At ISDSI we offer a number of opportunities and programs for undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty.
All of them are based on our deep experience in Thailand’s communities and ecosystems, and over 25 years of collaboration with local communities and organizations.
SEMESTER — Direct enroll program for undergraduates
The Culture, Ecology and Community (CEC) study abroad semester at ISDSI is an academically challenging program studying Thai cultures and ecosystems. The focus of the program is on experiential learning, including language study and interdisciplinary field research that integrates both the natural and social sciences. The program is based in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Courses take place in Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces in Northern Thailand, as well as Trang and Satun provinces in Southern Thailand. Courses include:
- Thai Language and Society – Foreign Language – 6 credits
- Sustainable Food Systems: Social and Biological Factors in Sustainable Agriculture – Biology / Sociology – 4 credits
- Political Ecology of Forests: Upland People and Natural Resources – Anthropology / Ecology – 4 credits
- Culture and Ecology of the Andaman: Islands, Reefs and Mangroves – Ecology / Geography – 4 credits
SUMMER — Direct enroll programs for undergraduates and graduate students
Our summer programs are short but deep dives into learning about ecology, conservation, sustainability, and other topics.
- The Agroecology and Entrepreneurship program is a 6 week program with 2 weeks of intensive study followed by a 4 week internship focused on coffee, chocolate (cacao), and medicinal cannabis.
- The Elephants and Conservation Ecology program looks at Asian elephants in both Thailand and Laos, studying both wild elephants and elephants under human care.
- The Tropical Marine Ecology focuses on the study of marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Thailand, learning about whales, sea turtles, and coral reef ecosystems.
- Finally, we also offer an 8 week independent internship where we will work with you to create a custom placement with an organization to help you in your plans for graduate school or future profession.
3rd PARTY SEMESTER PROGRAMS
We host several semester programs for colleges and universities from the United States. If you are considering creating a semester long program based in Thailand and Southeast Asia, contact us. Current programs include:
- University of Minnesota MSID Thailand
- Kalamazoo College Thailand
- Lewis and Clark College SE Asia Regional Area Study
FACULTY LED SHORT PROGRAMS
We host a number of short-term programs from 3-6 weeks led by faculty from the United States and elsewhere. We work directly with faculty and their universities to create academically compelling and customized programs. We work with the faculty leader to help achieve their academic goals, while we manage the logistics, risk management, and finances, freeing the faculty to focus on their teaching and their students. Check out our Opportunities for Faculty page for more.
FIELD STUDY/RESEARCH/SABBATICALS
We regularly host field visits from faculty and others working on developing their own courses, conducting research in Thailand, or more extended research and sabbatical opportunities. We are able to help with logistics, housing, translation, and field work throughout the time in Thailand. Check out our Site Visit page for more information.
Interested?
Students can email [email protected] for enrollment information.
Faculty can email [email protected] to learn about opportunities with ISDSI.