MSID—Sustainability in Thailand (UofM Students)

Thailand has a vast geographical landscape, with water on three sides of the country and mountains and plains scattered throughout. These geographical differences lead to periods of extreme weather, which creates unique sustainability challenges for the country. In the northern city of Chiang Mai, you will study and observe sustainable development practices and the effects of climate change first hand. Work alongside local communities to investigate the relationship between environmental and natural resources challenges. Through daily classwork, field excursions, and a 6-week internship or research project, you will learn about the unique ways in which Thailand is working to create a sustainable country.

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.

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 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.

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.

• Foster an understanding of the global context through classroom and experiential learning
• Cultivate awareness and appreciation for critical global issues issues through engagement with local 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

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 nongovernmental 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, Leader 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.

• Spring 2025
• Fall 2024

Note: The schedule is subject to change based on onsite realities.

Pre-Departure Orientations

• Spring 2025
• Fall 2024

• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Academic Recommendation
• Transcript
• Home Institution Nomination

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on your application checklist.

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.