Chiang Mai Courses – 2026 Spring
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
Students may enroll in 12 to 18 credits per semester comprised of Thai language plus electives in Asian studies, health and wellness, and social enterprise. All students must complete a minimum of one Thai language course.
Course availability is contingent upon student enrollment and is subject to change.
Click the course title to view course details, description, and availability.
Fall Semester
Language Courses
- FallThai 100-level 1 credit Taught in ThaiSpringThai 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.
Required if not taking 3-credit Thai Language
- FallThai World Languages and Literatures 100-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringThai World Languages and Literatures 100-level 3 credits Taught in English
This is a course for students who are interested in learning Thai orthography, how Thai words are formed and rules for intonations. The purpose of the course is to provide the students (even though they have not taken any Thai language courses before) with basic Thai writing system resources to help them read as well as communicate in daily situations while studying in Thailand.
Co-requisite: Thai Language for Daily Communication I
- FallThai 100-level 3 credits Taught in ThaiSpringThai 100-level 3 credits Taught in Thai
This is a course for students who have not taken any Thai language courses before. Its purpose is to provide the students with basic lexical, grammatical, and functional resources to manage in daily situations while studying in Thailand.
Health and Wellness
- FallPsychology Religious Studies 400-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringPsychology 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.
- FallWomen's Studies / Gender Studies 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course focuses on understandings of gender, gender relations, and women’s roles and position in society and culture from sociological and anthropological perspectives. Through feminist theories and movements from the first wave to the present time, various concepts in women studies are explored including sex, gender, sexuality, gender roles, gender inequity, private and public spheres, and gender diversity. Different feminist ideas and debates are also discussed. Emphasis is also given to women in Southeast Asian and Thai societies in various dimensions such as power relations, women’s relationship to the state, politics, development, modernization, globalization, and sexual complexity.
Introductory coursework in sociology or gender studies advised
- FallPsychology 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringPsychology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
Mindfulness meditation and other similar contemplative practices have garnered significant attention from both scholars and practitioners in the past 15 years, especially as it relates to using mindfulness to treat a myriad of psychosocial concerns. This course will introduce students to the concept of mindfulness meditation, specifically as it relates to health, psychology, and other applications through both didactic and experiential learning. Students will study the varied applications of mindfulness-based interventions with special attention given to psychopathology. Students will also be asked to cultivate their own practice of daily meditation/contemplative exercises while also being led by the instructor on various contemplative exercises.
This course has an additional fee
Thai Culture and Asian Studies
- FallPhilosophy Religious Studies 400-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringPhilosophy 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
- FallArt Religious Studies 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringArt Religious Studies 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course presents the Buddha's life story and teachings as shown in paintings, sculptures, and other artworks. It explores subjects and themes that frequently appear in Buddhist art and examines the stories and legends of the Buddha and their depiction in Buddhist artworks in different eras and locations. Students will develop a robust theoretical foundation to effectively analyze paintings, sculptures, and architecture of Buddhist monasteries in northern Thailand. The course will provide both a religious setting and cultural context for several major Buddhist art types.
This course has an additional fee
- FallAnthropology 200-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSpringAnthropology 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
- Fall100-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSpring100-level 1 credit Taught in English
This course will provide students with an introduction to Muay Thai (the sport of traditional Thai boxing) and its self-defense applications. Students will learn the following movement fundamentals:
• Basic movement
• Basic skills of Punch/ Elbow/ Knee/ Kick/ Push Kick
• Boxing Parent timber of Mae Mai Muay Thai/ Luk Mai Muay Thai
• The tradition of Muay Thai form of homage Wai Kru/ Dress
- FallAnthropology 200-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringAnthropology 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.
Sustainability and Social Enterprise
- FallPolitical 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.
- FallEconomics 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course will begin by examining how practical environmental policy issues have shaped the field of environmental economics and some of the most pressing environmental problems that motivate current research. After this introduction, the course will be divided into two broad parts. Part I of the course will cover the theory of externalities and environmental policy, and further discuss challenges of policy design in reality. Part II will cover empirical tools used by economists in non-market valuation, both revealed preference and stated preference methods. This part of the course will conclude by discussing applied issues related to benefit transfer. Knowing values of environmental amenities is necessary for properly applying the policy instruments described in Part I.
- FallPolitical Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course will explore international political economics while situating case studies within the Asian Pacific context. Students will be grounded with theoretical perspectives while learning to adopt a holistic approach with geographical, socio-cultural, and political lenses in examining political and economic development. Such multi-dimensionality is further complemented with an institutional perspective by discussing international organizations and multinational corporations. Finally, the roles of diverse actors in contesting global powers, variegated forms of social movements and other contemporary developments in a dynamic world will be critically explored.
Spring Semester
Language Courses
- FallThai 100-level 1 credit Taught in ThaiSpringThai 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.
Required if not taking 3-credit Thai Language
- FallThai World Languages and Literatures 100-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringThai World Languages and Literatures 100-level 3 credits Taught in English
This is a course for students who are interested in learning Thai orthography, how Thai words are formed and rules for intonations. The purpose of the course is to provide the students (even though they have not taken any Thai language courses before) with basic Thai writing system resources to help them read as well as communicate in daily situations while studying in Thailand.
Co-requisite: Thai Language for Daily Communication I
- FallThai 100-level 3 credits Taught in ThaiSpringThai 100-level 3 credits Taught in Thai
This is a course for students who have not taken any Thai language courses before. Its purpose is to provide the students with basic lexical, grammatical, and functional resources to manage in daily situations while studying in Thailand.
- SpringThai 100-level 3 credits Taught in Thai
This is a continuation course for students who have already taken a Thai language course for beginners. Its
purpose is to enhance the student’s listening and speaking skills in daily situations while studying in
Thailand.
Prerequisite: Thai Language or Daily Communication I, or equivalent
Health and Wellness
- FallPsychology 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringPsychology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
Mindfulness meditation and other similar contemplative practices have garnered significant attention from both scholars and practitioners in the past 15 years, especially as it relates to using mindfulness to treat a myriad of psychosocial concerns. This course will introduce students to the concept of mindfulness meditation, specifically as it relates to health, psychology, and other applications through both didactic and experiential learning. Students will study the varied applications of mindfulness-based interventions with special attention given to psychopathology. Students will also be asked to cultivate their own practice of daily meditation/contemplative exercises while also being led by the instructor on various contemplative exercises.
This course has an additional fee
- FallPsychology Religious Studies 400-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringPsychology 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.
Thai Culture and Asian Studies
- FallPhilosophy Religious Studies 400-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringPhilosophy 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
- FallArt Religious Studies 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringArt Religious Studies 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course presents the Buddha's life story and teachings as shown in paintings, sculptures, and other artworks. It explores subjects and themes that frequently appear in Buddhist art and examines the stories and legends of the Buddha and their depiction in Buddhist artworks in different eras and locations. Students will develop a robust theoretical foundation to effectively analyze paintings, sculptures, and architecture of Buddhist monasteries in northern Thailand. The course will provide both a religious setting and cultural context for several major Buddhist art types.
This course has an additional fee
- FallAnthropology 200-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSpringAnthropology 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
- SpringEconomics International Affairs Political Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course will concentrate on area studies methodologies, concepts, and theories in analyzing the political, economic, and sociocultural attributes from the colonial to post-colonial eras within countries situated in the Mekong Subregion. Themes to be scrutinized encompass regional collaboration, the involvement of the Asian Development Bank, the contributions of Japan, China, and the United States in the Mekong Subregion, infrastructure advancement, development and conflict interplays, economic intricacies, trade dynamics, developmental obstacles, environmental predicaments, social mobilizations, and the economic and international political dynamics in the region.
- Fall100-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSpring100-level 1 credit Taught in English
This course will provide students with an introduction to Muay Thai (the sport of traditional Thai boxing) and its self-defense applications. Students will learn the following movement fundamentals:
• Basic movement
• Basic skills of Punch/ Elbow/ Knee/ Kick/ Push Kick
• Boxing Parent timber of Mae Mai Muay Thai/ Luk Mai Muay Thai
• The tradition of Muay Thai form of homage Wai Kru/ Dress
- SpringPolitical Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course introduces students to the major themes in the study of peace and conflict. It recognizes the closely interlinked nature of these complex political concepts, and explores the varied modes through which actors have sought to define and explain them. Just as war and other forms of violence and conflict are a constant of human history, so too are ideas and practices that seek the conditions of peaceful (co)existence. We will explore how peace is more than just the absence of war and manifests in different forms in different contexts: just as conflict in global politics is a multi-faceted phenomenon that can (and must) be analysed from a range of perspectives. The first part of the course introduces students to major theoretical paradigms. The second half engages with key thematics integral to the contemporary study of peace and conflict, with a particular focus on the Southeast Asian region.
Prerequisite: introductory coursework in college-level political science or international relations
- FallAnthropology 200-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringAnthropology 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.
Sustainability and Social Enterprise
- SpringGeneral 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.
- SpringEconomics General Business 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
In this class, students will learn the application of macro-economic models to analyze the development of the Thai economy and its international trade relations. Students will develop the skills to interpret nominal and real terms and understand why Economists have always referred to them throughout history. Students will also learn how to explain various aspects of the Thai government’s fiscal policy, analyze how the central bank’s monetary policy affects the economy, and evaluate topics related to international trade such as, currency, exchange rate system, net capital flow and balance of payment.
Prerequisite: Introductory college-level microeconomics and macroeconomics
To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu
Internships
For eligibility requirements and application information, see the USAC internship page.
For more information about placement options, see the Chiang Mai internship page.
- FallInternships 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringInternships 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
USAC skills-based internships abroad are designed to complement a student’s program of study while providing a structured work or field experience under the direction of a professional supervisor and with the oversight and support of an on-site USAC internship coordinator.
USAC internships facilitate the academic and professional development of students through:
1) the practical application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to a professional work environment.
2) the further development of practical competencies essential to the ongoing work of the placement site.
3) the cultivation of a network of professional contacts.
USAC internships will expose students to the workplace culture, norms, and expectations of their respective placement site and host country, deepening cross-cultural understanding and helping students develop intercultural communication and language skills in an internationally focused organization or other professional work setting.
Through the consistent participation in the processes and practices of a professional field, students will acquire a working knowledge of that field and will apply that learning to their own career and academic choices and goals.
This course has an additional fee
Workshops
(Not for credit)
- FallDescription not available at this time.
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 semester. Refer to the course list above for current field study offerings.