Summer in Asia
Thailand & Cambodia
The ultimate combination of academics, adventure, and culture
Live and learn in beautiful Salaya, just outside of bustling Bangkok. This academically- and culturally-engaging program is based at Mahidol University, one of the most well-regarded universities in Asia. At Mahidol’s International College, you’ll learn and socialize in an international environment. Enjoy a comfortable student community among authentic Thai culture in modern student residences near campus. This comprehensive program also includes multi-day trips to Chiang Mai and Cambodia, a visit to an elephant sanctuary, and plenty of social and cultural activities, leaving no doubt that you’ll make the most of your time!
What to Expect:
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Language: English and Thai
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Average Courseload: 1-2 courses (3-6 US credits)
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GPA Requirement: 2.5
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Visa Requirements: NONE Required!
Highlights:
- Comprehensive and affordable program that won't break the bank
- Study at Mahidol University, one of the most well-regarded universities in Asia
- Electives in English with Thai language and culture courses
- Comfortable housing and campus in the outskirts of Bangkok
- Multi-day trip to Cambodia, which includes a visit to Angkor Wat
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 at least 2 classes available
- History
- Thai
- International Business
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
During the Summer in Thailand program participants can take 1 course for 3 US credits, or 2 courses for 6 US credits.
If you decided to take two courses, you can choose to combine the ICMI 332: Diversity, Cross Culture and Expatriate Management course with either the ICML: 160: Intro to Thai Language and Culture OR the ICGS 113: Perspectives on the Thai Past, but you cannot take the ICML 160 and the ICGS 113 courses together because they take place at conflicting times.
The following courses will be offered for the Summer 2023 program:
ICML 160: Intro to Thai Language and Culture
This course will provide vocabulary and structures for everyday use and introduce basic aspects of Thai culture. After successful completion of this course, students will be able to handle basic communicative situations such as asking for and giving directions, ordering food and drinks, asking for prices and bargaining, and buying tickets. Students will also understand the importance of rice farming and ceremonies involving
growing rice and Buddhism in daily life.
ICGS 113: Perspectives on the Thai Past
The course provides an introductory overview of Thailand: history, political economy, and contemporary affairs. Lecture topics include Thai prehistory, the development of the modern Thai nation-state, the growth of the Thai economy, environmental concerns, regional affairs, and contemporary political developments.
ICMI 332 Diversity, Cross Culture and Expatriate Management
Theories and concepts of diversity and inclusion; surface-level diversity; generation; gender diversity; deep-level diversity; personality and values; meanings and dimensions of culture and cultural differences across the globe; analysis of similarities and differences in cultures and value systems and the impact on management practices; organizational cultures and diversity; cross-cultural communication and negotiation; management decision and control across cultures; motivation and leadership across cultures; an expatriate assignment; contemporary issues in expatriate management.
Please note: Course syllabi from previous terms provide a good indication of what to expect for your summer term, as they don’t typically vary too much from year to year. Once the new syllabi have been finalized they will be uploaded here. Please have additional courses approved by your home university in case of course changes later on.
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 US dollars and include the following:
- Cultural and social activities
- Excursions
- Full-time tuition and fees
- 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
- On-site support
- Official transcript from Mahidol University
- The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival you’ll take part in both the university and CISabroad orientation program. You’ll learn the “do’s and don’ts” of living in Thailand. Where to go out, how to stay safe, where to shops are how to get around. 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
Cambodia and Angkor Wat - Summer
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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!
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: Apr 1
- Arrival: June 23
- Departure: August 5
- Price: $4,690 - $5,590
Price range:
SUMMER 2023
Double Room, 3 credits: $4,690
Single Room, 3 credits: $4,890
Double Room, 6 credits: $5,390
Single Room, 6 credits: $5,590
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.