system.

Travel to Thailand to investigate this country's astonishing Old World rainforests and diverse cultural environments. This course will address topics in ecology while exploring the emerging models of conservation and education. Possible research projects include Buddhism and the environment, indigenous ecological knowledge, spiritual connections to nature, and community forests. Discover the power of inquiry to generate knowledge and inspire conservation. All students can investigate the local ecosystem, ask questions, collect data, and present conclusions. Before and following the field experience in Thailand, students will complete coursework via Dragonfly Workshops' Web-Based Learning Community as they apply these experiences to their home institutions.

Thailand, an emerging economic power in Southeast Asia, offers a culturally rich environment for students of various disciplines. From ancient Buddhist temples to modern art and cuisine, its rich heritage, spanning thousands of years, offers a wealth of cultural experiences. In the Edu-Odyssey program, students engage in accredited courses that go beyond the classroom through educational excursions and hands-on activities. The blend of traditional and modern influences preserved customs, and the complex history makes Thailand an important case study for studying Southeast Asia. The program explores the rich history and cultural heritage of three distinct cities—Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai—providing a deeper appreciation of the role of history in shaping leadership styles. Students can choose between two courses over the three weeks, for a total of up to 6 credits. "Thai History and Culture" provides a foundation in Thai history and culture. The "Leadership in Asia: Focus Thailand" course equips them with leadership skills in a globalized world.