Thailand (USAC)
Starting in fall 2027, St. Lawrence University students interested in Southeast Asia and/or issues related to public health and wellbeing will have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Chiang Mai, an ancient yet lively city in northern Thailand with the USAC program. The program is based on the SuanSak campus of Chiang Mai University (CMU), one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Thailand and Southeast Asia, and is open to students from different U.S. universities. USAC has an onsite team of resident director and program assistants to support students in the program.
On this program, students spend fall or spring semester in northern Thailand and take courses on Thai language and culture, as well as select topics from Buddhism to intercultural communication and global health. Students also have opportunities to interact with their Thai peers on campus or complete a credit-based internship through local organizations, which immerse them in Thai culture and deepens their understanding of Thai society.
- Located in Chiang Mai
- Fall or spring semester: school uniform needed while on-campus (available for purchase onsite)
- Enrollment caps may be limited to 12 per semester based on space limitations
- Pre-requisites: 3.0 GPA and one Asian Studies course OR another course that specifically prepares for study on this academic program
- Must take one Thai language course at the appropriate level
- Explore estimated additional costs for this program and others
- For 2026-27 students in the MSID Chiang Mai program only: program details
Apply to study in Thailand
Location Academics Co-Curricular Housing Calendar Orientation Program Contacts
Location
Chiang Mai
Located in the north of Thailand and founded in 1296 as the second capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai or "New City" is a cultural capital of Thailand and the second most important city in the country after Bangkok. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains that form the foothills of the Himalayas, Chiang Mai is a cultural and natural wonderland bustling with ethnic diversity, a fabulous food scene and welcoming hospitality.
Academics
The USAC program is open to students from US colleges and universities and the classes take place on the CMU campus. Each standard 3-credit course (including the semester-long internship) is worth 0.83 SLU unit. Students must take 15 credits in total (usually 5 courses, equivalent of 4.09 SLU units) to be considered full-time. Everyone is required to take the 3-credit Thai Language for Daily Communication I (the 1-credit Introduction to Thai Language I does not fulfill the language requirement) if they do not speak the language already. Other courses cover Thai culture, health and wellness, and global studies broadly defined and include (depending on the semester):
Thai Society and Culture
Buddhist Art in Thailand
Buddhist Psychology: Theories and Applications
Psychology of Happiness
Mindfulness and Mindfulness-Based Intervention
Comparative Studies in Global Healthcare
International Political Economy
Peace and Conflict Studies
For more details, check out the USAC program page on courses and internships. All courses require credit approval at SLU to come back for credit. USAC currently offers internships in business, English language instruction, journalism and communications, and natural resources and environmental studies. While the USAC onsite director will make every effort to match interested students with internship opportunities, students are expected to bring diligence, flexibility, and professionalism to the application process and actual workplace. Placement with a particular internship provider is not guaranteed.
Co-curricular
Connecting with Thai Students
While the USAC program is specifically for students from U.S. universities, the onsite team will provide ample opportunities to connect with Thai students at CMU. Take advantage of these opportunities to make new friends and learn more about Chiang Mai and Thailand.
Travel and Excursions
Although excursions change from semester to semester, the USAC program offers complimentary trips to a variety of sites of interest in Chiang Mai. There are also optional tours around Chiang Mai that students can pay on their own to join.
If students plan to travel independently during the semester, they will be responsible for their own safety during such travel. Follow the travel advisories as determined by the US State Department carefully in the planning.
Housing
Students will live in a single furnished room with private bathroom at CMU's International Student Dorm. The building is within commute distance from the CMU campus and walking distance to Nimman Haemin, a bustling business district with many restaurant and shopping venues. Students will receive a stipend to help cover their meal expenses.
Calendar
The USAC program Calendars section offers detailed dates for different semesters. The fall semester typically begins in late August and ends in mid-December. The spring semester typically begins in mid-January and ends at the beginning of May.
Orientation
Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in-depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the students' participation in the program. This includes a program-specific session in which students will learn more about the program, local culture, and academic expectations. There is also an orientation session led by the CIIS office on culture shock as well as on safety and security while abroad.
On-site: Orientation takes place the first few days of the semester.
Program Contacts
If you are interested in learning more about the Thailand program please contact one of the following people.
CIIS Office: Dr. Yanqiu Zheng, Associate Director of Asia and Pacific Programs - Questions about eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.
Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Fritz Schenker - Questions about program academics.