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Program highlights for Chiang Mai, Thailand

The city

Language spoken:
Thai

Currency:
Thai Bhat (THB, ฿)

Climate:
Tropical

City type:
Metropolis (Population >500,000)

Passport & Visa requirements

The program

Program type:
Specialty

Host university:
Chiang Mai University

Language of instruction:
English

Terms offered:
Spring, Summer, Fall, Yearlong

Program capacity:
Semester: 60 students
Summer: 50 students

Credit type:
U.S. semester credit

Deadline to apply

Summer 2026:
Session 1 or 1&2: March 15
Session 2: April 15

Fall/Yearlong 2026-27:
May 15

Spring 2027:
October 15

Eligibility:
Minimum GPA: 2.5

Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Deadlines vary

  • Three students in front of a Thai temple (wat) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.Experience ancient culture and Buddhism in the "land of smiles" while you live and study in a center of Thai trade, tourism, and academic activity.
  • Enjoy a wide range of field trips and tours to places like Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Kampong Village, Wat Phra Doi Suthep Temple, and more.
  • Learn to cook authentic Thai food with a professional chef in the Basic Thai Cuisine Workshop, included in your program fee.
  • Visit lovely mountain regions featuring rivers, rainforests, national parks, nature preserves, and tea and coffee plantations.
  • Adjust to life abroad easily with the full-time on-site USAC Resident Director and staff, and participate in the included cultural immersion activities like field trips to have the best study abroad experience possible.

Why study in Chiang Mai?

Students in front of a Thai temple (wat) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.A student taking care of an elephant in Chiang Mai, Thailand.Discover incredible culture, rich Buddhist history, and beautiful scenery on the Chiang Mai program. A popular destination in Thailand for visitors and locals alike, living and studying in Chiang Mai will allow you to discover the many non-touristy areas and gain a unique, colorful, and profound experience in an unforgettable city.

You’ll never be bored in Chiang Mai. There are over 300 stunning and intricate temples, called Wats, in and around the city, with the oldest dating back to 1296. Ethical elephant sanctuaries allow you to feed and bathe rescued elephants for a unique, once in a lifetime experience. The beautiful Doi Inthanon National Park boasts many waterfalls, hiking trails, and a temple at the top.

Visit the many street markets, flea markets, and night bazaars to mingle with locals, buy souvenirs, and sample Thai street food. Chiang Mai is an extremely affordable city, perfect for a student’s budget: it’s easy to eat a full meal for as little as $2-3 USD.

You can study in Chiang Mai for one or two summer sessions, a semester, or year. Summer students can choose from courses in Thai language, business, health and wellness, and Asian studies. Semester and yearlong students are required to take a minimum of one Thai language course, and can choose electives from courses in health and wellness, Thai culture and Asian studies, sustainability, and economics.

Apply