Fall semester, 2024
Study abroad with Lewis and Clark College in Thailand!
The Lewis and Clark semester in Thailand is 16 weeks long, based in the 700 year old city of Chiang Mai. The semester also includes weekly excursions in and around Chiang Mai, as well as three multi-day excursions, including to a lowland Thai village, an upland indigenous community, and to a community in Southern Thai coasts and islands.
Course 1: IS-235 Thai Language
This course focus on conversational and functional Thai language acquisition. Language classes start on the first day, and continue throughout the semester. Thai is a challenging tonal language, and students will be studying daily so that they are better prepared to live and learn in Thailand. (M/T/W – 1:00 – 3:00)
Course 2: IS-238 Thai History and Society
This course focuses on the history of Thailand and Southeast Asia, as well as major social issues in Thailand, Thai social and political structure, and the economics of Thai development. This will include field studies in and around the 700 year old city of Chiang Mai, looking at markets, temples, and more. (M – 9:00 – 12:00)
Course 3: IS-236 Sustainability and Natural Resources
This course examines the challenges of sustainability in Thailand, especially as related to small scale tropical agriculture, ecology, and access to and use of natural resources in the Global South. Field studies outside the classroom will complement seminars to understand Thailand’s challenges and opportunities for creating a more sustainable future. (Tu – 9:00 – 12:00)
Course 4: Lewis and Clark Elective
This course is led by a Lewis and Clark professor, focusing on a topic of their choice. (W – 9:00 – 12:00)
Week at a glance
- Monday: Thai History and Society / Thai Language & Society
- Tuesday: Sustainability and Natural Resources / Thai Language & Society
- Wednesday: Lewis & Clark Elective / Thai Language & Society
- Thursday: Excursions / Field Studies
Calendar for Fall 2024*
- Arrival: August 31
- Orientation: September 1
- Classes start: September 2
- Excursion to Thai village: September 29 – October 5
- Fall Break: October 21 – 25
- Excursion to upland Indigenous village: October 27-November 2
- Excursion to Southern Thailand: November 24 – 30
- Classes end: December 20
- Departure: December 21
*Please note: Dates may be subject to change
The Campus of ISDSI and Chiang Mai
One of the highlights of the Lewis and Clark program is studying on the campus of the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute. Built of 17 shipping containers, this sustainable campus has been internationally recognized and highlighted for its commitment to not just teaching about but practicing sustainability.
In addition to the main ISDSI building, the campus includes a cafe and roastery selling fair trade coffee from local coffee farmers, as well as a CrossFit gym and yoga studio.
