GEO Faculty-Led Programs in Chiang Mai, Thailand
About the site
- Agriculture and Environmental Studies
- Engineering and Technology
- Fine Arts and Design
- Health
- Hospitality and Sustainable Tourism
- Topics in Thai Culture and Society
- Veterinary Sciences
- Wellness and Mindfulness
Open to discussing other academic areas not listed.
- Program length abroad:
- 1 – 3 weeks
- Terms:
- January
- Summer (May – August)
- Fall Break (October/November)
- December
Site availability may depend on program dates and site capacity for the requested timeframe.
- Minimum students: 10
- Maximum students: 18
Chiang Mai, known as the “Cultural Capital of Thailand,” is a popular destination celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic mountain setting. The city is home to more than 300 Buddhist temples, including some dating back to the 13th century.
Students enjoy experiencing Thai culture through its coffee shops, street markets, night bazaars, and local cuisine. Chiang Mai is also one of Thailand’s most affordable cities, making it well suited to a student budget. Key industries in the region include tourism, agriculture, technology, creative arts, education, and healthcare.
Program options and components
The following are sample logistics and services that can be incorporated into a Faculty-Led Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Academic and co-curricular opportunities
- Classroom space is provided through USAC's host institution, Chiang Mai University.
- Guest lectures or presenters.
- Co-curricular activities or visits related to academic area.
The Faculty-Led Program course is identified and taught by the institution’s faculty. The academic content, syllabus, and credit is determined by the institution. No USAC credit is given, and the cost of instruction is not included in the program.
Cultural immersion and site experiences
Local site activities
- Examples include:
- City tour
- Survival Thai class (no credit)
- Handicraft villages (e.g., ceramics, textiles, umbrella making)
- Local cuisine class
- Local markets and street food culinary experiences
- Muay Thai (Thai boxing) experience
- Seasonal cultural festivals
- Wellness and mindfulness-based activities
Day trips
- Examples include:
- Doi Inthanon National Park
- Elephant Care and Waterfalls
- Trekking & Hill Tribe Villages
- Wat Phra Doi Suthep Temple
Site logistics
- Student housing:
- Single room in residence hall
- Shared hotel room
- Program Leader housing:
- Single-occupancy room in residence hall
- Single-occupancy hotel room
- Welcome and farewell meals
- Breakfast typically included with hotel only
- Additional group meals may be added upon request
- Private songthaew (open-air truck) or van transportation when walking is not feasible
- Group airport transfers available for arrival and departure
Service and activity availability vary and cannot be guaranteed. Final inclusions and costs are outlined in the official program proposal based on program length and selected components. All GEO Faculty-Led Programs include USAC site staff support, access to USAC's Health and Safety Team, and CISI insurance.