Semester in Thailand

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. 

Courses

Studying in Thailand with TEAN

TEAN offers an integrated direct enrollment model in partnership with Mahidol University International College (MUIC). This model provides access to a broad selection of courses across MUIC’s academic departments, all taught in English (except for language courses). This unique approach allows American students to study alongside Thai peers who are improving their English skills, fostering a diverse and engaging learning environment. 

Course Information

• Finalized Course Schedules:
  Mahidol University typically releases its finalized course schedules 2–4 weeks before the semester begins. To help with pre-approvals from your home institution, TEAN provides a list of courses offered in prior terms. Your Program Manager will share course details promptly once available. 

• Enrollment Timeline:
  Course enrollment occurs approximately 2 – 4 weeks before the semester begins. 

• Credit Requirements and Conversion: 
  • Students must complete a minimum of 16 MUIC credits per semester. 
  • Most MUIC courses are worth 4 credits, equivalent to 3 U.S. semester credits. 
  • Each 4-credit MUIC course meets for about four hours per week. 
  • Final credit conversion is determined by your home university and based on the total contact hours for each course. 

Understanding Course Credits and Hours

MUIC courses use a specific numbering system to convey credit and contact hour details: 

• First Number: Total MUIC credits (e.g., 4). 
• First Parenthesis Number: Weekly lecture/class hours (e.g., 4). 
• Second Parenthesis Number: Weekly lab/practical hours (e.g., 0). 
• Third Parenthesis Number: Recommended weekly self-study hours (e.g., 8). 

Example:
ICML160: Introduction to Thai Language and Culture 4(4-0-8) 

• 4 MUIC credits, 4 hours of lecture per week, 0 lab hours per week, 8 self-study hours per week 

Additional Notes

• Tuition Coverage: Tuition covers 4 courses. Enrolling in additional courses (e.g., 5 MUIC classes or 15 U.S. credits) requires an extra fee. 
• Lab Fees: Some courses include a lab or practical component, indicated by a middle digit greater than 0 in the course number set (e.g., ICHM241: Introduction to Drawing 4(2-4-6)). These courses may incur additional fees. 
• Prerequisites: MUIC does not enforce prerequisite checks. It is your responsibility to choose courses that match your academic background. 
• Language Placement: Students taking language courses must complete a placement exam onsite. Details will be provided with registration instructions. 
• Trimester System: 
  • TEAN Fall Program = Trimester I 
  • TEAN Winter Program = Trimester II 
  • TEAN Spring Program = Trimester III 

Pro Tip: Review course offerings from the corresponding term in the prior year to identify potential options (e.g., Winter 2023 students should look at Trimester II, 2022 courses). 

Selecting Your Courses

You can view the course schedules for previous trimesters [here]. Note: The schedule will automatically open to the current trimester. Be sure to select the schedule corresponding to your program: 

• US Fall: Click the T1/22 box. 
• US Winter: Click the T2/22 box. 
• US Spring: Click the T3/22 box. 

For detailed course descriptions and the complete list of offerings, refer to the MUIC Course Catalog. If you need specific syllabi, contact your TEAN Program Manager. 

Understanding Course Labels

• Master: Indicates the course code specific to each major. Recommended for TEAN students. 
• Joint: Indicates courses open to students from other majors.
  (All courses are undergraduate level.) 

Steps to Select Courses

1. Approval from Your Home Institution:
   Meet with your academic advisor to approve at least 6 – 8 courses—this should include 4 primary courses and 3 – 4 backups in case your top preferences are unavailable. 
2. Complete the TEAN Course Selection Form:
   Enter your selected courses in your TEAN Application. Include the following information for each course: 
   1. • Full Course Code: Found under “Subject” on the course schedule page, including the number set that follows the course name (e.g., 4(4-0-8)). 
      • Rank of Preference: Use the comments section to rank your preferences. If you have no preference, leave this section blank or write “N/A.”
3. Credit Requirements: 
   1. • To be considered a full-time student, you must enroll in at least 16 MUIC credits (typically 4 courses). 
      • If you wish to take a fifth course, ensure it is pre-approved by your home university. 

COMMON FEILDS OF STUDY

• Business: ICMB 
• Education: ICGC, ICGH, ICGL 
• Engineering: ICMA, ICPY, EGCI 
• Science: ICBI, ICCH 
• Media & Communications: ICMC 

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.

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.

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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.

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 2025

Spring 2025

fall 2025

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

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

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.