Chiang Mai, Thailand, is emerging as a global center for specialty coffee, artisanal chocolate, and medicinal cannabis. This 6 week program is a hands-on study of these three important crops, learning directly from farmers and local producers as well as completing a 4 week internship or independent research project.

We will be spending extended time in the villages and mountains surrounding Chiang Mai, visiting farms and learning about shade grown coffee, cacao production, medicinal cannabis production, as well as time exploring the ancient city of Chiang Mai.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

• Enrolled in an accredited college or university
• In good academic standing
• Not on academic or disciplinary probation
• Meet our Essential Eligibility Requirements

Interested? Email us at [email protected]!

DETAILS

Weeks 1 – 2:

• Intensive classroom study and seminars on the theory and practice of agroecology and entrepreneurship as applied to coffee, cacao, and cannabis production. This will include field studies, workshops, guest speakers, and more.
• Students will also be taking basic Thai classes to enable them to communicate in everyday life.

Week 3-6:

• Students will then be placed in a 4 week internship or independent research project focused on their preferred area of study related to coffee, cacao, or cannabis production.
• The final project will be a presentation and report on the internship and application of the seminar weeks.

Pouring espresso from our fresh roasted beans from a farmer in the mountains above Chiang Mai.

Coffee focus: We will be looking at all the stages of coffee production, visiting coffee farms and cafes, as well as learning about roasting coffee, specialty coffee production, and what makes the perfect cup of coffee.

Sourcing high quality and ethically harvested cacao pods are key to producing amazing artisanal chocolate

Chocolate focus: We will study cacao growing, processing, and fermentation. Hands on practice through field studies of cacao farms, as well as learning about and producing artisanal small-batch chocolate.

The production of medicinal grade cannabis is challenging, but builds on hundreds of years of Thai tradition.

Medicinal cannabis focus: We will look at the use of cannabis in traditional medicine as well as modern applications, carry out a field study with Maejo University’s cannabis program, and learn from small scale farmers and entrepreneurs. We’ll also be looking at the legal challenges and cultural history of cannabis in Thailand.

Extensive time during the course is spent in hand-on field research and experiential learning.

Independent student research/internship: At the beginning of the program each student will choose a topic to study more in-depth, and then be placed into an independent internship on the topic of their choice, from production, to preparation, to business development for coffee, chocolate, or cannabis.

DATES for 2025:

• 30/31 May Students Arrive
• 1 June Program starts
• 11 July Program ends
• 12 July Departure

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 1

• Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and you are encouraged to apply before the deadline. After the deadline applications will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

COST AND FINANCIAL AID

• $4,500 per student
• Need based scholarships are available.
• Fees cover all food, lodging, excursions, and activities.
• Fees do not include airfare and related expenses.

Interested? Email us at [email protected]!

Ready to apply? Jump over to our application.