Activities for Chiang Mai, Thailand

There are many ways to get involved in the local community and campus, including visiting local Buddhist temples and having a “monk chat,” visiting the nearby real sites of ASEAN trade and economy, visiting local markets and shops, and having real conversations in Thai with locals. In the local community, USAC encourages students to voluntarily join social service activities such as helping disabled children, teaching English to young students in local schools and to monks, joining rural development projects, and volunteering in an orphanage or at the zoo. Thai buddies and conversation partners also help student practice their Thai as well as help student make sense of living in Chiang Mai.

You are also encouraged to participate in the opportunities listed below.

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

• Experience the self-sufficient economy way of living of the Hill Tribe peoples in the high mountains of northern Thailand in the Hill Tribe Field Study or Highland Ethnic Peoples and Social Transformation in Northern Thailand courses
• Volunteer in local social service projects, at the orphanage, in local schools, or at the zoo
• Practice your Thai and learn more about local culture with your Thai buddy or conversation partner
• Hike (“trek”) in local nature preserves and national parks
• Explore the winding, colorful open air markets—especially the huge Sunday market or the night bazaar—and shops to talk to locals and sample local foods and products
• Join in with optional activities like training classes in Thai Kickboxing or Traditional Thai Massage