One thing I realized while living in Thailand was how important it is to take … Read more
Thailand / Vietnam Semester
Southeast Asia is one of the most diverse regions in the world so, for those who want to explore it more fully, the South East Asia Comparative Studies Semester allows the opportunity to experience two countries – Thailand and Vietnam – in one study abroad program. From the laidback lifestyle of Northern Thailand to the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, this traveling program spends time in both destinations allowing students to be based at Chiang Mai University in Thailand and Hoa Sen University in Vietnam. Participants learn Thai and Vietnamese, along with other Southeast Asian-related subjects, while interacting closely with local students and discovering what makes this booming region so fascinating historically, culturally and economically.
Overview
Gain a unique perspective on the region by living and studying for two months in Thailand and two months in Vietnam through a partnership between the Institute of Southeast Asian Affairs (ISEAA) at Chiang Mai University and Hoa Sen University
Compare the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with the more relaxed lifestyle and green hills of Chiang Mai, Thailand
Study on campus in both locations, surrounded by local students, and feel the course content come to life with field trips planned throughout the program, including the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
Participate in TEAN’s comprehensive three-day Orientation Program upon arrival in Chiang Mai, including a day with Southeast Asia’s majestic elephants, other cultural activities and informative sessions designed to help you feel adjusted and ready to jump into your semester in Southeast Asia. You’ll also receive an additional Orientation upon arriving in Vietnam.
Benefit from TEAN’s Thailand- and Vietnam-based staff who meet with you regularly for meals and further cultural activities
Study at the top regional university in Thailand and the English-speaking campus of Hoa Sen University in Vietnam benefiting from mixing with the country’s academic elite and future leaders
Spend a weekend in the tropical south soaking up the sun, boating and experiencing the exotic Thai islands everyone raves about
Program Details
Orientation
Be introduced to this vibrant and engaging country with our extensive three-day Orientation Excursion in Thailand. Combining informative academic sessions with introductory cultural experiences, each activity helps students ease into their semester abroad. Over the three days, we provide helpful information to prepare you for the semester, including tips on cultural customs, how to seek medical support and other matters to ensure you have a successful semester.
Providing a soft landing into Southeast Asia, upon arrival into Chiang Mai you will be transported to your accommodation, where you will meet up with other TEAN students. Over the next three days, experience sensory overload as you visit a local market, enjoy your first tastes of Thailand’s culinary offerings, visit historic Buddhist temples and spend a day with Southeast Asia’s magnificent elephants. For these first few days in the country you won’t need to think about meals or transport, as we have it all sorted for you!
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, ISEAA and TEAN staff will provide an Orientation to the city and university, introducing you to ISEAA Vietnam alumni to help jumpstart your in-country network.
Housing
In Chiang Mai, you’ll experience living within an international community at a modern student apartment complex. Each TEAN student has their own bedroom and shares a small common living area with a roommate. Most participants room with other TEAN students however those interested can apply to live with a Thai or Vietnamese student for an even deeper cultural connection. (All TEAN participants will have a chance to connect with their local Thai peers through casual hosted events and outings at the beginning of the semester.)
Just a five-minute walk to campus, each apartment has built-in furniture, a walk-in closet, refrigerator, air conditioner, TV, bathroom and WiFi. Within the complex you will find a lobby, meeting room, study room, fitness center and male/female swimming pools. Washers and dryers are also located in each apartment building and on the apartment grounds students can take advantage of convenience stores, restaurants, bakeries, laundry and ATM machines. The housing is located in a vibrant university area, with cool student cafés, awesome street food and restaurants all a short walk from your front door.
In Ho Chi Minh City you have the option of an immersion experience by living with a homestay family, or more independent guesthouse or apartment living with other TEAN students close to campus.
TEAN Staff
Upon arrival in both Thailand and Vietnam, you will be met by our on-site Resident Directors who will provide assistance throughout your time in the countries. 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.
Thai Buddies
All TEAN participants will have the opportunity to meet with local Thai students, or “buddies”, through fun events and and activities organized by TEAN at the beginning of the program. During the first few weeks of semester your Thai buddies will introduce you to the local area and Chiang Mai from a student perspective. These students are keen to spend time getting to know you and often become great friends as you learn to live in their country and culture.
Academics
About the Academic Program
- Students split their time between Chiang Mai, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in this Southeast Asia Studies Comparative Semester (SEACS) program.
- In Thailand, TEAN students are hosted by the Institute of Southeast Asian Affairs (ISEAA) at Chiang Mai University that offers courses on the history, culture and society of Thailand and Southeast Asia. The ISEAA courses are transcripted by Portland State University (PSU) in the U.S.
- Chiang Mai University was founded in 1964 as Northern Thailand’s first institution of higher education and is now home to approximately 36,000 students
- Nestled at the foot of Suthep Mountain, just minutes from Chiang Mai’s city center, Chiang Mai University is surrounded by an eclectic student-focused hub of affordable hip cafés, street food and night markets.
- Through a partnership between ISEAA and Hoa Sen University, students continue their studies through ISEAA- based instruction on the Ho Chi Minh City campus of Hoa Sen University.
- Hoa Sen University is a private university founded in 1991 and is based in the busy city center of Ho Chi Minh City.
- While the local universities (Chiang Mai University and Hoa Sen University in Ho Chi Minh City) provide an integrated academic environment allowing you to become part of university life in these cities, the academic program is taught by the Institute of Southeast Asian Affairs (ISEAA) in both locations.
Courses
Courses
Required Courses
All students take a 3-credit Thai language course and a 3-credit Vietnamese language course. While for most students these will be introductory language courses, students who have some proficiency will be placed in a course at the appropriate level .
Thai Language 1 (3-credits)
This course focuses on spoken and aural Thai language competency as it relates to daily life.
Taught in the first half of the semester while in Thailand.
Vietnamese Language 1 (3-credits)
Taught in the second half of the semester while in Vietnam.
Gender and Development in Vietnam (3-credits)
Taught in the second half of the semester while in Vietnam.
Elective Courses
Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. In addition to the above three courses, students must select a minimum of another three credits from the below list.
Buddhism in Thai Society (3 credits)
International Relations of Mainland Southeast Asia (3 credits)
Rights and Activism in SE Asia: LGBTQ, Sex Workers and Trafficking (3 credits)
For detailed course information refer to Step 2 – Get Schooled – of our 6 easy steps to studying abroad under Already Applied.
Program Excursions
Village Homestay
After your initial orientations with TEAN and ISEAA, you will be transported to a rural village for a five-day homestay experience. While Thailand is modernizing at a rapid rate, at least 70% of the country’s population still lives in rural villages and a true introduction to Thailand could not be complete without experiencing and understanding Thai village life. Students travel to the village, along with ISEAA staff, and live with a local family for five days. During your stay, you will begin your Thai language studies while also becoming involved in community life by working on a service project within the village.
Mekong Delta Excursion
A visit to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without diving deep into the Mekong Delta, the country’s watery world of centuries-old waterways, floating homes and markets, lush landscapes and rural villages. Spend three days discovering the delta’s delights including a cruise to the famous floating market of Cai Be passing traditional houses and stopping to learn about local cottage industries, such as pounding rice paper, along the way. At night, rest easy in a homestay gleaning more details about local life and, of course, getting full on fresh Vietnamese cuisine.
These excursions are not just trips, they bring the content of your academic courses to life.
TEAN Events
Activities / Immersion
Our local staff arrange various activities during the semester designed to help immerse you in the local culture. In addition, at least once a month in Thailand the group meets up to explore Thai culture through the delicious cuisine with TEAN dinners. In Ho Chi Minh City, you meet regularly with the TEAN Resident Director for group meals and cultural activities. These events are included in your semester program. Below are examples of previous cultural activities arranged for students. Note that activities may change each semester.
Thai Cooking Class
We can’t send you home without first making sure you have learned how to make all those delicious meals you’ve been ordering from your favorite street food vendors. Spend a fun day with your fellow TEAN students cooking up a storm at a local cooking class. Don’t forget the included recipe book so you can recreate a Thai feast for family and friends once you return home.
Thailand Islands Excursion
Thailand islands excursion
A stay in Thailand wouldn’t be complete without visiting the country’s stunning tropical islands. While studying in Chiang Mai, spend one weekend down south staying on the popular Railay West Beach, a lush oasis only accessible by boat. After a speedboat journey exploring the islands of Andaman Sea, known for its unbelievable turquoise waters and striking karst cliffs, fill the rest of your days relaxing on Railay Beach, kayaking to Phra Nang Beach, lounging by the pool and simply soaking up the island vibes.
The weekend includes your flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi, accommodation, island excursions, special group meals and more. Get ready for your island getaway!
Eligibility
ELIGIBILITY
- 2.5 GPA. Students with a 2.35-2.5 are encouraged to apply and may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
- Minimum sophomore standing at a two-year or four-year institution at the time of participation.
Program Dates
APPLICATION DEADLINES
TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from June for Spring applications, and from January for Fall applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.
| Spring Deadline | Oct 1 |
| Fall Deadline | May 15 |
Spring 2018
| Application Deadline | Oct 1 | |
| Arrive in Chiang Mai | Jan 10 | |
| TEAN Orientation | Jan 11 | Jan 12 |
| Elephant Nature Park Visit | Jan 13 | |
| University Orientation | Jan 14 | |
| Thai Village Homestay | Jan 15 | Jan 19 |
| Classes Begin | Jan 22 | |
| Doi Inthanon Day Trip* | Feb 3 | |
| TEAN Krabi/Southern Islands Excursion* | Mar 2 | Mar 4 |
| Thai Cooking Class (all day)* | Mar 10 | |
| Travel to Vietnam | Mar 18 | |
| Classes Begin in Vietnam | Mar 19 | |
| Semester Break | Apr 7 | Apr 22 |
| Mekong Delta field trip* | TBA | |
| Program Ends | May 19 |
All above excursions/trips are included in the program fee.
*Dates are tentative. Accepted students will be notified of confirmed dates for field trips and excursions.
Fall 2017
| Application Deadline | May 15 | |
| Arrive in Chiang Mai | Aug 9 | |
| TEAN Orientation | Aug 10 | Aug 12 |
| University Orientation | Aug 13 | |
| Thai Village Homestay | Aug 14 | Aug 18 |
| Classes Begin | Aug 21 | |
| Golden Triangle field trip* | Sept 13 | Sept 16 |
| Semester Break | Oct 14 | Oct 29 |
| TEAN Krabi/Southern Islands Excursion* | Oct 14 | Oct 16 |
| Travel to Vietnam | Oct 29 | |
| Classes Begin in Vietnam | Oct 30 | |
| Mekong Delta field trip* | Dec 9 | Dec 11 |
| Program Ends | Dec 16 |
*Dates are tentative. Enrolled students will be notified of confirmed dates for field trips and excursions.
Fees & Inclusions
spring 2018
- Tuition & Services: $7,380
- Housing: $1,320
Fall 2017
- Tuition & Services: $7,380
- Housing: $1,320
What’s Included
- Full Tuition
- Guaranteed pre-arranged, off-campus student housing in Chiang Mai
- Guaranteed pre-arranged housing in a Guesthouse in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Overseas health insurance, plus evacuation and repatriation insurance
- Services of local Resident Directors in Thailand and Vietnam
- Three-day TEAN Orientation Program with meals, excursions and transportation in Chiang Mai
- Thailand’s Southern Islands Excursion
- One-day Orientation with meals, excursions and transportation in Ho Chi Minh City
- Cultural events and group meals scheduled throughout the semester
- Wireless internet access in housing
- Local SIM card provided upon arrival with initial credit (student to bring an unlocked phone)
- Five-day Thai village homestay
- Mekong Delta multi-day excursion in Vietnam
- All course readings provided as pdfs
- Flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Extensive pre-departure counseling and information packets
- Official academic transcripts at conclusion of program
- Credit approval and transfer assistance
- Help with student visa preparation
- Financial aid transfer planning
- Airport pickup and transfer to accommodation in Chiang Mai and in Ho Chi Minh City
- Farewell Dinner at conclusion of program
- A truly one of a kind adventure!
What’s Not Included
- International airfare ($1,200-1,800)
- Visas to enter Thailand and Vietnam ($170)
- Electricity in Thailand housing ($100, but depends on usage)
- Meals during the semester ($700)
- Local transportation ($100)
- School uniform for Thailand ($30)
- Transfers to airports at the end of program in each country ($20 total)
*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on student.
Scholarships
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