GEO Ready Faculty-Led Programs in Thailand - Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality

About the program

Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a leading destination for Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality. As a cultural and ecological hotspot, the city offers firsthand exposure to sustainable tourism practices, community-based initiatives, and responsible hospitality management. Through strong partnerships with Chiang Mai University, local businesses, and hospitality networks, students will engage with industry experts, visit eco-conscious resorts, and participate in community-driven tourism projects. This program provides a unique opportunity to explore how sustainability, culture, and economic development intersect in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic tourism hubs.

Known as the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai dates back over 700 years and is located on the Ping River in Northern Thailand surrounded by high mountain ranges. The climate in the north—and especially in Chiang Mai—can be cooler, with rain and mist, but it still has tropical heat and humidity. A city of cultural, trading, and economic prominence for hundreds of years, Chiang Mai is host to many historical and cultural landmarks. There are more than 700 temples in Chiang Mai alone. Near the city, there are national parks and nature preserves.

Program options and components

The following are logistics and services that can be incorporated into the GEO Ready Faculty-Led program. Please note: Availability of services and activities listed are not guaranteed until confirmed and are determined based on length of stay.

Academic and co-curricular opportunities

• Classroom space: This program will have different classroom spaces, from a lecture room on campus (30-minute walk) to hospitality business visits in the Old City and outside of Chiang Mai city (15-minute to 1.5-hour drive).
• One to three guest lectures on tourism and hospitality in Thailand. Examples may include:
  
  • Sustainable Tourism in Southeast Asia: Concepts, Challenges, and Innovations
  • Community-Based Tourism in Northern Thailand
  • Eco-Hospitality and the Future of Green Travel
  • Cultural Sensitivity & Responsible Tourism: Ethics for Global Travelers
  • Food, Farming & Sustainability: The Role of Culinary Tourism
    
• Up to three to four co-curricular activities or visits related to sustainable tourism and/or hospitality services. Examples include:
  
  • Craft and culture community-based tourism activities (mulberry paper painting and celadon clay pottery)
  • Community-based tourism at Ban Ton Pao, San Kamphaeng (one-day)
  • Meet the Karen people of Mae Wang: Sustainable tourism for hill tribes (two days and one night)
  • Ethical tourism in Chiang Mai: Samlor (tricycle/cyclo) identity and hospitality business (half-day)
    
• Courses: Course identified and taught by Institution's faculty. Course, academic content, syllabus, and credit determined by Institution. No USAC credit is given, and cost of instruction is not included in the program.

Cultural immersion and site experiences

Local site activities

• City tour led by a professional guide or USAC staff.
• 1-3 local site activities. Examples include:
  
  • Sunday Thapae Street Market
  • Campus tour with Thai Buddies
  • Jing Jai Organic Market

Optional add-on

As available within the course schedule. Examples include:

• Crash course on Thai Language for Survival (3-hour session)
• Elephant care and bamboo rafting day trip
• Thai cuisine

What's included