PART ONE – CHIANG MAI

Week One

The first week of the course is based in the northern Thai town of Chiang Mai where we will use open discussions and workshops to provide the necessary conceptual and factual knowledge and stimulate critical engagement with the course topics including:

• Eating, exercise and sleeping
• Mindfulness and mindfulness in Buddhism
• Connecting with others
• Biophilia and nature therapy

The first week is intended to provide foundational background knowledge and initiate essential discussions preparing for the field retreat.

Benefiting from Chiang Mai’s history as a 700-year old urban Buddhist center students will be introduced to Buddhist mindfulness at a local temple. Located on the mountain (Doi Suthep) that borders the city, students will mindfully walk through the forest to the temple (40 minutes) for this introduction to Buddhist meditation.

PART TWO – KRABI

WEEKS TWO & THREE

The field retreat (13 days) will be held in Krabi province in southern Thailand. Krabi’s lush forests, turquoise waters, coral reefs and towering limestone karsts provide the background for nature- and movement-based mindfulness practices as well as immersive sustainable living experiences in local communities.

Over the 2-week retreat, there will be 10 days (4.5 hours/day) of effective learning focusing on experiential learning by putting into practice the themes discussed at the beginning of the course. The retreat exposes participants to a series of workshops and experiential learning activities – combining mind-body therapy and nature therapy, plus movement and eating for optimal health – in addition to open discussions and seminars.

Throughout the retreat, students will learn and practice the following:

• Tai chi-Qigong: metarobics set, stretching set, balance set, flow zone set
• Yoga: restorative and therapeutic yoga short sets (fusion yin/vinyasa and pranayama)
• Movement-based practices: Slacklining, rock climbing, Muay Thai, trail running, walking with emphasis on mindful movement, flow and breathing applied to stress reduction. While a basic level of fitness is required for this course, optional alternatives are provided for the more intensive movement-based practices.
• Nature-based therapy: Inspired by the Japanese approach of Shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing,” you will formally and informally experience the healing power of being mindful in nature. During hikes in the rainforest, near waterfalls and during kayaking in the mangroves students will be provided tools to become awake in nature.
• Breathing techniques: Emphasis on diaphragmatic breathing and pranayama with applications to stress reduction. Breathing workshop followed by an introduction to free diving.
• Thai massage: An introduction to Thai massage and self massage techniques
• Reiki: Level 1 content will be discussed and practiced to learn energetic self-healing
• Whole food, plant-based nutrition: Experience a workshop on whole food plant-based meal preparation

Eligibility

• 2.5 GPA
• Currently enrolled at an approved degree-granting institution of higher education.
• The course is an introductory-level health course and assumes no (or very little) previous university-level health studies experience, however students studying health or integrative health will certainly have the opportunity to expand on their knowledge by participating in the program.
• Practical as well as interdisciplinary experience in one of the following areas is an advantage but not mandatory: yoga, meditation, psychology, public health, medicine and physiology, evolutionary biology, nutrition science, physical education and more.

ORIENTATION

Be introduced to Chiang Mai upon arrival with an Orientation that combines useful informative sessions with intriguing introductory cultural experiences. Experience a sensory overload as you learn about Thai culture and society, jumpstart your knowledge of Thai Buddhism with a visit to one of Chiang Mai’s glittering gold temples, practice speaking key Thai phrases, and sample an array of deliciously diverse Thai cuisine. (All meals are included!)

Housing

In Chiang Mai students stay in twin-share accommodation with other TEAN students. The accommodation is fully furnished and located in a vibrant area, close to cafes, restaurants and street food.

In Krabi, for the retreat portion of the program students stay in twin-share rooms in guesthouse style accommodation in the forest, within 3 miles of the popular Ao Nang beach. Rooms are simple and clean with air conditioning and bathrooms. Breakfast is provided daily. TEAN staff also stay on-site.

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 Southeast Asia, you will be met by our on-site staff who will provide assistance throughout your time in Thailand.

Meet the Team

APPLICATION DEADLINE

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.

Program Capacity

This program accepts 14 students only. Early applications are advised as the program will close once capacity is reached. Students may be added to a waitlist.

Summer 2021 dates

Dates for this program have not been announced yet.

Winter 2020/2021 Dates

Summer 2020 dates

This course is offered during Session One of the Thailand Summer Program. Students interested in also enrolling in a Session Two course should refer to the Thailand Summer Program dates here.

Following this course students can enrol in an additional Thailand Summer Program course. The Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia course offered during Session 2 of the Thailand Summer Program is designed to complement the Asian Approaches to Holistic Health and Wellness course. Both courses are taught by Dr. Pierre Echaubard.

Winter 2020/2021

$4,100

Summer 2020

$4,100

Early Bird Special

$400 off total price of program
Must apply and pay $1,000 program deposit before February 3, 2020

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Full tuition (4 credits from Elmhurst University)
• Guaranteed pre-arranged housing
• Overseas health insurance, plus evacuation and repatriation insurance
• Orientation Program with meals, activities and transportation
• WiFi access in housing
• Flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi
• Airport transfers and all course-related ground transport
• Cultural events, excursions and field trips throughout the program
• Most meals in Krabi 
• Ethical elephant park one-day visit
• Extensive pre-departure counseling and information
• Readings for all courses (provided as PDFs to download)
• Staff and resources available 24/7 to provide assistance and recommendations during emergencies

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• International airfares (approx $1,200 – 1,400)
• Some meals (approx $150-200)
• Local transportation in Chiang Mai and Krabi for personal outings (approx $30)
• Travel insurance ($350)