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Summer in Thailand
Dive into the colorful world of Southeast Asia by living and studying in Thailand for the summer. While taking your choice of Southeast Asian-related courses – such as holistic health, environmental conservation, and ethnic heritages and tourism – you’ll receive a unique perspective and understanding of the region thanks to comprehensive field trips that bring your classes to life. With the culturally-rich city of Chiang Mai as a base, you can then find yourself traveling to research tree ecology and elephant conservation in northern Thailand’s jungles, practicing holistic Asian health philosophies such as reiki and yoga in the tropical southern coast, or staying in different ethnic hill tribe villages to further connect with the local communities and customs.
Overview
Spend your summer in Chiang Mai, a city that blends a modernizing country with traditional Thai culture, and gain an understanding of Thailand’s past, present and future
Feel the course content come to life with extensive field trips planned throughout the program that take you outside of Chiang Mai
Students can select to enroll in one session for a three-week program (4 credits) or two sessions for a six-week program (8 credits).
Get to know more about your host country with an included Orientation and fun excursions throughout the summer
Learn more about the fascinating histories, belief systems, cultures and issues impacting Southeast Asia by choosing from five diverse courses, each with a strong experiential focus
Benefit from access to TEAN’s Chiang Mai Resident Coordinator and other in-country staff for continued support throughout the summer
Courses
Overview
This program can be taken as a three-week (4 credits) or six-week (8 credits) experience. Students can take one course from each session.
To request syllabi for any of the below courses, complete this form and indicate the classes you need the syllabus for.
Courses
Session One
Asian Approaches to Holistic Health and Wellness
Discover eastern holistic philosophies inspired from Buddhism and Taoism, experience diverse health practices from yoga to reiki, forest therapy to tai chi as well as other mindfulness-based practices that will provide participants with a framework for wellness helping them making conscious and healthy life-style choices and sustainably establish respectful, cooperative relationships with others and the environment.
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Lived Religion in Southeast Asia
An on-the-ground exploration of the religious landscape of Southeast Asia that matches informative readings and lectures with field-site visits to bring course content on Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and indigenous belief systems to life.
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Tourism, Ethnic Identity and Heritage in Thailand
Through readings and field visits to ethnic Hmong, Karen and Kayan villages, this course introduces students to new sustainable tourism approaches which aim to foster respect and support for the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Thailand.
Learn more
Session Two
Environmental Conservation in Southeast Asia
Explore the lush jungle of northern Thailand, participate in grass-roots biodiversity conservation projects, discover local culture and learn about the complexity of sustainable development during a unique immersive learning experience.
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International Politics of Southeast Asia
Discover Southeast Asia’s dynamic politics through lectures, workshops and visits to major international centers of policymaking, diplomacy, trade and civil society in Bangkok.
Learn More
TRANSCRIPT & CREDITS
Upon completion of the course you will be issued with an Elmhurst College academic transcript.
Elmhurst College, located in suburban Chicago, is accredited by the Department of Education of the State of Illinois, and by: The Higher Learning Commission, A Member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Eligibility
ELIGIBILITY
- 2.5 GPA
- Students with lower GPAs may be accepted. Contact us for more information.
Program Details
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
While in Chiang Mai, students stay in hotel-style accommodation. During field trips, accommodation varies depending on the destination and field trip focus. Click on the course links above for more details on accommodation for each course.
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 team who will provide assistance throughout your time in Thailand. Through 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.
Program Excursions
Excursions and Events
Field trips
Each course includes extensive field trips that take students to various areas of Thailand. See links to course itineraries above.
Other Excursions
In addition to the extensive field trips in these programs, TEAN offers other included excursions to further introduce students to the beautiful nature and culture of Thailand.
A Day with Elephants
Spend the day at Chiang Mai’s most ethical elephant park, supported by World Animal Protection, observing free-roaming elephants in a natural environment with no hands-on interaction. Here you can observe elephants truly being elephants! (This is included for Thailand summer Session 1 students only.)
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 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! (This is included for Thailand summer Session 2 students only.)
Program Dates
Summer 2020
This program not running for Summer 2020. Please check back for future available terms.
Application Deadline
TEAN has a rolling admissions process. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.
| Extended Deadline | April 15 |
Summer 2020 dates
| Students taking the 6 week program – Sessions 1 & 2 | ||
| Arrival Day | May 22 | |
| Orientation | May 23 | |
| Ethical Elephant Park visit (all day) | May 24 | |
| Session One Starts | May 25 | |
| Session One Ends | Jun 12 | |
| Thai Cooking Class (all day) | Jun 14 | |
| Session Two Starts | Jun 15 | |
| Session Two Ends | Jul 3 | |
| Program Ends | Jul 4 | |
| Students taking the 3-week Session 1 program only | ||
| Arrival Day | May 22 | |
| Orientation | May 23 | |
| Ethical Elephant Park visit (all day) | May 24 | |
| Session One Starts | May 25 | |
| Session One Ends | Jun 12 | |
| Program Ends | Jun 13 | |
| Students taking the 3-week Session 2 program only | ||
| Arrival Day | Jun 12 | |
| Orientation | Jun 13 | |
| Thai Cooking Class (all day) | Jun 14 | |
| Session Two Starts | Jun 15 | |
| Session Two Ends | Jul 3 | |
| Program Ends | Jul 4 |
Fees & Inclusions
summer 2020
Session One
- Tourism, Ethnic Identity and Heritage in Thailand $3,490
- Lived Religion of Southeast Asia $3,490
- Asian Approaches to Holistic Health and Wellness $4,100
Session Two
- International Politics of Southeast Asia $3,700
- Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia $3,490
Two Session Special
$500 off total cost of program
Must take a course in Session 1 and Session 2
(Apply before February 3, 2020 to receive the Early Bird discount as well!)
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 – 8 credits from Elmhurst College)
- Guaranteed pre-arranged housing
- Overseas health insurance, plus evacuation and repatriation insurance
- Orientation Program with meals, activities and transportation
- WiFi access in Chiang Mai housing (WiFi may not be available in accommodations while travelling. See specific course pages for details)
- Airport transfers and all course-related ground transport
- Cultural events, excursions and field trips throughout the program
- Ethical elephant park day visit (Session One only)
- Thai cooking class (Session Two only)
- 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)
- Meals (approx $200-300 per session)
- Local transportation for personal outings (approx $30 per session)
Scholarships
We Love Chiang Mai
Nasorn (Nala) Promtang
Thailand Resident Coordinator
Chiang Mai Tip
Pun Pun
There’s no lack of organic, vegetarian options throughout the city, but Pun Pun Organic Restaurant stands out from all the rest. With two locations, one near Central Airport Plaza and the other behind Wat Suan Dok, Pun Pun’s restaurants are products of a small organic farm, seed saving, sustainable living and learning centre located 50 km north of Chiang Mai. The restaurants were created with the goal of supporting local organic farmers in the region as well as providing healthy dishes (no MSG, GMOs or preservatives) to the community.
Q&A
What is your role at TEAN?
I’m the Resident Coordinator in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and take care of students while they’re here, lead student events and help students to better understand Thai culture.
What is the best part of your job?
I love being able to connect with students and share with them the best of Chiang Mai and Thai culture!
What do you think makes Chiang Mai a great place for students to study abroad?
Chiang Mai brings together a variety of people and backgrounds which makes it a unique place to stay. It also supports the ‘slow life’ lifestyle – people here are friendly, willing to help, and take time to relax and enjoy themselves. It’s hard to be stressed here! The best part about the city for me, however, is the food. Food here is cheap, freshly made, delicious and available any time of the day!
What local tips would you give to someone who is visiting Chiang Mai for the first time?
Relax and don’t plan your travels too much. Things always change and it’s better to go with the flow. When in doubt, this is Thailand, just smile your way out of a miscommunication or problem.
What is your favorite free activity to suggest to students in Chiang Mai?
Hiking up Doi Suthep in the early morning to see the sun rise and catching every free concert playing in Chiang Mai.
What has been a favorite memory from your travels in Asia?
Definitely my first time traveling alone in Bali using “Eat, Pray, Love” as a guidebook. I met a lot of cool people, had a chance to stay in a beautiful cabin in middle of rice fields and learned to scuba dive.
Chiang Mai Tip
Wat Phalad Hike
Wat Phalad is one of the first temples along the nature trail that ends at Doi Suthep. It’s an easy half hour hike with a gorgeous reward. From TEAN housing you can walk up Suthep toward the mountain and eventually you’ll see signs for the nature trail – from there it’s all green bliss and tranquility!
Q&A
Where did you study abroad?
I studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with TEAN. I wanted to go as far away as I could and experience something totally different than what I had grown up with. I had always been drawn to Asia, and after some research I decided that Thailand was the perfect place for me. I also lived in Lampang, Thailand upon graduating and I’ve traveled to Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia.
What inspired you to teach abroad?
I came back from my semester abroad feeling like my time in Thailand wasn’t finished. I knew I wanted to go back to Thailand after I graduated and the more I spoke to people who had taught English abroad the more I knew it was a good fit for me. I wanted to challenge myself and have an even more culturally immersive experience the second go around, and I also wanted to give something back to a country I fell in love with while studying abroad since it had given so much to me.
What makes Thailand a great place to study abroad?
Thailand is great because it forces students to step out of their comfort zone and learn more about the world and themselves as individuals. Not only are you experiencing a new culture, but you’re learning a new language, alphabet, cuisine, social norms, interactions, ways of life, etc. It seriously puts things into perspective. Thai people are some of the kindest and welcoming people you will ever meet – hands down. They make the experience so special and you can learn so much from them. Living in Thailand teaches you to slow down and enjoy what’s happening in the now and be thankful for what you have and who’s around you.
What should be on every student’s bucket list for a study abroad semester in Thailand?
A hike up to Wat Palad. This temple is on the way to the more famous Wat Doi Suthep, which sits on top of a mountain, but Wat Palad is tucked away in the forest surrounded by trees and a rushing waterfall during the rainy season. Students can hike up to the temple from their housing or hire a songteow to take them up the mountain. It is one of my favorite places in the world because of how quiet and serene it is. To me, it captures the essence of what Buddhism is all about. You can sit on the rocks and dip your toes in the waterfall while looking out at the spectacular view of the city that peeks out between the trees.
What is your favorite travel quote?
It’s not necessarily a travel quote, but one of my favorite Thai expressions I learned was “mai long, mai rue” which means “If you never try, you never know”. It inspired me to just say yes to everything and go for things even if I didn’t know what the outcome would be.
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