ISDSI’s semester is a rich hands-on learning experience exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of Thailand, learning directly from the people involved in creating a more sustainable world.
Based out of Chiang Mai, ISDSI semesters spend significant time immersed in the cultures and ecosystems of Thailand. Our unique Expedition Field Courses travel and study throughout Thailand, from remote mountain villages in the North to the islands in the South. Expedition Field Courses are hands-on learning — assignments include everything from skin diving coral reefs to learning organic farming in a rural village. On expeditions students live with local families, and hike, sea kayak and travel through the landscapes they are studying.
The ISDSI semester
The ISDSI Semester is taught on the “Block Plan” with one course per block.
Block 1: Thai Language and Society is 4 weeks long. Language classes start on the first day, and continue throughout the semester when students are in Chiang Mai. Experiential field studies happen throughout the block, with time off-campus studying Thai society, development and culture.
Learning about the role of elephants in Northern Thai culture
Expedition Field Courses (Blocks 2-4)
Blocks 2-4 are “Expedition Field Courses” where the majority of time is spent in the field studying the topic experientially. Week 1 is at the Institute with seminars on the theory and context of the course. Weeks 2, 3 and 4 are in the field. Half way through the field section of the course there is a mid-course seminar, and the final seminar (and final exam) is at the end of Week 4.
Meeting a friendly water buffalo in the village
Block 2: Sustainable Food Systems is 4 weeks long. Language classes are in the morning with seminars in the afternoon of the first week. Weeks 2-4 are in small holder farming villages learning directly from experts in organic farming, organic polycultures and small scale agroecology.
Studying organic farming and lowland agriculture
Block 3: Political Ecology of Forests is 4 weeks long. Language classes are in the morning with seminars in the afternoon of the first week. Weeks 2-4 are spent backpacking and hiking through the remote villages of Mae Hong Son, learning directly from the Karen upland communities about forest management and ecology.
High in the mountains of Mae Hong Son province
Block 4: Culture and Ecology of the Andaman is 4 weeks long. Language classes are in the morning with seminars in the afternoon of the first week. Weeks 2-4 are spent studying reef ecology and resource conservation in the Adang Archipelago, as well as studies of mangroves and sea grass ecosystems. A highlight of the course is skin diving and snorkeling the coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves, as well as sea kayaking, camping and home stays.
Out fishing with host families while studying coastal ecology
PLEASE NOTE: If you are considering applying to the program contact us at [email protected]! We can help you through the application process, financial aid, and program approval.
