Chiang Mai Courses – 2026 Summer Session I
Academics
Chiang Mai, long regarded as a cultural and spiritual center of northern Thailand, provides an ideal setting for academic study of mindfulness, public health, and Southeast Asian society. The city’s numerous temples, active monastic communities, and traditions of wellness create unique opportunities to engage with Buddhist thought and health practices in context. As a regional hub with deep historical ties and contemporary connections across Southeast Asia, Chiang Mai also offers valuable insights into the cultural and political dynamics of the region.
You will enroll in three to seven credits during each session. At least one 3-credit course is required each session you are enrolled. No prior knowledge of Thai language is required for the program, though taking a language course while you are abroad is encouraged for a richer cross-cultural experience.
Courses Offered:
Course availability is contingent upon scheduling constraints, meeting enrollment minimums, and is subject to change. View course details and descriptions.
Summer Session I
Thai Language, Culture & Society
- Introduction to Thai Language I
- Buddhism in Thailand
- Hill Tribe Field Study
- Thai Society and Culture
Health, Wellness & Global Studies
- Business Ethics and Sustainability
- Comparative Global Health Issues and Systems
- Governance and Politics in Asia
- Introduction to Mindfulness
- Psychology of Happiness
- Sociology of Climate Change
Summer Session II
Thai Language, Culture & Society
- Introduction to Thai Language I
- Introduction to Thai Language II
- Hill Tribe Field Study
- Thai Society and Culture
Health, Wellness & Global Studies
- Buddhist Psychology: Theories and Applications
- Diplomacy in Southeast Asia
- Healthcare in Thailand
- Intercultural Communication
- International Business Management
- Introduction to Mindfulness
U.S. Visiting Professors
While most USAC courses are taught by local faculty, the following U.S. professors will also teach in this program:
Summer Session I, 2026
Course: Comparative Global Health Issues and Systems
Michelle Burbage, Ph.D., University of Cincinnati
Michelle Burbage, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor as well as the MPH Program Director in the College of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati. She has extensive experience in teaching in public and global health courses and has taught abroad numerous times. Dr. Burbage has been awarded the Fulbright Specialist Program award and the 2024 Early Career Award from the Public Health Education and Health Promotion Section of the American Public Health Association. She is passionate in engaging in meaningful teachings, intercultural communication, and cultural immersion for both herself and her students.
Summer Session II, 2026
Course: International Business Management
Bret Simmons, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno
Professor Simmons is an Associate Professor and the Department Chair at the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno for business students. He has his Masters in International Management from Whitworth College and his Ph.D. in Business from Oklahoma State University. Professor Simmons has been recognized for his work in the business field as well as his work as a professor by being awarded the University of Nevada, Reno's Distinguished Outreach Professor award. He has taught abroad in the past and loves the opportunity to continue to do so and work with students.
USAC Course Descriptions
Click the course title to view course details, description and availability. To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu
- 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 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 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 ICommunity Health Sciences 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course explores global health issues and the impact of health systems, policies, and international organizations on health and wellness. Students will examine political, environmental, and cultural factors shaping health and wellness globally. This includes the impact health systems have in addressing issues such as health equity, globalization, access to care, and global health challenges like pandemics, disasters, non-communicable diseases, and emerging health threats. The course also delves into the roles of international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and governmental agencies in shaping health outcomes. Students will critically assess health systems from a comparative perspective, highlighting both successes and challenges.
- 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 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 IISpeech Communications 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course focuses on cultural values, beliefs, norms, and biases while exploring how culture influences communication at interpersonal, group, cross-cultural, and global levels. By examining issues such as nationality, race, ethnicity, class, gender, and religion, students will gain a deeper understanding of the factors shaping human interaction across cultures. Through experiential activities, students will not only analyze cultural barriers to effective communication but also apply strategies to overcome these obstacles, fostering their ability to communicate effectively in an increasingly globalized society.
- 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 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
- 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.