Come to Thailand for the summer!

Summer Courses at ISDSI

ISDSI offers five options for summer studies!

If you are new to Thailand or a returning student, ISDSI offers summer courses that will help you advance your personal, professional, and academic goals, preparing you for graduate school or your career post-graduation.

Our summer programs are open to both undergraduate and graduate students. If you are a graduate student, the summer programs can be an outstanding preparation for your fieldwork and thesis or dissertation.

We offer a mix of programs for the summer, each designed and based off of over 25 years of running study-abroad programs in Thailand that are deeply experiential and help support and build the capacity of local communities.

Agroecology and Entrepreneurship: Coffee, Cacao, and Cannabis

This 6-week experiential learning course focusing on agroecology and entrepreneurship through the study of coffee, chocolate, and cannabis production. It includes intensive classroom learning, field studies, and a 4-week internship or research project. Participants explore cultural and ecological practices, visiting farms, cafes, and production sites.

Elephants and Conservation Ecology: Thailand and Laos

The “Elephants and Conservation Ecology” program by ISDSI is a 4-week experiential course in Thailand and Laos focused on Asian elephant conservation. Students study wild and reintroduced elephants in wildlife sanctuaries and conservation centers, explore cultural relationships, and conduct independent research. Highlights include visits to UNESCO sites, hands-on experiences with elephants, and insights into re-wilding and ecotourism practices. Designed for students interested in ecology, veterinary science, and wildlife biology, the course blends practical learning with cultural immersion.

Marine and Tropical Coastal Ecosystems: Whales, Sea Turtles, and Reefs

The Tropical Marine Ecology program by ISDSI is a 4-week summer course in Thailand exploring marine conservation and ecosystem interactions. Students study Bryde’s whales, sea turtles, and coral reefs, engage in field research, and earn SCUBA diving certifications. The program combines ecological studies with cultural immersion, focusing on sustainability and human impacts on marine life. This course is recommended for students in environmental studies, conservation biology, wildlife studies, and related fields.

Society and Culture of Thailand Summer

The Society and Culture of Thailand Summer program is a four-week immersive experience in Chiang Mai, blending classroom study with hands-on learning. Students develop Thai language skills, explore markets, engage with Buddhist monks, and experience traditional arts and cuisine. Weekend homestays provide insight into rural life, while discussions on social change and sustainability offer a deeper understanding of modern Thailand.

Internships

ISDSI also offers 8 week summer internships to students interested in a placement with a local or international organization. We offer a wide variety of internships in public health, sustainable agriculture, forest ecology, community development, and other areas. Contact us for more information!

How to apply

Each program’s application page is linked to the program page.

Email us at [email protected] if you’re thinking of applying! We can help you with your application and the required materials.

deadline

The deadline for all summer courses is April 1 each year. Students are encouraged to apply early.

Dates

Summer programs generally start on June 1st and continue for 4-8 weeks depending on the program. Check each program page for details.

Application Deadlines

Semester Application Deadlines: Fall – March 15 / Spring – October 15

Summer Application Deadline: April 1

After the deadline we will accept students on a space available basis, so contact us at [email protected]