Chiang Mai Courses – 2025 Summer Session I
Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn.
Academics
You may take three to seven credits per session. At least one 3-credit course is required each session you are enrolled. Course availability is contingent upon student enrollment and is subject to change.
Click the course title to view course details, description, and availability.
Session I
Language Courses
- Summer Session IThai 100-level 1 credit Taught in ThaiSummer Session IIThai 100-level 1 credit Taught in Thai
This is a course for students who have not taken any Thai language courses before. Its purpose is to provide students with basic lexical, grammatical, and functional resources to manage in daily situations while studying in Thailand.
Business, Health and Wellness, and Asian Studies
- Summer Session IPhilosophy Religious Studies 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course covers the history and fundamental teachings of the Buddha. Students will develop the theoretical foundation necessary to effectively analyze topics in Buddhist teachings and how Buddhism continues to influence Thai culture and society.
Prerequisite: introductory coursework in college-level religious studies or sociology
- Summer Session IGeneral Business 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course will examine the ethical issues and decisions facing us as individuals, as employees and leaders within organizations, and as a society within the global context. The first part of the course will broadly introduce students to ethical frameworks, dilemmas, decision making, and economic justice. The second part will cover concepts such as sustainable development, fair trade, corporate social responsibility, and social enterprise. Students will delve deeper into specific issues related to business ethics, such as ethical marketing, workplace, and globalization during the final phase of the course.
- Summer Session IGeography Political Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course aims to facilitate students with fundamental knowledge about the background and developments of governance and politics in Asia. As Asia encompasses more than 60% of the world's population and is home to the most significant regional economic growth, students must gain the tools needed to interpret the phenomena of political movements occurring in the continent. Political geographies of Asia will be discussed and analyzed.
The course will focus on the current most essential actors and their policies and actions that impact the region and the world.
• China – From a secluded empire to the front row of world politics: new dominance in the region and its crucial role in Asia and the World.
• Indian subcontinent – A history of conflicts, nuclear concerns, and threats, new political and economic views of current leaderships, as well as the role of India as an emerging power in the region and the world
• Southeast Asia/ASEAN – A bloc of nations built around a desire for security in the region. It will become the 4/5 largest economy globally by achieving its challenging goals.
• East Asia – Japan and South Korea have a history of antagonism and the need to find a typical road ahead bearing common perils. The role of the USA in backing both countries and their importance in East Asia security and stability.
• Thailand—formerly known as the fifth tiger of Asia. Thailand is considered a nation with turbulent transitions. Thailand has been moving back and forth from authoritarianism to democracy and from democracy to a series of coup d’état.
Students will explore the foreign influence and involvement in the Asian politics of Australia, the European Union, the Russian Federation, and the USA. Then, the course will dive into North Korea and its nuclear threat to security and stability in the region. The One-China Policy and the impact on Taiwan and the South China Sea, Daesh, and other threats in the Middle East, the history of tensions in the Indian subcontinent will also be the object of brief attention, as well as the increasing importance of recent developments in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
- Summer Session IAnthropology 200-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSummer Session IIAnthropology 200-level 1 credit Taught in English
This course explores the diversity of culture and livelihood of Hill Tribe peoples through educational trips to rural villages. These first-hand experiences are designed to complement the lecture course, which provides students with the historical background and current social issues in Northern Thailand, particularly the various highland ethnic groups. Students will analyze the impact of state government policies on the development of ethnic communities, and the evolution of these communities throughout history.
This course has an additional fee
- Summer Session ISpeech Communications 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
A study of human communication across cultures focusing on variables which influence interaction when members of different cultures come together. The goal of the course is to increase Intercultural Communication Competence. Topics will include cultural adaptation and culture shock, nonverbals, identity, conflict, etc. with a special focus on Thailand.
- Summer Session IGeneral Business Management 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course exposes students to the interpersonal aspects of working internationally. As the world becomes more globalized, it becomes increasingly important for students to recognize and develop skills that will help them to succeed when working with diverse colleagues and internationally. Topics include cultural values, individual differences, communication, teamwork, and leadership in an international context. Students will learn concepts in an experiential learning environment which includes video, case studies, self-assessments, role playing, and in-class exercises. A portion of the class will be focused on self-development; students will begin to understand their current global mindsets and how they can develop them.
- Summer Session IGeography Sociology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course presents an overview of the social causes of climate change, the impact of climate change on society, and how society has and can respond to mitigate climate change.
- Summer Session IAnthropology 200-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSummer Session IIAnthropology 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course aims to equip students with knowledge of Thai society and culture from a critical perspective. It focuses on the historical development of Thailand, particularly the construction of Thainess/Thai nationalism and its effects on Thai self-perception and foreigners’ perception of Thailand.
Session II
Language Courses
- Summer Session IThai 100-level 1 credit Taught in ThaiSummer Session IIThai 100-level 1 credit Taught in Thai
This is a course for students who have not taken any Thai language courses before. Its purpose is to provide students with basic lexical, grammatical, and functional resources to manage in daily situations while studying in Thailand.
- Summer Session IIThai 100-level 1 credit Taught in Thai
This is a course for students who have not taken any Thai language courses before. Its purpose is to provide students with basic lexical, grammatical, and functional resources to communicate in daily situations .
Prerequisite: Introduction to Thai Language I, or equivalent
Business, Health and Wellness, and Asian Studies
- Summer Session IIPsychology Religious Studies 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
Mindfulness has become a common word in the Western World, and its practice has become increasingly popular in Western psychology, medicine and psychotherapy, there is a growing interest among professionals and the public in traditional Buddhist systems of neurology, psychology and the healing of the physical and psychological.
This course is designed to put the science and practice of Buddhist Psychology into a Western context for a better understanding of Buddhist psychology, with the intention of a genuine "being in the moment" experience and an understanding of how mind, body and consciousness can embody wisdom, awareness, and loving-kindness which can create a happier, healthier life free from physical, mental and psychological suffering.
- Summer Session IIPolitical Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course is designed to provide students an understanding of the Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), its achievements and challenges, as well as its Member States profiles. We will elaborate on the role of the Association in building a dialogue and security platform for the Asia-Pacific region.
Over this course we will address the multitude and diversity of cultures and political systems in ASEAN, the achievements of the association since its inauguration in 1967, the challenges ahead and its importance for the region and the world.
- Summer Session IAnthropology 200-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSummer Session IIAnthropology 200-level 1 credit Taught in English
This course explores the diversity of culture and livelihood of Hill Tribe peoples through educational trips to rural villages. These first-hand experiences are designed to complement the lecture course, which provides students with the historical background and current social issues in Northern Thailand, particularly the various highland ethnic groups. Students will analyze the impact of state government policies on the development of ethnic communities, and the evolution of these communities throughout history.
This course has an additional fee
- Summer Session IIInternational Business Management 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
The environment that corporations operate in has seen dramatic changes in recent years. International management is now a major challenge facing organizations in this current new century. To succeed in this environment, students must now be knowledgeable about the international dimensions of management. This course enables students to expand their knowledge of management and international business in a range of organizations by engaging in practical business tasks, such as preparing business plans, undertaking negotiations and giving presentations. This course has two primary objectives. The first objective is to provide students with an understanding of the international business environment. The second objective is to provide a context in which students can continue to develop their general business skills, such as analysis, strategic decision-making, presentation skills and writing skills.
- Summer Session IAnthropology 200-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSummer Session IIAnthropology 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course aims to equip students with knowledge of Thai society and culture from a critical perspective. It focuses on the historical development of Thailand, particularly the construction of Thainess/Thai nationalism and its effects on Thai self-perception and foreigners’ perception of Thailand.
To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu
U.S. Visiting Professors
While most USAC courses are taught by local faculty, the following U.S. professor will also teach in this program:
Summer Session I, 2025
Course: International Management and Organizational Behavior
Wendy Ziems-Mueller, D.M., University of Mount Union
Dr. Wendy Ziems-Mueller is Associate Professor of Business at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. Her teaching experience spans more than 20 years and focuses on leadership, strategy, management, and marketing studies. Dr. Ziems-Mueller’s love of international travel and commitment to creating global citizens has allowed her to create inclusive classrooms through an interconnected understanding of the world.
Summer Session I, 2025
Course: Sociology of Climate Change
Dilshani Sarathchandra, Ph.D., University of Idaho
Dr. Dilshani Sarathchandra is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Idaho. Her research focuses on decision-making processes in science, predictors of public attitudes toward science and technology, and social dimensions of health. She teaches courses on the sociology of science, technology, environment, and risk.
Summer Session II, 2025
Course: International Business Management
William Dantona, Ph.D., CSU, Chico
Dr. William Dantona is Interim Associate Dean and Lecturer in the College of Business at California State University-Chico. He has more than 25 years of experience in international education, Business Communication, and study-abroad programming. His research and leadership interests include applied system dynamics, study abroad programming, international program administration, and strategic international enrollment management.
Field Studies
Optional field studies are an excellent way to deepen your academic experience abroad. During your 1-credit field study course, you will participate in carefully planned excursions that allow you to explore the cultural, historical, and natural features of Thailand. These overnight field experiences, combined with required academic components such as readings, research, and written assignments, will increase your understanding of the sites and locales visited.
As an experiential learning method, optional field studies complement the larger academic program and provide you with opportunities to learn in new ways, to gain hands-on experience, and to connect your classroom learning to the world around you.
Optional field studies have an additional fee, are subject to meeting minimum enrollment requirements to run, and may not be available every summer session. Refer to the course list above for current field study offerings.