Program Details
Program Eligibility
Photos
Videos
MSID--International Development in Thailand
The Program Center
Program Map
Program Locations
Small, modern museum exhibiting works by contemporary artists from Thailand & other parts of Asia.
Neighborhood of cafes and restaurants.
Bangkok and other destinations
North (Chiang Rai) and other destinations
Each Sunday afternoon until midnight this street becomes a gallery for local arts & crafts.
The home base for the MSID Thailand program.
The oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating from the 13th century.
Chiang Mai International Airport acts as the northern hub for those flying to other parts of Thailand.
About
Learning from experience is the core of Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID). The program puts you in direct contact with the social and economic realities of actual communities and people working within them to address complex problems. Through classes, field trips, and an extended internship or research placement, MSID strives to establish a continual dialogue linking experience with theory and critical analysis. Learn more about the mission and educational philosophy at MSID Philosophy.
Thailand is the only southeast Asian country not colonized by European powers and a hub of manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The program includes a six-week internship or research project with a grassroots organization focused on entrepreneurship, health, human rights, or sustainability.
About the Program Center
The MSID Thailand Center is based at the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI), which has been in Chiang Mai, Thailand, since 1998. ISDSI is staffed by a mix of American, Thai, Karen, and Hmong instructors and support personnel, with a unique, team-based approach to teaching.
The new sustainably built center's amenities include WiFi, a library, a cafe, a gym, a yoga studio, and an outdoor cafeteria that serves fresh Thai lunches daily.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
You will live in a studio apartment that is a 5-minute walk from the MSID Thailand program center. If you choose an internship or research placement outside of Chiang Mai, you will stay in an apartment or rented room. If you stay in Chiang Mai, you will stay at your apartment or relocate to a different apartment in an area of the city closer to your placement. You will receive a weekly meal stipend.
Excursions
Although excursions change from semester to semester, you can expect to visit a variety of sites that may include local markets, development agencies, and areas of interest around Chiang Mai.
Flight
The Learning Abroad Center works with Village Travel, a local travel agency, to arrange a coordinated flight for program participants. The flight is optional, and is arranged for those who want to fly with other program participants. Group flight information is typically available by the program application deadline, if not before.
Ground transportation from the Chiang Mai International Airport (airport code: CNX) into Chiang Mai is provided by our partner organization and the cost is included in the program fee. The transportation schedule aligns with the group flight arrival time. Our partner organization comes to the airport once to collect everyone.
Therefore, you can either book a ticket on the coordinated group flight, or book a flight independently that arrives prior to the group flight's arrival. If you arrive late and miss the group, you may be responsible for arranging and paying for your own transportation into the city.
For immigration purposes, you should purchase a round-trip ticket, since you must be able to show your entry and exit dates from Thailand. You should also not enter the country more than 7 days prior to the start of the program.
Learning Outcomes
- Foster an understanding of the global context through classroom and experiential learning
- Cultivate awareness and appreciation for local issues through engagement with diverse communities
- Translate insights gained into thoughtful and respectful long-term perspectives on concepts of social justice and sustainable development
- Strengthen communication skills through acquisition of local languages and cultural awareness
- Gain cross-cultural competencies through extended engagement at a local grassroots organization
Faculty & Staff
A team of dedicated local staff based in Chiang Mai work to ensure that your MSID experience is safe, academically enriching, and rewarding. All MSID courses are taught by Thai faculty who are experts in their fields.
Mark A. Ritchie, Ph.D., Executive Director
Ajaan Mark has lived in Thailand for over 20 years, working with local communities, international development work, as well as international education. Originally from the United States, Mark studied the transition of agrarian rural communities in Northern Thailand, and has been involved in project evaluation and assessment, participatory development research, and training of local communities in Asia. He is the Executive Director of the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI). He founded ISDSI with his wife, Dana E.C. Ritchie, over 15 years ago, and is currently working on empowering local communities through international education.
Supawadee "A" Chimmanee, M.A, Program Director
Ajaan A works with ISDSI as the Program Director, assisting in planning, coordinating, and evaluating the MSID Thailand program. She also trains American students about Thai culture, including social and development issues in Thailand. Ms. Chimmanee has a BA in English from Srinakarinwirot University and is working toward an MA in Human and Environmental Management from Chiang Mai University, with a master’s thesis on the network model of natural resources management rights claim. In the past, she worked as a trainer and instructor for the Peace Corps Volunteers and as a project coordinator and in-country consultant for a number of nongovernment NGOs.
Wanlee Kongnim, M.Sc., MSID Coordinator
Kru Wanlee holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree from Chiang Mai University. She currently serves as the MSID Coordinator at ISDSI, acting as the primary point of contact for students in the program. Before joining ISDSI, Kru Wanlee coordinated the clinical research project aimed at expanding access to counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis.
Giuliana Zegarra, M.Sc, Lead Instructor
Ajaan Giuliana, a native of Peru, serves as the lead instructor for both the International Development course and the MSID Internship/Research at ISDSI. With over 10 years of experience, she has expertise in leading and managing international development projects across South America, the US, Thailand, and Cambodia. Giuliana's work spans from project conception to evaluation, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, capacity building, and sustainable solutions in the fields of Public Health and Agriculture. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's degree in Population and Development Studies from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium.
Program Structure
You are required to take 16 credits per semester.
Coursework
Spend 7 weeks engaged in coursework in Chiang Mai, followed by 6 weeks working as an intern or conducting a research project with a local grassroots organization. As an MSID student, you will enroll in 4 required courses, including an internship or research project:
- Historical & Political Context of Thailand: You will enroll in this interdisciplinary course, designed to provide context to your time in Thailand.
- International Development: Choose a theme to focus your studies and prepare you for your internship or research project. See theme descriptions for more information.
- Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Food Systems
- Health: OneHealth: Humans, Animals, & Environment
- Human Rights: Human Rights & Marginalized Communities
- Sustainability: Sustainable Architecture & Design
- Thai Language: Beginning and advanced beginning courses are available. If you have intermediate or advanced knowledge of Thai, contact LAC staff to discuss potential options. Select the one that corresponds to your language level.
- Internship or Research: You will choose to complete either an internship or a research project. The corresponding course will begin during the classroom phase and continue throughout the six weeks of your internship or research project. Your placement will correspond with the theme you chose in the International Development course.
Internships and Research Projects
The internship or research experience is the cornerstone of the MSID program. Your placement will be with an organization engaged in grassroots work related to your chosen international development theme.
During the classroom phase, the on-site staff will review your interests and attempt to place you with an organization whose goals match your objectives. Most requests within a general field can be accommodated, but adjustments may be made based on availability. You will work at least 25 hours each week. Details about the internship and research process are in the Program Handbook.
See a description of past internship and research placements. The chart below will help you differentiate between an internship and a research placement.
Theme | Internship Example | Research Example |
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Entrepreneurship | Meet with micro loan applicants and review loan application materials | Analyze the loan repayment rate at a microfinance organization |
Health | Provide support to health care professionals in a small regional hospital or clinic | Survey the hospital’s education and outreach plan to address local health disparities |
Human Rights | Provide support to an organization that provides job skill training for women | Analyze the wage gap between men and women in various sectors of the local economy |
Sustainability | Participate in an agroforestry project in collaboration with an organization that focuses on sustainability | Compare and contrast local and national research on the environmental impact of agroforestry programs |
Full Course List
Choose one course from each Course Type for a total of four courses and 16 credits. Refer to the main Academics tab for more detailed information about available courses.
Beginning Thai I
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Fall
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Spring
Thai language course provides skills and knowledge about Thai language and culture. This course uses a competency-based approach and is designed for beginners for whom Thai is a foreign language. This course emphasizes speaking, listening, and reading skills. Writing is integrated into the lesson to enhance reading and writing practice.
Thai language course provides fundamental skills for you to practice and build vocabulary, focusing on everyday phrases as well as vocabulary that may be useful at your internship sites. The topics and skills of each week can be flexible depending on your progress. As speaking and listening skills are emphasized, assessment will include comprehensive oral examination at the end of classroom phase.
- English
- Thai
International Development: Human Rights & Marginalized Communities
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Fall
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Spring
This course will focus on human rights and marginalized communities within Thailand, with an emphasis on communities in the northern portion of the country. Subject matter in this course will focus on how to best work with and serve vulnerable populations, in particular working on citizenship and orphan/vulnerable children, as well as human trafficking, disabilities, migrant workers, and LGBT issues in the Thai context, as well as minority issues, especially with the hill tribes of northern Thailand.
- English
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Social Sciences
International Development: Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Food Systems
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Fall
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Spring
This course will pay particular attention to how farmers, businesses, entrepreneurs engage in the process of agricultural and entrepreneurial development and how this development impacts food systems. Given the importance of agricultural-related production to northern Thailand, this course will focus on community support agriculture; the growing, processing, and production of coffee, tea, and chocolate (cacao) in northern Thailand; growth of fair trade/fair work cafes; sustainable agricultural practices and community supported agriculture; and community-based agrotourism.
- English
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Social Sciences
International Development: OneHealth: Humans, Animals, & Environment
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Fall
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Spring
This course will focus on the concept of “One Health”—integrating the health sciences so that health is understood as a broader concept rather than a narrow disciplinary focus. Topics discussed in this course will include public health; health education within local communities; veterinary and animal care; the relationship between human health and animal health; rural clinics and local urban hospitals; and traditional medicine.
- English
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Social Sciences
International Development: Sustainable Architecture & Design
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Fall
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Spring
This course will examine sustainable architecture and design practices in Thailand. Topics that will be discussed in this course include vernacular architecture, sustainable product design, urban planning, alternative/green power sources , sustainable engineering, and sustainable and alternative architecture. You will learn how design can be used in development to support sustainability, especially in the built and manufactured environment, drawing on culturally and ecologically appropriate design principles.
- English
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Social Sciences
Historical & Political Context of Thailand
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Fall
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Spring
This course explores the history of modernization, conditions of social transition, and current issues that characterize Thailand and influence relationships among various social groups. You will enhance your understanding of the process of modernization and multi-level adjustment of Thai society in different historical contexts. Cultural diversity, political transition, and economic development are integral in analyzing and understanding these topics.
- English
Research in Thailand
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Fall
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Spring
This course will introduce you to various research concepts and practices. You will experience making decisions involved in research as well as selecting a topic and title for your study, developing statements of problems and choice of research questions, and appropriate research design. You will also study issues related to research ethics, develop your skills in choosing data collection instruments, and analyze the data you collect for your research. This course introduces various topics in the research cycle and provides a forum in which you can share with one another your research experiences at each stage of the process.
- English
Internship in Thailand
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Fall
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Spring
This course provides a cross-cultural experience of working on various development issues with a regional nonprofit organization. The course focuses on guiding you to understand your own identity as you integrate theory with reality by participation in local development sites. You are prepared for entering into your community work through discussions on stakeholder and agency analysis, culture specific gender and diversity context, and power and privilege. You are urged to play an active role in your internships by providing suggestions, solutions, discussing alternatives, and investigating all areas of your internship placement to garner a holistic experience on the realities of development work. Through practical internship experiences as well as readings, discussions, and written assignments, you will deepen your understanding of the host-country cultural context, development work from an international perspective, and critically examine your own worldview.
- English
Global Identity
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Online (all terms)
Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills for future professional opportunities, and differentiating you from your peers.
This course is offered at no additional cost on programs 6 weeks or longer. There are several sections offered including: Honors, College of Liberal Arts, and Leadership Minor focused versions of the course. Additional details on how to request registration, deadlines, and a grade basis can be found on the Global Identity Course Information page.
Syllabus for Global Identity (FOST 3332)
Syllabus for Global Identity Honors (FOST 3331H)
- English
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Global Perspectives
Internships
As an MSID student, you will complete a research project or participate in an internship for six weeks. In either option, you will be placed with a local organization related to the theme you chose for the International Development course (Entrepreneurship, Health, Human Rights, Sustainability).
Internships involve participation in and observation of the daily activities of a local agency. You will put into practice the theories you learned in the classroom.
Below are examples of past students’ internships:
Entrepreneurship
- Assist with organizations that are training people to start and develop a small business
- Work in rural co-ops helping market locally produced goods and crafts
- Help with marketing the products of rural communities
- Work with organizations who are working to fund and develop small businesses for people in rural areas
- Get involved in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group and help promote farmer-to-consumer links
- Work in a local seed bank conserving heirloom seeds and indigenous crops
- Practice and learn organic agriculture in upland and lowland communities
Health
- Assist in the preparations of medical supplies for relief organizations that serve refugees
- Provide support at a home that serves children of families with HIV
- Collect information regarding traditional medical plant remedies that are used among indigenous people
- Help train community health workers by supporting staff of a relief organization that strives to provide health infrastructure for struggling communities
- Work with a relief organization with a focus on an HIV prevention project with migrants in Thailand
- Assisting in building mobile health clinics that will be used to improve the health of populations of internally displaced people
Human Rights
- Work with pre-school programs for ethnic minority children who live in rural hill tribes
- Assist and tutor students who are writing about environmental issues
- Work with organizations that are helping young girls who have been trafficked or are at risk of being trafficked
- Help human rights advocates on minority and refugee rights, statelessness and citizenship
- Work in a center focused on assisting young men and boys working in the red light district
- Be involved in rural education programs aimed at reducing child trafficking
- Work with upland tribal communities promoting Community Based Tourism to educate international visitors about local culture
- Help develop culturally appropriate curriculum for rural an minority communities
- Work with migrant students and children from around Southeast Asia
- Teach English in a local school or NGO project
Sustainability
- Learn how sustainable elements of vernacular architecture and how to use non-traditional materials in sustainable design at an architecture firm
- Assist with research on renewable energy that is suitable for Thailand
- Learn and live about self-sufficiency and sustainability but living with local Karen communities
- Intern with a university/NGO partnership forest nursery and reforestation project
- Research plant species that are suitable for reforestation
- Work with communities that are ready to reforest by sharing knowledge and follow up with reforestation
- Help build and set up solar system to communities or organizations that request
- Work with communities on setting up and documenting successful community forest activities
Research
As an MSID student, you will complete a research project or participate in an internship for six weeks. In either option, you will be placed with a local organization related to the theme you chose for the International Development course (Entrepreneurship, Health, Human Services, Sustainability).
A research project involves a systematic investigation of a specific topic, question, hypothesis, or theory. You will conduct research under the guidance of a project supervisor from the MSID program and a local organization.
Below are examples of past students’ research projects:
- The Thai Approach to Maternal and Child Healthcare: Through the Lens of a Sub-District Hospital
- International Limits: LGBTQ Stigma and Discrimination in Thailand
- Policy Implementation of Land Use: Kor Tor Chor (KCT) in Mae Jam, Thailand
- Reducing Disability Related to Physical Independence in Frail Adults over 65: Mae Sa Clinic
- NGOs Effectiveness in Fostering the Needs of Statelessness in Thailand
- The Prevalence and Impact of Cosmetic Medical Tourism in Northern Thailand
Human Subjects Reasearch
The governments of the United States and MSID countries have laws protecting human subjects of research. Due to the timeline for gaining the necessary permissions for doing research with human subjects, such research cannot be conducted while abroad on LAC program. However, there are still a wide variety of projects, that include interaction with people, that are available. See more information on options for Undergraduate Research Abroad.
International Development Themes
Select one of the four themes for your International Development course. This theme will focus your studies and prepare you for your internship or research project.
Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Food Systems
Entrepreneurship looks different in each cultural context. Examine the history, development, challenges, opportunities, and role of business and microfinance in the economic and social development of the local community. The theme includes an analysis of informal sector enterprises, the role of social entrepreneurship, and an overview of key aspects of microfinance.
Health: OneHealth: Humans, Animals, & Environment
Examine health care systems, the management and prevention of disease, and the philosophical approaches to health care, including the role of traditional medicine, through this theme. Specific topics for discussion may include holistic health, women’s and children’s health, public health, animal health, and rural vs. urban health care facilities.
Human Rights: Human Rights & Marginalized Communities
Understand how human rights are legislated and regulated at the policy level, as well as how they are implemented at the grass roots level. In particular, this theme will consider the impact on the most vulnerable members of society, including women, children, indigenous groups, people with disabilities, and homeless, migrant, and elderly populations.
Sustainability: Sustainable Architecture & Design
Investigate the relationship between environmental and natural resources challenges and the local community. This theme may cover critical issues, biodiversity, sustainable food and water sources, responsible agricultural practices, design practices, natural resource utilization and management, climate change, wildlife management, and sustainable development.
Program Dates
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
Note: The schedule is subject to change based on onsite realities.
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center provides pre-departure orientation in preparation for your time abroad. It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program-specific and important UofM registration information will be covered (academic registration, finances, arrival, housing etc.). Details will be sent to you via email.
The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:
Pre-Departure Orientations
Orientations | Date/Time | Location |
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Visa, Flights, and Entry into Thailand | TBD | Zoom |
MSID Thailand Program Specific Information | TBD | Zoom |
This program runs annually during the terms listed on the Snapshot page. Program dates are typically posted within a month of when each application cycle opens.
Spring 2025
Application Open Date: May 1, 2024
Application Deadline: October 15, 2024
Schedule | Date |
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Depart the US | Jan 10 |
Arrive in Thailand | Jan 11 |
Classroom phase ends | Mar 7 |
Spring break begins | Mar 8 |
Spring break ends | Mar 15 |
Internship phase begins | Mar 17 |
Internship phase ends | May 2 |
Final seminar begins | May 5 |
Last day of the program | May 9 |
Departure day | May 10 |
Fall 2024
Application Open Date: Dec 1, 2023
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Schedule | Date |
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Depart from the US | Aug 30 |
Arrive in Thailand | Aug 31 |
Classroom phase ends | Oct 25 |
Fall break period | Oct 26–Nov 2 |
Internship phase begins | Nov 4 |
Internship phase ends | Dec 13 |
Final assignment preparation week | Dec 16 |
Last day of the program | Dec 20 |
Depart from Chiang Mai | Dec 21 or 22 |
Fees
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Spring 2025
MSID Thailand: StandardApartment 1—Studio ApartmentSpring Semester 2025 |
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Program Fee
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Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
Tuition and educational costs | $15,842 |
International health insurance | $246 |
Housing and/or meals | $3,632 |
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
Total Program Fee | $20,120 |
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-1,000 |
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $19,120 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
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Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
Transportation to and from program siteStudents are responsible for booking their flight to and from Thailand. Students will receive details on how/when to book their flight. | $2,300 |
Passport/photos | $150 |
Visa/required documents | $100 |
Travel clinic/immunizations*It is strongly recommended that students be vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis. The vaccination is about $30-$50 in Thailand but can be $400+ in US. | $500 |
Housing deposit | $0 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $3,050 |
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
Texts/materials | $10 |
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeStudents will receive a weekly meal stipend. | $250 |
Essential daily living expensesIncludes cost of required cell phone. Students should plan on about $500 of the listed amount being use for local tranportation during the semester. | $1,000 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $1,260 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
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Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $23,430 |
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $750 |
Additional Notes & Information | |
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. |
Fall 2024
MSID Thailand: StandardApartment 1—Studio ApartmentFall Semester 2024 |
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Program Fee
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Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
Tuition and educational costs | $15,838 |
International health insurance | $230 |
Housing and/or meals | $3,632 |
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
Total Program Fee | $20,100 |
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-1,000 |
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $19,100 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
Transportation to and from program siteStudents are responsible for booking their flight to and from Thailand. Students will receive details on how/when to book their flight. | $2,300 |
Passport/photos | $150 |
Visa/required documents | $100 |
Travel clinic/immunizations*It is strongly recommended that students be vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis. The vaccination is about $30-$50 in Thailand but can be $400+ in US. | $500 |
Housing deposit | $0 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $3,050 |
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
Texts/materials | $10 |
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeStudents will receive a weekly meal stipend. | $250 |
Essential daily living expensesIncludes cost of required cell phone. Students should plan on about $500 of the listed amount being use for local tranportation during the semester. | $1,000 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $1,260 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $23,410 |
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $750 |
Additional Notes & Information | |
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. |
Apply
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Academic Recommendation
- Transcript
- Home Institution Nomination
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on your application checklist.
Application Review Process
After your application checklist is complete, your application is reviewed by our program team. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned an acceptance checklist, which you will complete to confirm your participation in the program. If you decide not to continue with the application process, log into the online application system and submit a Cancel Request.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Visa
Passport
You will need a passport to enter and exit Thailand. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your program. If you have not already obtained your passport, apply for one immediately. Information about applying for a passport can be found on the US Department of State's website.
Visa Application Instructions
You will receive detailed information on the visa process from MSID Thailand staff directly.
Visa and Flights
It is important to note that your student visa will only allow you to stay only an additional 7 days after the official program end date.
Timeline
You should begin the application process when instructed to do so by the MSID Thailand staff. If you who don't apply for your visa in a timely manner, you are not eligible for financial assistance with travel change fees.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Contact Program Alum
Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.
Ben Blazel—Spring 2024, Human Rights theme, Internship
Htoo Say—Spring 2024, Human Rights theme, Internship
Henning Hanson—Spring 2024, Entrepreneurship theme, Internship
Stephanie Bradt—Spring 2024, Sustainability theme, Internship
Hannah Lustig—Spring 2024, Human Rights theme, Internship