Learning Abroad Center
This program page is for UofM students. If you are a non-UofM student, visit MSID—International Development in Thailand
group posed in front of temple in Chiang Mai

MSID—International Development in Thailand (UofM Students)

Asia & Oceania
LAC Program

Study international development in Thailand, 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.

Program Details

Location
Location
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Term
Term
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Housing
Housing
Apartment
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
2.5

Photos

Videos

MSID--International Development in Thailand

The Program Center

Program Locations

MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum

Small, modern museum exhibiting works by contemporary artists from Thailand & other parts of Asia.

Latitude
18.757300
Longitude
99.091500
Nimmanahaeminda Road

Neighborhood of cafes and restaurants.

Latitude
18.797200
Longitude
98.965800
Arcade Bus Terminal

Bangkok and other destinations

Latitude
18.794700
Longitude
98.976800
Chang Phueak Bus Terminal

North (Chiang Rai) and other destinations

Latitude
18.794700
Longitude
98.976700
Tha Pae Walking Street

Each Sunday afternoon until midnight this street becomes a gallery for local arts & crafts.

Latitude
18.786400
Longitude
98.984100
International Sustainable Development Studies Institute ISDSI

The home base for the MSID Thailand program. 

Latitude
18.838600
Longitude
98.972200
Wat Chiang Man

The oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating from the 13th century.

Latitude
18.792900
Longitude
98.987800
Chiang Mai International Airport

Chiang Mai International Airport acts as the northern hub for those flying to other parts of Thailand.

Latitude
18.767800
Longitude
98.964000

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

Experiential Learning
Study Abroad Center

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. Students will receive a weekly meal stipend.

Excursions

Although excursions change from semester to semester, students 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 development 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.

MSID Thailand Staff

Mark A. Ritchie, Ph.D., Resident 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, Associate Director

Ajaan A works with ISDSI as an Associate 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, MSID Coordinator

Pi Wanlee works with ISDSI as the MSID Coordinator, serving as a main point person for students on the program. Prior to working with ISDSI, she worked on expanding access to counseling and testing for HIV/ADIS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis.

Program Structure

Program Level
3000–4000 level courses
Courseload

You are required to take 16 credits for fall or spring semester.

Coursework

MSID Timeline

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. MSID students enroll in 4 required courses, including an internship or research project:

Historical & Political Context of Thailand

All students will be enrolled 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. Students with intermediate or advanced knowledge of Thai should 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.

ThemeInternship ExampleResearch Example
EntrepreneurshipMeet with micro loan applicants and review loan application materialsAnalyze the loan repayment rate at a microfinance organization
HealthProvide support to health care professionals in a small regional hospital or clinicSurvey the hospital’s education and outreach plan to address local health disparities
Human RightsProvide support to an organization that provides job skill training for womenAnalyze the wage gap between men and women in various sectors of the local economy
SustainabilityParticipate in an agroforestry project in collaboration with an organization that focuses on sustainabilityCompare 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

Course ID
THAI 1001
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

Thai language course provides skills and knowledge about Thai language and culture. This courseuses 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 in the lesson in order to enhance reading and practicing writing specific phrases guided by homework assignments.

Thai language course provides fundamental skills for students to practice and build vocabulary focusing on everyday phrases as well as vocabulary that may be useful at their internship sites. The topics and skills of each week can be flexible depending on students’ progress. As speaking and listening skills are emphasized, assessment will include comprehensive oral examination at the end of classroom phase.

Syllabus for Beginning Thai I

Language Taught In
  • English
  • Thai

International Development: Human Rights & Marginalized Communities

Course ID
THAI 4001
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

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.

Syllabus for International Development: Human Rights & Marginalized Communities

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Social Sciences

International Development: Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Food Systems

Course ID
THAI 4002
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

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.

Syllabus for International Development: Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Food Systems

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Social Sciences
UofM Equivalent
Sustainability Studies minor: Biophysical Sciences elective.

International Development: OneHealth: Humans, Animals, & Environment

Course ID
THAI 4003
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

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.

Syllabus for International Development: OneHealth: Humans, Animals, & Environment

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Social Sciences

International Development: Sustainable Architecture & Design

Course ID
THAI 4004
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

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. Students 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.

Syllabus for International Development: Sustainable Architecture & Design

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Social Sciences
UofM Equivalent
Sustainability Studies minor: Design and Technology elective. Architecture: approved for upper division elective credit.

Historical & Political Context of Thailand

Course ID
THAI 4101
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

This course explores the history of modernization, conditions of social transition, and current issues that characterize Thailand and influence relationships among various social groups. Students will enhance their 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.

Syllabus for Historical & Political Context of Thailand

Language Taught In
  • English

Research in Thailand

Course ID
THAI 4201
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

This course will introduce the MSID student to: various research concepts and practices; experience decisions involved in research regarding selection of topic and title for their study, developing statements of problems and choice of research questions, appropriate research design; issues related to research ethics and; develop their skills in choosing data collection instruments and analysis of the data they collect for their research. It does this by introducing various topics in the research cycle and providing a forum in which students can share with one another their research experience at each stage of the process.

Syllabus for Research in Thailand

Language Taught In
  • English

Internship in Thailand

Course ID
THAI 4896
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

This course provides a cross-cultural experience of working on various development issues with a regional nonprofit organization. The course focuses on guiding students to understand their own identity as they integrate theory with reality by participation in local development sites. Students are prepared for entering into their community work through discussions on stakeholder and agency analysis, culture specific gender and diversity context, and power and privilege. The students are urged to play an active role in their internships by providing suggestions, solutions, discussing alternatives and investigating all areas of their 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, students will deepen their understanding of the host-country cultural context, development work from an international perspective, and critically examine their own worldview.

Syllabus for Internship in Thailand

Language Taught In
  • English

Global Identity

Course ID
OLPD 3332
Terms
  • Online (all terms)
1
Credit

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 six weeks or longer. There are several sections offered including: Honors, College of Liberal Arts, and Leadership Minor focused versions of the course. Here is a link to additional Global Identity Course Information for details on how to request registration, deadlines and grade basis.

 

Syllabus for Global Identity

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • 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

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.

See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.

Fall 2024 Pre-Departure Orientations

OrientationDate/TimeLocation
Visa, Flights, and Entry into ThailandTBDZoom
MSID Thailand Program Specific InformationTBDZoom

Fall 2024

Application Open Date: Dec 1, 2023
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

ScheduleDate
Fall students depart from the USAug 30
Fall students arrival in ThailandAug 31
Classroom phase endsOct 25
Fall break periodOct 26–Nov 2
Internship phase beginsNov 4
Internship phase endsDec 13
Final seminar beginsDec 16
Last day of the programDec 20
Depart from Chiang MaiDec 21 or 22

Spring 2024

Application Open Date: May 1, 2023
Application Deadline: October 15, 2023

ScheduleDate
Spring students depart the USJan 12
Spring students arrive in ThailandJan 13
Classroom phase endsMar 15
Spring break beginsMar 16
Spring break endsMar 23
Internship phase beginsMar 25
Internship phase endsMay 3
Final seminar beginsMay 6
Last day of the programMay 10
Departure dayMay 11/12

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

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.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.

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.

Fall 2024

MSID Thailand: Standard

Apartment 1—Studio Apartment

Fall Semester 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
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

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
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 and local transportation. $750
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $1,010

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $23,160
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.

Spring 2024

MSID Thailand: Standard

Apartment 1—Studio Apartment

Spring Semester 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $15,271
International health insurance $242
Housing and/or meals $3,442
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $19,355
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $-1,000
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $18,355

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
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. $2,000
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 and can be $400+ in US. $500
Housing deposit $65
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,815
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $100
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeStudents will receive a weekly meal stipend of ?3,150. $250
Essential daily living expensesIncludes cost of required cell phone and local transportation. $750
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $1,100

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $22,270
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.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

US Passport holders require a visa to study on this program. In order to obtain a visa, you must have a valid passport. Current US passport processing times are longer than normal. If you do not have a passport, or your passport expires less than 6 months after your return date from your time abroad, apply for a new passport now.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is required for participation in this program. Complete your COVID-19 vaccine doses immediately.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

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

Students 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. Students who don't apply for their visa in a timely manner are not eligible for financial assistance with travel change fees. 

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Ashley Metz or call at 612.625.9805

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.

 

Anna Evans, Fall 2021, Entrepreneurship theme

Yuki Nagaoka, Fall 2021, Human Rights theme

Anna Phommachanthone, Fall 2021, Entrepreneurship theme

Gaonu Yang, Fall 2021, Human Rights theme