Chiang Mai, Thailand, is emerging as a global center for specialty coffee, artisanal chocolate, and medicinal cannabis. This 4 week program is a hands-on study of these three important crops, learning directly from farmers and local producers.
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.
Interested? Email us at [email protected]!
DETAILS
Week 1 — 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.
Week 2 — 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.
Week 3 — 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.
Week 4 — Independent student research: At the beginning of the program each student will choose a topic to study more in-depth, and use this final week to do independent research on the topic of their choice, from production, to preparation, to business development for coffee, chocolate, or cannabis.
DATES: June 4 – July 1, 2023
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
- $5,000 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 program page or directly to our application.