Trying to decide on which program to go on?
Both CEC and SCT semesters are amazing experiential studies in Thailand, but each has its own focus. Take a look at these comparisons for some ideas, then jump over to each programs page to see more details.
Got questions? As always, email us at [email protected] and ask us any questions you have!
How they differ
CEC Culture, Ecology & Community | SCT Society & Culture of Thailand | |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited for | Students drawn to ecology, environmental science, sustainability, and hands-on field work in natural settings. Comfortable with physical challenge and living off the beaten path. | Students interested in cultural exploration, the arts, and social inquiry who thrive learning through direct engagement with communities, history, and everyday life. |
| Format | Expedition-based Students travel throughout Thailand on multi-week field expeditions. Most learning happens on location, not in a classroom. | City-based Anchored in Chiang Mai with coursework and excursions into rural, coastal, and international settings. |
| Home base | Chiang Mai campus, but most of the semester is spent traveling across Thailand — mountains in the north, islands in the south. | Chiang Mai throughout the semester, with travel to rural Thailand and Vietnam. |
| Regions visited | Mae Hong Son & Chiang Mai provinces (north) · Trang & Satun provinces (south) | Chiang Mai (primary) · Doi Inthanon / Karen hill tribe villages · Coastal village · Vietnam |
| Activities | Backpacking through mountain forests · Sea kayaking · Skin diving & snorkeling coral reefs · Homestays in farming & indigenous villages · Organic farming · Camping | Cultural exploration in Chiang Mai’s old city & markets · Temple visits & time with Buddhist monks · Coffee farm visits · Ethnographies of local life · Karen hilltribe village homestay · Travel in Vietnam |
| Disciplines | Ecology, environmental science, biology, sociology, geography | Anthropology, cultural studies, history, political science, sustainability, art |
| Physical demand | High — involves trekking, paddling, camping, and extended time in remote areas. | Moderate — mostly urban and semi-urban settings with some rural and international travel. |
| Credits | 18 credits | 16 credits |
What both programs share
| Feature | Both CEC and SCT |
|---|---|
| Academic structure | Block plan — one course at a time for focused, immersive learning |
| Thai language | Intensive Thai language instruction, practiced daily in real-world settings |
| Research component | Independent Field Research Project (IFRP) in each course |
| Application deadlines | Fall: March 15 · Spring: October 15 |
| Home campus | ISDSI’s Chiang Mai campus |
| Learning approach | Experiential and community-based — courses developed in collaboration with local communities |
| Homestays | Live with local families during field studies |
Semester Application Deadlines: Fall – March 15 / Spring – October 15
Summer Application Early Decision: January 15 / Deadline: April 1
Some programs fill quickly! Apply early to secure your spot. After the deadline we will accept students on a space available basis, so contact us at [email protected]
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