Daily Life as a Student in Chiang Mai
A semester in Chiang Mai is a balance of structured learning, cultural immersion, and personal exploration. Students experience a dynamic schedule that blends academic study with hands-on activities, field excursions, and independent travel. Each day is designed to maximize both learning and engagement with the city and surrounding landscapes.
Housing
In Chiang Mai, students will reside in modern, single-occupancy accommodations complete with their own ensuite bathroom. Located next to a vibrant market bustling with street food vendors, these residences allow for immediate immersion in local life and culinary delights, while giving you privacy to study, recover, and get ready for another day of exploration.
A short walk away, you’ll find the ISDSI Sustainable Campus—a dynamic hub equipped with a café, gym, yoga studio, classrooms, and a well-stocked library to support your studies and creative pursuits. This setting not only fosters independent living but also promotes an active, healthy lifestyle integrated with academic rigor.
When it comes time to explore life beyond the city, our homestay experiences in village settings offer a window into traditional Thai culture. Living with host families in these communities, you’ll gain firsthand insight into Thai cultural practices, sustainable living, and the rhythms of rural life—an essential contrast to the urban experience in Chiang Mai.
Together, these housing options create a balanced, immersive environment where you can thrive both academically and personally, gaining a deep, nuanced understanding of Thailand’s diverse cultural landscape.
Weekday Routine: Learning & Exploration
- Mornings (Monday–Wednesday): Each morning begins with Thai language study, where students build practical communication skills through interactive lessons, real-world practice in markets, and conversations with local speakers.
- Afternoons: After lunch, students attend seminars and discussions that align with their courses:
- Monday: Thai History and Society – Exploring historical narratives, Buddhism, and contemporary social issues.
- Tuesday: Sustainability in Thailand – Examining environmental challenges, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.
- Wednesday: Arts and Culture of Thailand – Engaging with traditional and modern Thai artistic expression.
- Thursdays: A full-day field excursion brings classroom learning to life. Whether hiking to a remote temple, visiting a rural farming village, or exploring Thailand’s street art scene, students experience firsthand the subjects they are studying.
After structured activities, evenings are free for students to relax, explore local markets, try new street food, or study and hang out at ISDSI’s sustainable campus.
Fridays & 3-Day Weekends: Independent Exploration
With no formal classes on Fridays, students have long weekends to dive deeper into Chiang Mai or explore beyond. Some students choose to stay in the city, visiting new cafés, taking Muay Thai or cooking classes, or exploring markets and local events. Others venture further—to the mountains for trekking, to a nearby national park, or to small towns with unique cultural traditions.
Semester Break: Independent Travel & Adventure
Halfway through the semester, students have a semester break—an opportunity for independent travel. Many students take this time to visit Thailand’s stunning beaches, explore Bangkok’s urban energy, or trek through remote highland regions.
A Balance of Structure & Freedom
Life in Chiang Mai offers a perfect blend of academic focus, cultural immersion, and personal adventure. Students build connections with local communities, develop confidence in navigating a new culture, and enjoy the freedom to explore Thailand at their own pace—all while engaging in one of the most unique and immersive study abroad experiences available.