COMING FALL 2026!

Embark on an immersive journey into the heart of Thailand and Southeast Asia with ISDSI’s “Semester in Chiang Mai:  Society and Culture of Thailand.” This program offers university and college students an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into Thailand’s rich vibrant cultural landscapes and artistic heritage in one of the most important crossroads of Southeast Asia.

Through a blend of academic coursework and experiential learning, students will explore the nuances of Thai traditions, contemporary practices, and social and cultural dynamics. A rich mosaic of cultures from throughout Asia, Chiang Mai is a excellent place to learn about not just Thailand, but Southeast Asia more generally.

Learning about elephant conservation and the role of elephants in indigenous and Thai culture.

Program Structure

Each course is designed in collaboration with local communities, ensuring an authentic and impactful learning experience. Students will engage in Independent Field Research Projects, allowing for in-depth exploration of topics aligned with their academic interests. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with assignments ranging from visits to an upland coffee farm to ethnographies of cafes in Chiang Mai.

Courses and Program Highlights

• Thai Language: Develop proficiency in Thai through intensive language classes, enabling authentic interactions and deeper cultural understanding.
• History and Politics of Southeast Asia: Examine the diverse history and politics in Southeast Asia. Special emphasis will be on Thailand’s historical evolution and social and political structures, gaining insights into its diverse communities and cultural practices.
• Sustainability and Ecology: Hands-on learning about sustainability and ecology, with field studies exploring Thailand’s rich ecology and indigenous sustainable practices, focusing on organic farming, eco-tourism, conservation efforts, and community-based resource management.
• Society, Culture, and the Arts of Southeast Asia: Social and cultural practices throughout Southeast Asia show a rich tradition of mixing and re-mixing culture and the arts across the region. This course will explore these rich traditions through experiential studies of traditional and contemporary culture, including culinary traditions, music, visual arts, architecture, and more.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Historical Exploration: Study temple architecture and murals, participate in workshops on traditional handicrafts like silverwork and weaving, and engage with contemporary street art scenes.
• Culinary Immersion: Learn the intricacies of Thai and other cuisine through hands-on cooking classes, explore bustling street food markets, and understand the cultural significance of culinary arts.
• Cultural Performances: Experience traditional and modern dance forms, attend folk music sessions, and analyze the evolution of contemporary Thai music.
• Active Engagement: Explore the ancient city of Chiang Mai, hike the surrounding mountains and explore stunning waterfalls.

Field Expeditions

• Northern Thai Village: Spend time in a rural farming community with a homestay family learning about daily life, farming, and the pace of life outside the cities.
• Karen Hilltribe Village: Live and learn in a Karen hill tribe village on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, to learn about indigenous cultures and sustainable living practices, including weaving and other traditional activities.
• Coastal Experience: Travel to a coastal village to study marine ecosystems and coastal community livelihoods.