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Tourism, Ethnic Identity and Heritage in Thailand
Home to diverse ethnic minority groups, commonly called “hill tribes,” northern Thailand offers a unique area where a number of different peoples, beliefs and lifestyles can be found in relatively close proximity. For decades, these hill tribe villages have been at the center of tourism initiatives to both the benefit and detriment of the communities they were meant to support. Spend three weeks in this fascinating region studying tourism, ethnic identity and heritage studies with a focus on how tourism has impacted ethnic minorities in northern Thailand. Based in the popular hub of Chiang Mai, the course travels to visit three distinct ethnic minority villages – consisting of the Hmong, Karen and Kayan peoples – to ethically engage with the communities and learn about tourism’s effects firsthand. Led by a leading American anthropologist living in Thailand, the course is limited to just 12 students to ensure an immersive experience.
Highlights
Learn about tourism and heritage studies in Southeast Asia with an emphasis on how tourism has impacted ethnic minorities in northern Thailand
Visit three ethnic minority villages (Hmong, Karen and “long neck” Kayan) over three weeks, living in the welcoming town of Chiang Mai as a base
Get to know more about Thailand with an included Orientation and fun excursions throughout the program
Take advantage of the small program size (12 students maximum) for an inclusive, comprehensive experience taught by one of the region’s leading cultural anthropologists
Benefit from access to TEAN’s Chiang Mai Resident Coordinator and other in-country staff for continued support throughout the program
Combine this with another course from the other Summer in Thailand session for an extended summer experience
Academics
SUMMER IN THAILAND PROGRAM
This course is offered during Session One of TEAN’s Thailand Summer Program. 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). See more details on the Summer in Thailand program here.
Winter in Thailand Program
This course is offered as a three-week Winter program (4 credits) starting January 2021.
ABOUT THE COURSE
SOC 320T Tourism, Ethnic Identity and Heritage in Thailand
This course introduces students to tourism and heritage studies in Southeast Asia, focusing specifically on how tourism has impacted ethnic minorities in northern Thailand. Known for their colorful costumes, proximity to nature and unique ritual practices, Thailand’s ethnic minority groups have been the focus of tourism campaigns for decades. Mainstream tourism has had mixed effects, often bringing some benefits to these communities in terms of income, but turning their culture into a spectacle for tourist consumption. In this course, students will engage directly with ethnic minority groups in northern Thailand to better understand how tourism has impacted their lives. Through readings, discussions and field research, students will explore new approaches to tourism – including sustainable tourism and ecotourism – to learn how these approaches aim to support ethnic communities and further preserve their heritage.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Students will gain a broad understanding of key debates in tourism studies and learn about new approaches to sustainable tourism.
- Students will learn about the history of tourism in Thailand and how it has affected ethnic minority groups, particularly in the upland areas.
- Students will learn about participatory community-based research methods and apply some of these tools in the field visits.
- Students will learn to write and reflect critically on tourism issues based on readings and fieldwork activities.
Contact us to request a syllabus for this course.
FACULTY
Dr. Alex Denes
Dr. Alex Denes is a cultural anthropologist specializing in heritage studies, nationalism and ethnic identity in Southeast Asia, who has lived and worked in Thailand for over 20 years. She’s conducted research on ethnic identity in Thailand, investigating the role that tourism has played in the representation and livelihood of ethnic groups, and been involved in a range of ethnic cultural heritage revitalization projects throughout Southeast Asia. She’s also taught undergraduate and graduate level courses on Colonialism and Postcolonialism in Southeast Asia, Human Rights in Southeast Asia, Cultural Foundations of Thai Society, and Multiculturalism in Asia.
As a child, Dr. Denes lived in Singapore, Bangkok and the Philippines before moving to Chicago. As an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, she participated in the College Year in Thailand Program at Chiang Mai University. After earning her B.A. in Anthropology, she pursued an MA in International Studies from the University of Oregon, spending one year in Laos interning with an NGO and conducting AusAID-funded research on gender and wild foods in the rural Salavan Province. For her PhD in Cultural Anthropology from Cornell University, Dr. Denes received a Fulbright to undertake 14 months of research on the state-led revival of ethnic Khmer identity in Thailand’s Surin province. Afterward, she moved to Thailand working as a Research Associate at the Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre in Bangkok, where she spearheaded a Field School program that brought together leading scholars in anthropology, museology and heritage studies aimed at offering participants a critical examination of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
TRANSCRIPTS AND CREDIT
Upon completion of the course you will be issued with an Elmhurst University academic transcript. The course is worth 4 U.S. credits.
Elmhurst University, 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.
Itinerary
ITINERARY
CHIANG MAI
Spend the program based 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. Throughout the three weeks, students will visit three ethinic minority groups using Chiang Mai as a base. After each village experience, students will return to Chiang Mai to discuss and reflect on the experience.
Along with an Orientation to the course, the first two days will include introductory lectures on ethnic identity, tourism and heritage in Southeast Asia with a focus on Thailand, as well as visits to local museums and markets to observe tourists and ethnic crafts vendors.
HMONG VILLAGE
Spend time in a Hmong village close to Chiang Mai meeting with the village headman and local community members, including elder Hmong crafts people. Since this village is relatively close to Chiang Mai, students will visit the village for three days but return to their city accommodations each night.
KAREN VILLAGE
Travel from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak and home to many ethinic minorities. After the 1.5-hour drive, students will hike to a Karen village and stay overnight in a homestay. Here students will talk to local guides and the village headman about how ecotourism has benefited the community, along with its challenges and drawbacks. During the stay, students will also meet with residents to learn about their livelihood practices, seasonal calendar and more as well as walk through the forest with a Karen guide to learn about traditional knowledge related to medicinals, edible plants and rotational farming.
Before returning to Chiang Mai, students will visit rice terraces and a local waterfall.
KAYAN VILLAGE
Prior to traveling to the Kayan village, students will attend a guest lecture about the ethnic Kayan and the impact of tourism.
Located in Mae Hong Son near the Myanmar border, approximately five hours from Chiang Mai, the village was established around 30 years ago by ethnic Kayan fleeing conflict in their home state of Kayah, Myanmar. The women here wear brass rings around their necks, earning them the name of “long neck Kayan” and a place at the center of controversy due to their perceived exploitation by Thai businessmen. As tourism is one of their primary sources of revenue and livelihood, the issue is quite complex and some organizations have started challenging the idea that villages such as this one are “human zoos.”
Students will meet with the village leaders and community to hear their perspectives about ethnic tourism and its impact employing community-based research methods to learn about daily life, the seasonal calendar, ritual practices, etc. Meetings with the local community will discuss ways to improve the community’s wellbeing through tourism.
CHIANG MAI
The final days in Chiang Mai will allow time for students to reflect on ethnic tourism in the region and the controversy of “human zoos” as well as enjoy some more time spent in northern Thailand’s cultural hub.
Eligibility
ELIGIBILITY
- 2.5 GPA
- Currently enrolled at an approved degree-granting institution of higher education.
- Students should be prepared for a fair amount of travel by minivan, hiking and staying the night in rural villages.
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
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.
The Karen village frequently hosts visitors while maintaining community-based, eco-tourism principles. Students will travel to the village in Doi Inthanon via minivan (1.5 hours away from Chiang Mai) and stay in the village homestay accommodations.
For the Kayan village, students will travel via minivan (five hours) and longtail boat to stay at simple bamboo thatch guesthouses in the village. Basic amenities (private bathroom, shared bedroom) are available.
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.
Program Dates
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 12 students only. Early applications are advised as the program will close once capacity is reached. Students may be added to a waitlist.
Winter 2021 Dates
| Application Deadline | Nov 15 |
| Arrival Day | Dec 27 |
| TEAN Orientation | Dec 27 – 28 |
| Class Starts | Dec 28 |
| Ethical elephant park visit | Jan 2 |
| Last day of class | Jan 15 |
| Program Ends | Jan 16 |
SUMMER 2020 DATES
This program not running for Summer 2020. Please check back for future available terms.
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.
| Application Deadline | Mar 15 |
| Arrival Day | May 22 |
| TEAN Orientation | May 23 |
| Ethical elephant park visit | May 24 |
| Class Starts | May 25 |
| Last day of class | Jun 12 |
| Program Ends | Jun 13 |
Fees & Inclusions
Winter 2021
$3,490
Summer 2020
$3,490
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 (No WiFi in village homestays)
- Airport transfers and all course-related ground transport
- Cultural events, excursions and field trips throughout the program
- Some meals
- 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 $150-250)
- Local transportation in Chiang Mai and Krabi for personal outings (approx $30-50)
- Travel insurance ($350)
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