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Summer in Bangkok
Experience the thrill of studying and living in Thailand’s suburban area outside of Bangkok. Study at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), the English-speaking arm of the esteemed Mahidol University, through their summer short program. 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
Explore more of what Thailand has to offer during included excursions and activities like Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins, and a Thai cooking class, among others.
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 2-day orientation that covers cultural differences a Bangkok city tour 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
Home to more than eight million people and often the most-visited city in the world, Bangkok Thailand offers a kaleidoscope of culture, color, cuisine, and traffic congestion. Arriving in the city can sometimes be overwhelming for first timers but don’t worry, you’ll soon fall in love with Thailand. Ease into the transition with TEAN’s 2-day included orientation that will introduce you to your new campus, go over cultural backgrounds and differences, show you how to use public transport and take you to a range of the city’s most interesting sites!
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 Bangkok, 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
Students can take 1 course over the five-week program, which usually transfers as 3 US credits. Below you can find the courses and their syllabus.
- Introduction to Thai Language and Culture
- Perspectives on the Thai Past
- Diversity, Cross-Cultural, and Expatriate Management
**Students are able to take a second course for an additional fee. Contact Program Manager for more information.
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.
- Undergraduate with a minimum of one semester completed at a 4-year institution at the time of enrollment at MUIC.
EVENTS & EXCURSIONS
Our local staff arrange various activities throughout the summer designed to help immerse you in the local culture. These events are included in your summer program. Below are examples of previous activities arranged for students. Note that activities change each summer.
THAI COOKING 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.
Program Dates
APPLICATION DEADLINES
TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime starting in November. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.
Summer Deadline | April 15 |
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
Summer Payment Deadline | May 1 |
Summer 2025
Arrival Date | TBD |
TEAN Orientation | TBD |
MUIC Orientation | TBD |
Class Starts | TBD |
Program Ends | TBD |
Fees & Inclusions
Summer 2025
Tuition, program fees, and housing: $4,150
What’s Included
- Tuition (1 course)
- 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 summer
- WiFi access in all housing
- Assistance with setting up local SIM Card
- Extensive pre-departure guidance and information packets
- University and course selection advice
- Official academic transcripts from host institution
- Credit approval and transfer assistance
- Help with student visa preparation
- Airport pick-up and reception in Bangkok
- Arrival welcome packet containing important local contact details and information
- Farewell Dinner at the end of program
- Host university orientation
What’s Not Included
- International airfare ($1,500 – $2,800)
- Books
- Meals/food ($350)
- Local Transportation ($150)
- Travel insurance ($350)
*Costs are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on the 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 US citizens participating in the Summer in Bangkok program are required to apply for an “ED” non-immigrant visa, since the program is more than 30 days. The application is done completely online, and students don’t need to mail their important documents to a consulate or Embassy.
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
Natcha was born and raised in Chiang Mai, Thailand, what she considers to be the friendliest city in the world. As a cultural exchange student at Walt Disney World during summer break in college, Natcha realized how much she loves making magic and seeing people happy. After this life-changing experience, she moved back to Thailand, finished her degree, and started her career as a sports liaison officer, where she worked with sports teams from around the world. She continued her work with travelers from across the globe as a Program Leader with the Experiment in International Living in Thailand. Natcha especially enjoys meeting new people and learning about different cultural backgrounds.
Meaza Petros
Program Manager
Meaza is a native of Asmara and has spent her formative years in Boston. Her first solo international trip was to Turkey in high school, before she was a U.S. Citizen. She has since been to 15 countries, including Thailand where she studied abroad. She is passionate about experiential learning, service learning and advocating for more minorities to study abroad. She completed her undergraduate degree in International Relations in 2019. She joined TEAN, as an alum, after working for the Non-Profit sector. Now living in Austin Texas, Meaza looks forward to expanding her international network of family and friends.