Summer Study Abroad Programs in Thailand

Chiang Mai is fondly referred to as the “Rose of the North” for its beautiful and relaxing atmosphere amidst friendly smiles, temples, and flowers. You can experience all the city has to offer by signing up for the Chiang Mai program of USAC. This is a wonderful opportunity to study and live in a vibrant city. The academic component involves studies in philosophy, economics, politics, culture, religions, and Thai and Southeast Asian languages. You will dive into multiple disciplines, allowing you to respond to Thailand and the region’s current events and ever-changing issues. Normal coursework only comprises half the value of your exciting semester or year abroad. Participation in social and cultural activities - such as field trips to the Chiang Rai province, villages, and national parks around Chiang Mai - as well as optional field studies also form an essential part of the program. Cultural courses, like Thai Kickboxing, further. *Due to the global health status worldwide, USAC is making programmatic changes to summer, fall, and yearlong programs, and some options might not be available. These changes are posted on individual program pages on the USAC website.*

Mahidol University International College (MUIC) offers an exceptional study abroad experience in Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital. Known for its excellence in health sciences, international relations, and cultural studies, Mahidol combines academic rigor with a focus on global perspectives. Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities and have access to expert faculty dedicated to their success. This program is perfect for students who are curious, adaptable, and eager to immerse themselves in Thai culture while pursuing academic goals. With English-taught courses across diverse fields, participants gain transferable credits and practical knowledge in a dynamic learning environment. Located just outside Bangkok, Mahidol provides easy access to the city’s bustling markets, historic temples, and thriving nightlife. Students can explore Thailand’s beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and natural wonders during weekends. Discover the perfect blend of learning and adventure at Mahidol University!

Experience the thrill of studying and living in Thailand’s suburban area outside Bangkok! Study at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), the English-speaking arm of the esteemed Mahidol University, through their summer short program. Often considered the gateway to Asia, Thailand is a great jumping-off point to explore further afield in neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and more. Of course, the incredible Thai street food, unique culture, and varied landscape may have you wanting to just stick around the Land of Smiles!

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

CIS Abroad Study and Intern Abroad programs are some of the most affordable, comprehensive program packages available. We also don't cut any corners by offering everything you would expect from an overseas program: tuition, housing, support, insurance, excursions, social and cultural activities, and airport pick-up – all considered the core of our package. Some programs also include all or most meals, extensive off-site orientations/excursions, transportation passes, and more. Whether you want to study for a year, semester, or summer, intern for a month to a year, or take an intensive foreign language course for a couple of weeks, CIS Abroad has the perfect program for you at the best value! "You're Going Places with CIS Abroad!"

Earn CEUs abroad while advancing your cultural competence in speech-language pathology! Therapy Abroad’s international CEU workshops are immersive, accredited programs for SLPs seeking to deepen their understanding of cultural and linguistic diversity. Held in global locations like Belize, Ireland, Costa Rica, and Thailand, these 7–10 day experiences combine hands-on learning, reflective practice, and expert-led workshops. Topics include bilingual assessment, cultural humility, and equitable service delivery. Participants gain practical tools for working with multilingual clients, connect with like-minded professionals, and engage directly with local communities. Designed for practicing SLPs, grad students, and faculty, these workshops meet ASHA standards and are ideal for those working in diverse or underserved settings. Join us to grow your practice, earn CEUs, and reimagine what inclusive care can look like—abroad and at home.

Asian Elephant Behaviour and Community Driven Conservation in Thailand This is a 4 week field course that offers university students the opportunity to join an ongoing research project studying the behavior and ecology of re-wilded Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Students will gain hands-on experience in animal behavior sampling methods, research design, and behavioral data analysis. Students will learn critical thinking and problem solving skills for implementing successful field research protocols, learn the fundamentals of recording and interpreting animal behavior, all while collaborating with indigenous mahouts (elephant keepers) and their community as they work to conserve the forest. By promoting a multispecies approach to conservation, this course not only improves outcomes for animals and the environment, but also recognizes the interconnectedness of human health and well-being. In addition to participating in this vital research, students will have the chance to learn from expert staff, mahouts, and community leaders, and gain cultural immersion. Perfect for students with a passion for biology, ecology, conservation, animal behavior and welfare.

There are less than 1000 elephants left in the wild and their habitat is also rapidly declining. Evidently there is an urgent need for increased understanding of successful approaches to saving this important member of our ecosystem. GVI offers a very unique alternative to this issue to prevent Thailand’s elephants from only becoming domesticated service animals confined to tourist camps. Through exploration of the areas where conservationists and community members’ goals conflict, you will better understand and be able to advocate for opportunities for members of both groups to collaborate on a better future for both human and elephant inhabitants of Chiang Mai.

Intern Abroad HQ presents an exceptional opportunity for Marine Biology enthusiasts in the captivating landscapes of Thailand. Immerse yourself in marine conservation efforts, honing scuba diving skills and contributing to vital underwater research, monitoring, restoration, and conservation initiatives. Understand coral reef ecosystems, their challenges, and impactful measures to safeguard them. Hosted by reputable marine conservation organizations, this internship offers academic credit options and a fully supported experience, including accommodation. Dive into this transformative journey, commencing bi-monthly for a minimum of 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 12 weeks, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Embark on this adventure if you're passionate about marine science or biology and ready to dive into a rewarding career path as a conservationist, dive instructor, researcher, and more. You'll receive expert mentorship and research training from esteemed marine biologists while exploring the realms of reef-associated corals. This is your chance to make a lasting impact on marine ecosystems while preparing for a globally impactful career.

Looking for a progressive gap year experience that blends travel, adventure, and skill-building? Our six-week Rock Climbing Program in Thailand is designed for those who want more than sightseeing. It's about pushing boundaries, learning leadership, and gaining certifications that set you up for future outdoor careers. • Climb epic crags in Railay, Chiang Mai & Tonsai • Earn internationally recognized climbing & first aid certifications • Immerse yourself in Thai culture & adventure travel • Turn your passion into skills that last a lifetime If you are looking for an experience that will have you meeting new people from all over the world while trying new food and experiencing a new culture, this program is the perfect choice.

This six-week experiential learning course focuses on agroecology and entrepreneurship, particularly the study of coffee, chocolate, and cannabis production. It includes intensive classroom learning, field studies, and a four-week internship or research project. Participants explore cultural and ecological practices, visiting farms, cafes, and production sites. 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 take basic Thai classes to communicate in everyday life. Weeks 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.

This program is open to vet school students—those currently enrolled in vet school, entering vet school in the fall, or have just graduated before the program begins. Spend two weeks at a sanctuary working hands-on with a US vet to learn about elephant medicine and veterinary care. You will receive specialized instruction in caring for these gentle giants, as well as assist in providing treatments each day. If you want to be a zoo vet or want experience with elephants, this is the rare chance to get experience while learning hands-on in a small group of students led by an experienced vet. We will live at the sanctuary. One fun day, with tourist activities, is included in a local small town. Credit and financial aid are available.

Earth Expeditions (EE) are Miami University study abroad courses designed for people looking for inspiring professional development opportunities while earning graduate credit. All courses engage with grassroots conservation and sustainability programs making a difference in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Our planned 2026 EE sites are the Amazon, Australia, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galápagos, India, Kenya, Mongolia, Namibia, Paraguay, and Thailand. Awarding seven graduate credit hours (5 credits for the Summer Term + 2 credits for the Fall Semester), EE courses are hybrid and combine direct global study experiences with engagement in a web-based online learning community. Summer field courses typically run from mid-May through mid-August, with pre-course work beginning in April. The international field “in-country” portion of each class generally lasts 9-10 days. The 2-credit-hour follow-on fall semester course, “Inquiry & Action,” is entirely online and typically runs from late August to mid-December. This component is optional for students taking an EE course for stand-alone graduate credit outside the master’s program.

This program is open to anyone exploring a career in medicine and even students with an interest in global health, community health, or public health--no prior experience is required. Participants will engage in 40 hours of medical shadowing across various hospitals in Chiang Mai, with rotations from 9:00 am-11:00 am and 1:00 pm-3:00 pm on weekdays. These rotations cover areas like ER, OR, outpatient department, ward rounds, nursing, hemodialysis, dental, and family medicine, accompanied by program coordinators providing translation when needed. Presentations, discussions, and debriefing sessions will occur between and after rotations, while evenings and weekends offer optional activities. Accommodation is included and will be in a hotel or guest house with other students and staff, along with transportation and most meals, are covered in your tuition. This is a two-week program running from May 25, 2024 to June 8, 2024 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Total tuition is US$3,950. A deposit of US$1,000 will reserve you a slot in the program which will be applied to the total fee. Interest-free payment plans are available! Interested? Come and join us in sunny Thailand!

Meet the elephants of Cambodia’s Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend your summer alongside endangered Asian elephants while studying their ecology and behavior in a semi-captive rehabilitation environment. Examine human-wildlife conflict and conservation approaches and discuss elephant welfare and management practices. This program includes two weeks at the SFS Center in Siem Reap, with trips to the vibrant capital city of Phnom Penh and the ancient temples of Angkor to learn about the history and culture of Cambodia. SFS students live and study at the Center for Conservation and Development Studies, our most urban center, which lies on the outskirts of Siem Reap, near the famed temples of Angkor. The center is a breezy, modern campus nestled in a quiet neighborhood, just minutes from the bustling downtown, where you will find restaurants, shops, and markets with unique Cambodian flair.