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Semester in Thailand
Experience the thrill of studying and living in Thailand’s suburban area outside of Bangkok. This semester program is the least expensive of all TEAN offerings and offers students a surprisingly affordable cost of living. Study at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), the English-speaking arm of the esteemed Mahidol University, taking a variety of classes in English along with your Thai peers. Often considered the gateway to Asia, Thailand is a great jumping off point to explore further afield in neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and more. Of course, the incredible Thai street food, unique culture and varied landscape may have you wanting to just stick around the Land of Smiles!
Highlights
Study in one of Thailand’s top three ranked schools, Mahidol University International College (MUIC).
Explore more of what Thailand has to offer during included excursions to the charming northern town of Chiang Mai and stunning tropical southern Krabi coastline
Benefit from access to local TEAN support staff for continued guidance throughout the semester
Get to know your host home and university with a fun 4-day orientation that covers cultural differences, a secret field trip, and more
Live in modern, off-campus apartments for a taste of independent living in a big city
Dive deep into a culture that in many ways has remained unchanged for centuries while still evolving to meet contemporary lifestyles
Program Details
Orientation
We invite you to Thailand with TEAN’s carefully crafted 4-day orientation! Students will fully emerge into Thailand, their home for the semester and will be able to experience the orientation in the southern Krabi province. While participating in activities, such as coral reef conservation, kayaking, yoga, meditation, and permaculture, students will embrace all that nature has to offer in the land of smiles. Additionally, students can partake in a community-based ecosystem restoration workshop and sustainability workshop led by our on-site resident director and Dr. Pierre. (Orientation itinerary may change depending on the number of students)
Housing
Modern, off-campus, twin-shared apartments, with other TEAN students, with free shuttle bus service approximately every 30 minutes to the campus. The comfortable apartments include WiFi, cable television, pool and gym access, laundry facilities and are close to a food market and cafes.
TEAN Staff
Our team works with you start to finish through the study abroad process. Our programs staff will help guide you through the application process to go abroad, then upon arrival in Thailand, you will be met by our on-site staff who will provide assistance throughout your time in Thailand. Through regular on-campus advising hours, informal meals held together and excursions, our staff is readily available and able to assist you with any academic, social, or cultural questions or issues that you may face during your time abroad.
University
About the Academic Program
- TEAN students enroll at Mahidol University International College (MUIC)
- Mahidol University was established in 1888 and is ranked in the top 3 universities in Thailand
- The university established the International College in 1986 offering the first international undergraduate programs at a Thai public university with all courses in English
- MUIC is located on the Mahidol University campus allowing students access to university facilities, however operates like a campus within a campus – providing student services in English (a library, health services, printing services, etc.)
- MUIC’s Business department is AACSB accredited
Location
Mahidol University is a traditional campus located in Salaya, in Nakhon Pathom city, approximately 25 miles, (more than an hour taxi drive with traffic) from the center of Bangkok. Visit the google map link below to see the location.
View MapCourses
Courses
MUIC offers more than 400 courses in English each semester. Students can enroll in 4–5 MUIC courses per semester (3 US semester credits each), which usually transfers as 12-15 U.S. semester credits or 18-22.5 quarter credits. The participant’s home university will determine ultimate credit approval and transfer. Please note that tuition covers 4 MUIC courses, so students wishing to take a fifth course will need to pay an additional fee. Some courses also contain a lab component or extra contact hours that will have additional fees. This is explained in our course selection instructions.
Students will enroll in courses approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure and will have the opportunity to make changes during the add/drop period once onsite.
Courses are available in English in the below disciplines. For detailed instructions on how to find courses and syllabi, please see our course selection instructions.
Discipline |
Subject Area |
Business |
|
Communications & Media |
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Engineering |
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Environment |
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Health |
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Humanities & Social Sciences |
|
International Studies |
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Science |
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Visual, Performing Arts & Design |
|
Eligibility
Eligibility
- 2.5 GPA.
- Students with a GPA below 2.5 are encouraged to contact TEAN and may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
- Minimum sophomore standing at a 4-year institution at the time of enrollment at MUIC.
Events & Excursions
Activities / Immersion
Our local staff arrange various activities throughout the semester designed to help immerse you in the local culture. These events are included in your semester program. Below are examples of previous activities arranged for students. Note that activities may change each semester.
Thai Cooking Class (Full day class)
Learn to whip up your favorite Thai dishes such as phad thai, green curry, papaya salad and mango with sticky rice. During this full day class, you’ll tour a local market becoming more familiar with typical Thai ingredients then head to your cooking station to make a tasty Thai meal. Make sure to go hungry – you’ll be eating everything you make!
Ayutthaya Day Tour
An hour and a half away from Bangkok, Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich past. As the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, Ayutthaya was one of the world’s wealthiest cities during the height of its power, celebrated for lavish palaces and gilded temples. Today, you can still climb its crumbling temple ruins to look out over the land while learning more about a time that still holds a special place in contemporary Thai culture.
Excursions
Chiang Mai
Three-day trip – Known for delicious cuisine, a laid back atmosphere, outdoor excursions and myriad Buddhist temples, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northern cultural hub and a popular getaway from Bangkok. Spend time getting to know the country’s majestic Asian elephants during an ethical elephant experience, visiting some of the region’s most significant, gold covered temples, dining on northern Thai dishes, wandering the sprawling Saturday Walking Street market and simply relaxing with a Thai massage. Warm and welcoming, activity-filled and affordable, you’re going to love Chiang Mai.
The excursion includes your transportation to Chiang Mai, accommodation, excursions and most meals.
Krabi
Three-day trip – A stay in Thailand wouldn’t be complete without visiting the country’s stunning southern west coast. Well known for its beautiful beaches and islands, Krabi is the perfect place to meditate and relax outside of the city. Participate in activities, such as coral reef conservation, kayaking, yoga, meditation, and permaculture, soaking up the west coast vibes.
The four-day trip includes your flight to Krabi, accommodation, special group meals and more. Get ready for a wellness getaway!
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
cambodia EXCURSION
Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, including the iconic Angkor Wat, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Khmer architecture. Delve into the enchanting tapestry of Cambodian culture as you wander through the bustling streets of Siem Reap, where traditional wooden houses stand alongside modern cafes and vibrant artisan workshops. Beyond the ancient temples and bustling streets, Siem Reap invites you to explore its surrounding natural beauty, from tranquil countryside landscapes to the picturesque Tonle Sap Lake, where floating villages and diverse ecosystems await your discovery. Experience Siem Reap, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable tapestry of experiences.
Program Dates
Application Deadlines
TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from May for Spring applications, and from January for Fall applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.
Winter Deadline | Sept 15 |
Spring Deadline | Dec 1 |
Fall Deadline | May 1 |
PAYMENT DEADLINES
Your signed program contract and full payment for the program are due by the program deadline. Please note we do have options for using financial aid and enrolling in a payment plan if you cannot make full payment by the payment deadline. You can find more information about funding your program here
Winter Payment Deadline | Oct 1 |
Spring Payment Deadline | Dec 15 |
Fall Payment Deadline | May 15 |
FALL 2024
Arrival Date | Sep 8 |
TEAN Orientation | Sep 9-15 |
MUIC Orientation | Sep 11 |
Classes Begin | Sep 16 |
Programs End | Dec 17 |
Winter 2025
Arrival Date | Dec 28 |
TEAN Orientation | Dec 29 – Jan 5 |
MUIC Orientation | Jan 2-3 |
Classes Begin | Jan 7 |
Programs End | Apr 8 |
Spring 2025
Arrival Date | April 13 |
TEAN Orientation | April 14-16 |
MUIC Orientation | April 17-18 |
Classes Begin | April 21 |
Programs End | July 22 |
Fees & Inclusions
Fall 2024
Tuition, program fees and off-campus housing: $10,495
WINTER 2025
Tuition, program fees and off-campus housing: $10,495
spring 2025
Tuition, program fees and off-campus housing: $10,495
Fall 2025
Tuition, program fees and off-campus housing: $11,450
What’s Included
- Full tuition (4 MUIC courses / 16 lecture credits)
- Guaranteed, pre-arranged, off-campus TEAN housing
- Overseas health insurance, plus evacuation and repatriation insurance
- Services of local Resident Directors
- Multi-day Orientation Program with some meals, excursions, and transportation
- Cultural events scheduled throughout the semester
- Weekend excursion to Chiang Mai
- WiFi access in all housing
- Local SIM card with service for the first month
- Extensive pre-departure guidance and information packets
- University and course selection advice
- Official academic transcripts from host institution
- Credit approval and transfer assistance
- Assistance with student visa preparation
- Airport pick-up and reception in Thailand
- Arrival welcome packet containing important local contact details and information
- Farewell Dinner at end of program
- Host university orientation
What’s Not included
- International airfare ($1,500 -$2,000)
- Student visa ($200)
- Books ($100)
- Meals/food ($700)
- Uniform ($30)
- Local Transportation
- Travel insurance ($350)
*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on student.
PASSPORT
PASSPORT
All students must submit a current passport valid 6 months, after arrival date, for acceptance. If you do not currently hold a valid passport, please apply for one immediately as processing times can be very lengthy.
VISA
VISA
All students are required to apply for an “ED” non-immigrant visa. Students can apply for their visa once required documents are received from the university in Thailand. The application is done completely online, and students don’t need to mail their important documents to a consulate or Embassy.
- Fall semester visa application will start in late July
- Winter semester visa application will start in late October
- Spring semester visa application will start in late February
Students cannot apply for the visa until they receive the required documents from the Program Manager. Once documents are received from the university in Thailand, Program Manager will email the documents to the students along with step-by-step instructions. The application is done entirely online, and visas are typically granted within 2 – 3 weeks of applying. The cost is approximately $80 USD for a single entry. Students can apply for multiple entry in Thailand for an additional fee.
The Program Manager will assist with the visa steps however, it is the student’s responsibility to apply and receive their student visa.
Non-US Citizens
If student is not a U.S. citizen, you will need to contact your local embassy or consulate to verify entry requirements. Please refer to this page and go to “Am I eligible to apply online?” to find out if your citizenship and permanent residency / current location will allow you to apply for a visa online. If you are not eligible to apply online, you will need to contact your closest consulate or embassy and ask if you must go in person.
Scholarships
We Love Bangkok
Natcha Waisuebkhao
Resident Director - Thailand
Bangkok Tip
Talat Rot Fai
Meaning “Train Market,” Talat Rot Fai is a sprawling outdoor night market that’s particularly popular with the Thai student crowd. Selling everything from cheap clothes and tons of food to unique antiques and secondhand goods, the impressive market has two locations: Talat Rot Fai Srinakarin and Talat Rot Fai Ratchada. Go to eat, shop, listen to live music, check out the vintage displays, browse little bars and more…you can easily spend several hours at Talat Rot Fai!
Nicolina Trimarche
Program Manager
Australia & Thailand
Nicolina grew up in Orlando, FL and received her degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2020. During her time at FGCU she knew that seeing the world was something she had a passion for so, in 2019, she studied abroad with TEAN in Sydney where she attended The University of Technology in Sydney (UTS) for a semester. Before joining WorldStrides, Nicolina spent 9 months in Spain as a Language Assistant where she spent time in the classroom with primary school students while also having plenty of time to travel all over Europe. Nicolina is passionate about experiential learning and strong community. In her free time, she loves travelling and meeting new people, going for long walks/runs and listening to good music.