Semester in Chiang Mai: Society and Culture of Thailand

The Semester in Chiang Mai: Society and Culture of Thailand program blends classroom learning with immersive field studies, ensuring students engage deeply with Thai language, history, sustainability, and culture. Each week is structured to balance coursework with hands-on exploration, providing a dynamic and experiential approach to learning.

Weekly Schedule Overview
Monday–Wednesday: Thai Language in the morning, followed by seminars in the afternoon.
Thursday: Full-day excursions integrated into course themes.
Friday-Sunday: Independent study and travel, reflection, and independent exploration.
Each course is designed to connect academic learning with real-world experiences, incorporating field visits, guest speakers, and interactive projects.

Contact admissions@isdsi.org to apply

Thai Language
Through intensive and practical instruction, students will build proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Thai. Classes focus on conversational fluency, emphasizing cultural contexts, etiquette, and real-world applications. Students will practice language skills in everyday settings—ordering food at markets, interacting with local communities, and navigating transportation. As a core part of the program, Thai language study enhances cultural immersion and deepens students’ engagement with their surroundings.

Thai History and Politics (Monday Seminars & Integrated Field Studies)
This course examines Thailand’s rich history and contemporary social dynamics, from ancient kingdoms to modern political movements. Topics include Buddhism’s role in society, economic development, and cultural identity in a globalized world. Visits to historic temples, exploring the old city inside the city walls, and discussions with local activists, historians, and others provide firsthand perspectives on how Thailand’s past shapes its present.

Sustainability in Thailand (Tuesday Seminars & Integrated Field Studies)
Thailand’s ecosystems and communities face critical challenges in balancing conservation, economic development, and cultural preservation. This course explores sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, forest conservation, and the impact of climate change. Field studies include visits to organic farms, sustainable coffee plantations, and national parks, as well as discussions with environmental activists and local farmers working toward ecological resilience.

Society, Culture and the Arts of Thailand (Wednesday Seminars & Integrated Field Studies)
To really understand a culture it is important to look at the arts, broadly defined. From ancient murals to contemporary street art, this course explores the incredible dive3-4 day trips)

• Northern Thai Village: Spend time in a rural farming community with a homestay family learning about daily life, farming, and the pace of life outside the cities.
• Karen Hilltribe Village: Live and learn in a Karen hill tribe village on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, to learn about indigenous cultures and sustainable living practices, including weaving and other traditional activities.
• Coastal Experience: Travel to a coastal village to study marine ecosystems and coastal community livelihoods.

Field Studies & Excursions (Thursday Full-Day Trips)
Excursions are an essential part of the learning experience, reinforcing classroom discussions with real-world applications. Some of the full-day field studies include:

• Historic Chiang Mai: Exploring temple murals, Lanna architecture, and the old city’s cultural landmarks.
• Buddhism & Temples: Engaging with monks in a temple setting to understand Buddhist philosophy and practice.
• Street Art & Music Scene: Meeting contemporary Thai artists and musicians to discuss modern creative movements.
• Eco-Tourism & Conservation: Trekking in Thailand’s national parks to study environmental challenges and solutions.
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Housing Info

In Chiang Mai, students will reside in modern, single-occupancy accommodations complete with their own ensuite bathroom. Located next to a vibrant market bustling with street food vendors, these residences allow for immediate immersion in local life and culinary delights, while giving you privacy to study, recover, and get ready for another day of exploration.

A short walk away, you’ll find the ISDSI Sustainable Campus—a dynamic hub equipped with a café, gym, yoga studio, classrooms, and a well-stocked library to support your studies and creative pursuits. This setting not only fosters independent living but also promotes an active, healthy lifestyle integrated with academic rigor.

When it comes time to explore life beyond the city, our homestay experiences in village settings offer a window into traditional Thai culture. Living with host families in these communities, you’ll gain firsthand insight into Thai cultural practices, sustainable living, and the rhythms of rural life—an essential contrast to the urban experience in Chiang Mai.

Together, these housing options create a balanced, immersive environment where you can thrive both academically and personally, gaining a deep, nuanced understanding of Thailand’s diverse cultural landscape.