Semester in Thailand
Mahidol University
Study at a top university in the "Land of Smiles"
Make friends from around the world, explore beaches, and visit local Thai villages and iconic sites throughout the country for a life-changing semester! You’ll live and learn in Salaya, with easy access to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. You’ll be hosted by Mahidol University International College, a campus that caters to both international and local students. Hundreds of courses are on offer every semester, ensuring that you won’t miss a beat academically.
What to Expect:
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Language: English
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Average Courseload: 3-5 classes (9-15 U.S. credits)
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GPA Requirement: 2.5
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Visa Requirements: YES - Pre-departure
Highlights:
- Wide range of course offerings available
- Classes are in English
- Opportunities to interact with elephants and explore ancient ruins
- Take classes with Thai and international students
- Volunteer in the community by replanting mangroves lost to deforestation
Program Details
Mahidol University
Founded in 1888, Mahidol University has regal origins: former king Chulalongkorn founded Mahidol University in 1888 as the country’s first medical school. Since then, it has evolved into one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand. Mahidol ranks as the #1 university in all of Thailand and as one of the top 50 universities in Asia. You’ll get a top quality education in Bangkok, one of the world’s most fascinating cities!
Mahidol is recognized for the caliber of its students’ research, the quality of its faculty, and its outstanding achievements in both teaching and international academic collaboration. You won’t be the only study abroad student at Mahidol; in fact, you’ll be studying at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), which hosts international students from 50 countries around the world and enjoys AACSB accreditation. There are 16,500 students in total at Mahidol.
You can study a wide range of courses in business, health science, science and technology, and social science and humanities. Your courses will be taught in English at MUIC. Studying in Bangkok will give you an authentic and insightful perspective into the culture, history, and politics of Thailand and Southeast Asia. You’ll also experience a uniquely Thai combination of frenetic city energy and tranquil Buddhist spirituality. Come fall in love with the rich landscape of Thailand and the cultural beauty of the Thai people. This environment, coupled with the stellar academics at Mahidol, is the perfect equation for an unforgettable experience!
Accreditation: Ministry of Education in Thailand.
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) is AACSB accredited.
Areas of study with 8 or more classes available
- Art & Design
- Business
- Communications
- Education
- Engineering
- Health
- Humanities
- Natural & Applied Sciences
- World Languages
- Thai
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Course descriptions and catalog: CIS Abroad students are able to choose from any course at our partner school, Mahidol University International College (MUIC), as long as they meet the prerequisites.
Course Catalog
Explore a wide range of courses taught in English through MUIC. The first part of this document lists courses according to academic program. As a short-term, visiting student, you are not restricted to courses within just one program or according to the sequence provided in this document. You’ll also find all courses and their descriptions in the second part of the document, starting on page 154.
If you need a full syllabus, please reach out to your Program Enrollment Coordinator for assistance. You may see that the course schedule only has the term prior to the term that you are applying for. The final course schedule is available 4-6 weeks before the term begins. Your Program Enrollment Coordinator will share with you as soon as it has been released and we’ll walk you through the pre-registration process 4-6 weeks prior to departure. You can register for up to 6 courses initially to secure yourself a spot and will have the chance to drop/add during your first two weeks of the program.
You can use the courses from previous terms as a good indication of what to expect for your semester, as they don’t typically vary too much.
When reviewing the course list, we recommend you choose at least double the amount of courses for approval than you intend to take abroad in case the courses are not offered or if there is a time conflict. For instance, if you are planning on enrolling in four courses at MUIC, we recommend getting at least eight courses pre-approved.
Note: Mahidol University uses a Trimester system where Trimester 1 begins in September, Trimester 2 in January, and Trimester 3 in April.
**Please note that certain courses are not available to visiting students, such as Nursing Science Program courses, research project classes, or internships. See the full list of courses that are NOT available here. (Note: This is from a previous term so it may not be a perfect indication of which courses are not available.)
Any US university standards surrounding credits should be taken into consideration when selecting your number of courses. Not all courses will be worth 4 Thai credits (3 US credits), so if your university in the US has a credit minimum, you will need to meet that.
Why Life in Bangkok
How to sum up the thrilling city of Bangkok? Home to serene spiritual temples and pulsing nightlife, Bangkok is in a class of its own! Nearly 10 million people live in Thailand’s capital, which is a dynamic city synonymous with the exotic. Bangkok is also a dominant force in Asian finance and business. Moreover, it has global influences on politics, culture, fashion, and entertainment.
There’s a shroud of mystery over Bangkok that lures nearly 30 million visitors each year making it the world’s most popular destinations. Hop in a tuk-tuk (a three-wheeled motorized cart) and zip in and out of traffic as you visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the thousands of temples around the city. Discover and embrace the amazing international cuisine, bustling street markets, and extraordinary energy around you. Your study abroad program is located in the city of Salaya, with easy access by bus, private van, skytrain, or taxi into the heart of Bangkok.
Thanks to Bangkok’s proximity to the equator, you’ll enjoy warm weather year round. Take a break from the city to visit the many jungles, beaches, artisan villages, and cultural/historical sites in Thailand. Indulge yourself with a Thai massage, ride an elephant, take a cooking class, or learn the martial art of Thai boxing. Whether you’re exploring the cuisine, the tropical beaches on the coast, or the animated markets, Thailand will be an unforgettable study abroad experience!
Live The Local Life
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Chinatown
Yaowarat, one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world, experience amazing street food, narrow alleys packed with shops of all kinds, great snack and a unique cultural experience. Don’t forget to check on the 12 ton golden buddha at Wat Traimit, it was lost for almost 200 years.
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Siam BTS
Some of the biggest malls in Asia, see penguins, lamborghinis, watch an IMAX or go ice skating all in one of the busiest and most up-market parts of Bangkok.
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Asiatique
Take a boat down the river and enjoy Thai and other seafood along the waterfront in a beautiful setting.
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Chatujak Weekend Market
One of the biggest markets in Bangkok, more than you can see in a single day, a great place to find unique and beautiful Thai goods, presents, clothes and other souvenirs
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Kanchanaburi
Take a day trip to this small town to see the famous death railway from world war 2, and camp at the beautiful Erawan park,close to a seven level water fall.
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Street Food
Don’t forget to try some of the many kinds of amazing street food, this is one of the must do experiences for you stay in Thailand, sample the noodles, pat thai, curries, fresh fruit, homemade ice cream and so much more.
Off-Campus Residence Hall
Location
If you’re looking for a combination of creature comforts and an active atmosphere, Bundit is for you! The newly constructed Bundit residence is a large, modern facility comprised of several high-rise buildings. Bundit apartments come with many amenities, including an outdoor pool with a large spirit house, gym, restaurant, and convenience store.
There are double and single rooms that are spacious, boast very modern furnishings including a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a desk, and a refrigerator. Bundit has both self-service laundry as well as a laundry service, where you can drop your laundry and pick it up, finished and folded.
A shuttle service to campus is offered daily. Bundit is about a five-minute taxi or shuttle ride from Mahidol University, or a 20-25 minute walk. Central Salaya Mall is about a 10-minute cab ride from either housing location, so you can buy anything else you need there.
Check out the photo gallery to see what Bundit housing is like.
Meals
The apartments are self-catered so students will need to prepare or purchase their own meals. Although there are no kitchens in the housing, there are many inexpensive eateries with delicious local food.
Inclusions and Amenities
- BathroomEnsuite
- CommuteShuttle
- Double Room
- Fitness Center
- LaundryOn-siteService Available
- Pool
- Television
- Wi-Fi
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:
- Full-time tuition and fees
- Excursions
- Housing
- Medical and accident insurance
- CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
- Academic advising
- Financial aid counseling
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Pre-departure orientation
- Airport pickup
- Mahidol University transcript
- CIS Abroad orientation
- On-site support
- On-campus wi-fi
- The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival, take part in both Mahidol University and CIS Abroad orientation programs. Learn the “do’s and don’ts” of living in Thailand: where to go out, how to stay safe, where to shop, and more. In the afternoon, participate in the Thai Cultural values training, where staff will cover the differences in working and communication styles between Thailand and the West.
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
At the end of the program, gather 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
Cambodia and Angkor Wat - Semester
Spend two nights and two days in Cambodia, included in the program! You’ll explore Siem Reap, undertake a breathtaking sunrise visit to Angkor Wat and ruined temple at Ta Phrom, and cruise around on bicycles for a half-day tour of the surrounding countryside.
Inclusions: Flights to and from Cambodia, shared 3 star accommodation, private transport, Bangkok airport pickup and drop off, Angkor Wat ticket and guide, half day bike tour, 3 meals a day, and expert on site staff guidance from start to finish.
This excursion is scheduled for early in the program to jump start your experience!
Ko Chang
Visit the beautiful island of Ko Chang and stay with a local Thai family in a traditional house built over the water. You’ll snorkel in a national park and learn to fish for squid in the evening. A second day gives you time to sunbathe, swim, or kayak.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s must-visit locations in the picturesque north. You can swim with elephants at an animal sanctuary, take a Thai cooking class and shop for ingredients at the market, and walk around this 700-year-old city.
Bangkok City Tour
Visit the beautiful Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most holy temple where you will be dazzled by gold and jade. Ride a riverboat down Thailand’s “River of Life,” the Chao Praya, and glimpse the lifestyles of people who live in this so-called “Venice of the East.” Finally, visit Wat Pho, “Temple of The Reclining Buddha,” a 50-meter long, 200-year-old buddha.
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.
Travel Tip:
I always talk to the hotel staff and ask where to go and eat. But I don’t ask for their recommendation for me as a tourist, I ask where is their favorite place to eat. Once in Bali, our shuttle driver took us to his favorite diner and we got to eat the local food with our hands. It turned out to be one of the best meals we had in Bali.
Travel Tip:
I always talk to the hotel staff and ask where to go and eat. But I don’t ask for their recommendation for me as a tourist, I ask where is their favorite place to eat. Once in Bali, our shuttle driver took us to his favorite diner and we got to eat the local food with our hands. It turned out to be one of the best meals we had in Bali.
About:
With a background in social science and a master’s degree in international development from the U.K., I have more than 10 years’ experience in international program implementation and support in Bangkok and other countries. I love organizing events and meeting new people. I’m also passionate about traveling and believe that going to exotic places, learning about foreign cultures and new things in life make you grow as a person. My top three travel experiences are backpacking throughout Shangri-La, seeing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland, and driving through Jordan. If I’m not working or traveling, I enjoy spending my time at home and taking care of my cactus and roses.
Your Support Staff
You’ll be supported every step of the way!
Advising
Kaylee Klinger, our student advisor and 2x CIS Abroad alum, 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!
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.
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: Oct 15
- Arrival: January 3
- Departure: April 10
- Price: $9,890 - $10,490
- Application Deadline: Jun 15
- Arrival: September 3
- Departure: December 12
- Price: $9,990 - $10,690
- Application Deadline: Oct 15 (Estimated)
- Arrival: January 2 (Estimated)
- Departure: April 8 (Estimated)
- Price: $9,990 - $10,690 (Estimated)
Price range
Lower price: double room
Higher price: single room
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.