Intern in Chiang Mai
Achieve your goals in beautiful Thailand
Lend a hand while building practical skills by interning abroad in Thailand! You’ll be based in historic Chiang Mai, a popular destination for foreign and local travelers alike due to its great climate, amazing foods, surrounding mountains and hundreds of ancient temples dating back to the 14th century. Immerse in local workplace culture and experience Thailand from a different lens while contributing to noble causes in fields such as community development, education, environmental conservation, health care, and human rights.
What to Expect:
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Language: English and Thai
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Average Courseload: U.S. credit may be available
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GPA Requirement: 2.5
Highlights:
- Hands-on placements in the fields of healthcare, education, journalism, and community development
- Homestay or private apartment for full immersion into the beautiful and welcoming Thai culture
- Quaint college town of Chiang Mai, full of charm and adventure
- Easy and inexpensive options for independent weekend travel
- Delicious and affordable Thai cuisine
Internship Placements
Education internships available in Thailand
Below are a few sample Education placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Education internships
English Teacher and Admin Intern at Refugee NGO
This internship allows you to interact and work with local refugees and monks. Working for a NGO in Chiang Mai, you’ll teach English and other subjects to refugees and the monks working to help them. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the refugee situation in Thailand as you elevate your professional skills.
Health Educator at Government-Run Clinic
Work alongside health professionals as you provide public health education to many groups of people, including the local Thai community and immigrants moving to Thailand. You’ll work to help people prevent disease and educate patients about high blood pressure and other public health concerns.
Project Intern in Thai Village
You’ll live and work in a village just outside the city of Chiang Mai. This small village has hosted interns for many years and is a great place to interact with local children. One education placement includes supporting the local kindergarten and offering instructor support for educating the minority hill tribe children.
Environmental & Sustainability internships available in Thailand
Below are a few sample Environmental & Sustainability placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Environmental & Sustainability internships
Environmental Protection Intern in Thai Village
Focus on planting trees and other conservation work in a community forest. The exact work depends on the time of year, but you could plant saplings, work on cloning trees, or construct water retention areas. All of this work is done in a rural Thai village, where everyday, you will interact with local Thai people as they work with you.
Environmental Education Intern in Thai Village
Education around protecting the environment is critical in rural locations. You’ll work in a small Thai village helping to educate the community around the importance of conservation. Classes will be held for students at the primary and middle schools, and community talks will be given around town.
Sustainability Intern in Thai Village
Focus on sustainable community development by working on community outreach programs that improve the lives of all those in the village. In addition to your work improving the community, you will do basic conservation work, including the planting of trees and firebreak construction.
Health internships available in Thailand
Below are a few sample Health placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Health internships
Health Intern with Mobile Health Unit
Work with medical professionals as they visit remote villages in rural Thailand. You’ll be part of a group that provides public health education, basic medical procedures, vaccinations, and disease prevention. While mostly shadowing, you will have the opportunity to work directly with doctors, nurses, and some patients.
Clinical Health Intern at Rural District Hospital
You’ll work in a large hospital in rural Thailand that caters to 60,000+ citizens. This hospital provides a range of services, from emergency care to dental and eye care, as well as a pharmacy, and pre- and post-op units. You’ll shadow doctors and nurses and be able to work in different units throughout the hospital.
Public Health Intern at Governmental Health Clinic
As an intern, your responsibilities will involve working in the community with local volunteers to educate, prevent, and mitigate various diseases. Your work may include checking blood pressure and blood sugar to prevent heart disease and stroke, and working on public health campaigns to prevent dengue fever and encourage vaccinations. You’ll also help with checkups and primary care visits.
NGOs and Non-Profit internships available in Thailand
Below are a few sample NGOs and Non-Profit placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with NGOs and Non-Profit internships
NGO Support Intern at Local Equal Rights Organization
You’ll have the opportunity to grow as a leader and a steward to the local community. You can expect to analyze the organization’s marketing material, make suggestions for improvements, and create new tools to increase awareness between potential donors and volunteers. In addition, you’ll be involved in the logistics of real projects, suggest new projects, and lead the volunteers team.
Project Intern at Thai NGO for the Elderly
Gain experience with established NGOs that support local Thai people, specifically the elderly through numerous programs. The intern will take part in the different programs as well as help those in the office doing admin work, writing reports, updating the website and more.
Support Staff at Thai NGO
Learn about the projects and inner workings of one or more well-established Thai NGOs supporting the elderly, children’s rights, education, or other noble causes. You’ll put your English ability to good use by contributing to fundraising, report writing, and marketing/outreach, You’ll be an integral part of the office team, while also enjoying some time in the field at project sites to gain extra insights into the causes and outcomes.
Program Details
Intern for Credit
Want credit for your internship? We can do that for you!
Coursework & Credit
You can earn between 3-12 credits through our partnership with Jacksonville University. Internship credit through Jacksonville University will be reflected as JU 390 – Global Internship on your official Jacksonville University transcript. Most interns select the 3 or 6 credit options. Interns who need 9 to 12 credits must be enrolled in a 12 – 16 week long program to meet the necessary contact hours. Learn more about interning for credit through Jacksonville University here.
Micro-credential
All participants in this program are eligible to earn a Working Across Cultures Micro-credential at no extra charge! If you are completing the coursework for credit, you will also automatically earn the Working Across Cultures Micro-Credential.
Why Life in Chiang Mai
Known to Thais as the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai is a breathtaking city surrounded by mountains and bisected by the Ping River. Visitors flock to experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere and delicious food unique to the region, and to venture out into the imposing mountains. The city resides on an elevated plateau approximately 1,000 feet above sea level.
Recently voted the world’s second-best city, Chiang Mai has a rich history and culture. Chiang Mai is home to 150,000 people, with a greater metropolitan population of around one million. This city has 700 years of ancient history and was a prominent place as the heart of Lanna culture. The fortressed Old City center was the former capital of the Lanna kingdom. This is one of the few cities in the world that still features an intact moat, which encircles the Old City. You’ll notice that the common mode of transport is to ride a songtaew (pronounced “song- tau”), or red truck-taxi. You’ll feel like a local as you zip around the streets.
From Chiang Mai, you can explore the mountains and visit hilltribe villages, learn to cook Thai food, visit elephants, or go bamboo rafting. Other popular activities include hiking in Doi Inthanon National Park (home of Thailand’s tallest mountain), savoring tasty street food, enjoying the nightlife, and witnessing the city’s many festivals and cultural celebrations.
Live The Local Life
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Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai’s most holy temple, constructed on the side of the mountain after an elephant carrying a relic of the Buddha died there. This beautiful temple is a must visit for Thai and foreigners alike.
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Sunday Walking Street Market
Chiang Mai’s biggest attraction, people from all over the region converge on the old city to sell homemade and unique northern style clothes, jewelry, art and other amazing souvenirs.
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Elephant Programs
Spend some time with these amazing animals and learn about efforts to look after them.
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Trekking
Chiang Mai is known for the surrounding mountains and their hilltribes that you can visit in a sensitive and responsible way for a truly unique and insightful experience.
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Thai Cooking Class
Enjoy a lesson about Thai herbs and vegetables, take a visit to a market to learn the names ,and then make several delicious dishes of your choosing.
Introduction to Chiang Mai's Internships Housing
Location
Homestay in Chiang Mai
Location
Students will live with a warm and welcoming Thai family in a private room.
Interns staying in Homestays can return to Chiang Mai every weekend and stay in a guesthouse. This enables to meet the other interns, participate in excursions and better explore the city.
Meals
Homestays include two meals per day
Inclusions and Amenities
- CommutePublic Transportation
- MealsHomestay
- Private Room
Apartments in Chiang Mai
Location
Students will live in double rooms in centrally-located hotel-style apartments. Among the amenities are TV, air conditioning, Wifi, and a small refrigerator.
Check out the photo gallery to get an idea of what the apartments are like.
Meals
You will find an amazing variety of cheap and tasty food all around.
Inclusions and Amenities
- Air conditioning
- BathroomShared
- Kitchen Equipment
- Television
- Wi-Fi
Shared Guesthouse in Chiang Mai
Location
Depending on the location of the internship, a small number of placements require interns to live in guest houses with other interns. Interns will have access to a full kitchen and shared lounge areas.
Check out the photo gallery to get a sense of what the shared guest houses are like.
Meals
This option does not include meals. Instead, cook for yourself in the guesthouse kitchen!
Inclusions and Amenities
- SharedBathroom
- CommutePublic Transportation
- Double Room
- Kitchen Equipment
- Study Areas
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in US dollars and include the following:
- Orientation in Chiang Mai
- Thai language (intro. lessons during orientation; two hours per week thereafter)
- Cultural values training to help acclimate you to Thai business culture
- Multiple excursions depending on the length of your program
- Internship placement and support
- Housing
- Medical and accident insurance
- Pre-departure and onsite orientation
- Financial aid counseling
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Airport pickup service
- On-site support
- The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival you’ll take part in a comprehensive orientation program. You’ll learn the “do’s and don’ts” of living in Chiang Mai. Where to go out, how to stay safe, where the shops and markets are, how to get around, and the likes will be among the topics covered in our orientation. In the afternoon you will participate in the Thai Cultural values training, where staff will cover the differences in working and communication style between Thailand and the West.
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
At the end of the program we will all get together for one last epic meal and talk about your adventures and experiences. Our staff will also share some precious tips on going back home feeling like a champ! Your study abroad experience is something to be cherished and shared with your family and friends back home.
Program Excursions
Elephant Sanctuary
Enjoy a day of friendly appreciation of elephants at one of Thailand’s most respected elephant sanctuaries. You’ll learn about the sanctuary’s role in the protection of these great creatures, and maybe even get to take a swim with them!
Trekking
A shorter day trip to visit the amazing mountains and national parks surrounding Chiang Mai, not only will you see some beautiful natural scenary, this is also a great opportunity to visit hilltribe villages in person and in a respectful and sustainable way.
Thai Cooking Class
During this excursion you will learn all about Thai fruits, vegetable, and herbs, visit the market and learn about the different ingredients and then make a few dishes of your own from scratch.
Site Director
Travel Tip:
Looking for a cool and exciting way to explore Bangkok? The whole city used to be based around canals, so jumping on a boat gives you a way to get out of the traffic and experience the real Bangkok.
Travel Tip:
Looking for a cool and exciting way to explore Bangkok? The whole city used to be based around canals, so jumping on a boat gives you a way to get out of the traffic and experience the real Bangkok.
About:
David was born in the UK and moved to the US when he was 16 and completed high school and University in Colorado. As an avid traveler, his first thought on graduation was to travel to Asia. He volunteered and lived with a family in Kathmandu for 2 months before traveling to Thailand. He quickly fell in love with the country and for the last 12 years has worked as a teacher, as a development officer in NGOs, and has worked with volunteers and study abroad programs for the last seven years. He has an MA in Asia Pacific Studies and is fluent in Thai. He loves his work because it allows him to share his love of Thailand and its people with participants and at the same time support the great things that people all over Thailand are doing every day.
Your Support Staff
Don’t overplan. Have a place to stay, pick a few major things you want to do, and then just get lost in the beauty of it all. If you plan too many activities, you miss out on stumbling into the most wonderful things that you’ll never forget.
Expect the unexpected! Sometimes culture shock is stronger in countries where you expect things to be more similar to your home country and environment. Traveling abroad is an excellent way to learn more about your own culture, habits, style, and adaptability.
You’ll be supported every step of the way!
Advising
Our advising team can help match you with a program that fits your academic and personal objectives. It’s not always an easy choice, but you can’t go wrong! Once you’ve decided, we’ll guide to you submit an online application.
Enrollment
Once you’ve submitted your initial application and the fee, you’ll be assigned a Program Enrollment Coordinator. We’ll work closely together to guide you through the enrollment process and prepare you for a life-changing experience!
Add-Ons
Add to your program for no extra fee!
As an intern, you have the opportunity to earn a micro-credential from CIS Abroad! Having a highly visible addition to your resume or LinkedIn profile can help you stand out from other job seekers. It’s a fast-track way to identify demonstrated skills that make YOU a more valuable contributor to an organization.
Learn more about the Working Across Cultures micro-credential.
HOW TO SIGN UP
If you’re interested in earning this micro-credential, please message your instructor by the beginning of the second week of your internship.
Dates & Prices
ADVISOR TIP: Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
- Application Deadline: Nov 1
- Arrival: January 6
- Departure: February 18 | March 4 | April 1
- Price: $4,390 - $5,690
- Application Deadline: Nov 1
- Arrival: February 3
- Departure: March 18 | April 1 | April 29
- Price: $4,390 - $5,690
- Application Deadline: Mar 1
- Arrival: May 5
- Departure: June 18 | July 2 | July 30
- Price: $4,390 - $5,690
- Application Deadline: Mar 15
- Arrival: June 2
- Departure: July 16 | July 30 | August 27
- Price: $4,390 - $5,690
- Application Deadline: Jun 1
- Arrival: September 1
- Departure: October 14 | October 28 | November 25
- Price: $4,390 - $5,690
- Application Deadline: Jul 1
- Arrival: October 6
- Departure: November 18 | December 2 | December 30
- Price: $4,390 - $5,690
- Application Deadline: Nov 1 (Estimated)
- Arrival: January 5 (Estimated)
- Departure: February 17 | March 2 | March 30 (Estimated)
- Price: $4,390 - $5,690 (Estimated)
- Application Deadline: Nov 1 (Estimated)
- Arrival: February 2 (Estimated)
- Departure: March 16 | March 30 | April 27 (Estimated)
- Price: $4,390 - $5,690 (Estimated)
- Application Deadline: Mar 1 (Estimated)
- Arrival: May 3 (Estimated)
- Departure: June 16 | June 30 | July 28 (Estimated)
- Price: $4,390 - $5,690 (Estimated)
- Application Deadline: Mar 15 (Estimated)
- Arrival: May 31 (Estimated)
- Departure: July 14 | July 28 | August 25 (Estimated)
- Price: $4,390 - $5,690 (Estimated)
Price range:
When 6, 8, and 12 weeks are available, the prices are as follows:
6 weeks: 4,390
8 weeks: 4,890
12 weeks: 5,690
As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.