Thai Language and Society focuses on the study of Thai language and culture, as well as understanding the Thai history and society.

Course Components

Language classes: Small group language classes (3-5 students). No English is used in the classroom, and students will learn to speak, read, and write in Thai. Each morning during Block 1 students are in the classroom studying Thai, with experiential learning opportunities each week. Language instruction continues throughout the semester when students are at the institute, and Thai is used during each Expedition Field Course. Depending on the policies of the home institution, Thai may be used to meet language requirements depending on the level of proficiency achieved.

Seminars: Complementing the language classes, during Block 1 students will also have a series of seminars on Thai history and society.

Culture Learning: Each week students will be experientially learning about Thai language and culture, including exploring the markets, street food, and the 700 year old city of Chiang Mai.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will have a core working vocabulary and fluency sufficient for daily life in Thailand
• Be able to carry out basic conversations in Thai with good comprehension and understanding
• Will have the capacity to be independent learners of Thai, adding contextually appropriate vocabulary and phrases as needed in their studies and independent learning
• Will understand the social, cultural, and historical context of Thai culture and language