UCC-12-005
TO:
FROM:
University Curriculum Committee
International Programs Office
RE:
Approval of new USAC Island Program
DATE:
August 18, 2011
The International Programs Office at the University of Idaho requests approval of a new USAC Island program. All
USAC island programs require UCC’s approval before the Office of the Registrar will begin accepting the credit as
institutional credit.
Thailand
Chiang Mai
Asian-Pacific Rim Economics, Cultural and Political Studies
Fall 2011 / Spring 2012
•
•
•
•
Live and study in the center of Thai trade, tourism, and academic activity
Enjoy a wide range of field trips, including a weekend with a Thai family
Explore “the land of smiles,” a country that is 95% Buddhist
Visit lovely mountain regions featuring rivers, rainforests, national parks, nature preserves, and tea and
coffee plantations
Host University:
Chiang Mai University
USAC Specialty Program—US credit
Maximum program enrollment:
40 students
Language of instruction:
English/Thai
Minimum GPA:
2.5
Application deadline:
Fall semester and Yearlong:
June 15
Spring semester:
November 1
Please apply early to ensure a space. Late applications will be accepted if space is available.
CALENDAR
Occasionally dates need to be changed; please visit the USAC website for updates.
Fall Semester
August 27, 2011
Departure from the US on optional group flight
August 28
Arrival in Chiang Mai, move into program housing
August 29
Orientation and registration
August 30
Chiang Mai City Tour
August 31
Classes begin
October 17-21
Mid-term examinations
December 8
Classes end
December 12-18
Final examinations
December 19
Program end date; move out of program housing
Open return
Students establish their own date of return
Spring Semester
UCC-12-005
January 4, 2012
January 5
January 7
January 8
January 10
March 7-11
May 6
May 9-13
May 13
Open return
Departure from the US on optional group flight
Arrival in Chiang Mai, move into program housing
Orientation
Chiang Mai city tour
Classes begin
Mid-term examinations
Classes end
Final examinations
Program end date; move out of program housing
Students establish their own date of return
WHY STUDY IN CHIANG MAI?
The Chiang Mai program is ideal for students who are interested in the economics, philosophy, politics, religions,
culture and language of Thailand as well as those of other Southeast Asian countries. In addition to these specialized
areas, you can take general courses that can be used to fulfill degree requirements at your home university. The
program integrates these disciplines in order to respond to the ever-changing issues and events surrounding
Thailand and Southeast Asia. Participation in formal and informal activities, including field trips and optional field
studies, also form an integral part of the program.
The Chiang Mai program has a Resident Director who is responsible for the overall operations of the program:
securing appropriate student housing, hiring outstanding faculty, organizing exciting field trips, and overseeing your
general well-being. Phatcharakran “Jha Jaah” Intanaga is the Resident Director for the Chiang Mai program. She is a
native of Chiang Mai. Jha Jaah received her two Master’s Degrees in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and
Public Administration from Chiang Mai University, where she teaches English and Linguistics. She will meet the
group flight at the airport and provide an on-site orientation as well as additional support and resources while you are
on the program.
THAILAND
Capital: Bangkok
Language: Thai
Currency: Thai baht (THB)
CHIANG MAI
Population: approx. 1 million
Distance from Bangkok: 362 miles
Distance from Phuket: 754 miles
Chiang Mai is located on the Ping River in Northern Thailand and dates back over 700 years. Surrounded by high
mountain ranges, it is considered one of the most scenic areas in the country. Unlike most of Thailand, the climate in
the north—and especially in Chiang Mai—is cool, fresh, and misty. The region is full of lush jungles, national parks,
and over 300 Buddhist temples. Historically and culturally important for trade, Chiang Mai province is the second
largest province in Thailand.
Thailand is strategically located in the heart of Southeast Asia and is an important center of the region. It has a
population of 67 million people, 95% of whom are Buddhist. Although industrialization and modernization have
brought energy to the lifestyle of Chiang Mai, one can still find beautiful old temples and palaces among the
skyscrapers. The saying that Thailand is the "land of smiles" is still true, especially in the rural areas where traditional
agrarian lifestyles survive. While eastern and southern Thailand is famous for its seaside resorts, the north and west
are well known for its peaceful mountains and hill-tribe treks. Thailand is a tourist gateway and the friendliness of Thai
people makes travel in Thailand and the surrounding region easy.
CHIANG MAI UNIVERSITY
The USAC program is located at Chiang Mai University (CMU), a university recognized throughout Southeast Asia for
its high academic standards. Founded under a Royal Charter in 1964 by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, CMU
was the first institution of higher education in Northern Thailand. Comprised of four campuses, CMU hosts the USAC
program on the SuanSak campus, located approximately five km west of the city center. Set against the backdrop of
Doi Suthep Mountain, the campus occupies an area of 615 acres and houses the faculties of Agriculture,
Architecture, Business Administration, Science, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Fine Arts,
Economics, Law, Mass Communication, Political Science and Public Administration, as well as the College of Arts,
Media and Technology, the Graduate School, and three Research Institutes. The newly opened International Centre
for Education (ICE) welcomes our students.
UCC-12-005
CMU continues to rise in national and international rankings for research universities, and has incorporated a focus
on internationalization into its long-term goals. CMU currently offers more than 60 international training courses, three
international undergraduate degrees, and 23 international postgraduate degree programs.
LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS
Apartments—Two apartment locations are available, both of which are close to campus and convenient to Chiang
Mai Airport. The Sa-naguan Malee Mansion and Sinthana Resort both offer fully furnished double rooms equipped
with air-conditioning, hot and cold water, television, cable TV, refrigerator, and high speed internet for daily or monthly
rental.
OPTIONAL FIELD TRIPS
Your orientation will include a city tour of Chiang Mai. This field trip is included in your program fees.
One- or two-day field trips are also organized to visit important historic, cultural, commercial, and resort sites not far
from Chiang Mai. These trips have a nominal cost and will be organized by local tour operators. Potential field trips
include local museums and cultural sites, some of the oldest historical temples in Chiang Mai such as Wat Doi
Suthep, villages specializing in producing Northern Thai handicrafts, including celadon, silk, and intricately decorated
Thai umbrellas and lacquerware, and visits to nearby natural areas, including ecotours of the rainforest canopy and
rafting. More information and the opportunity to sign up will be provided upon your arrival.
USAC also encourages students to voluntarily join social service activities such as helping those with AIDS, teaching
English to young students in local schools and children at the leprosy colony, joining rural development projects, and
cleaning and painting Buddhist temples.
HILL TRIBE OPTIONAL FIELD STUDY AND TOUR
This optional two-day field study/tour offers the opportunity to explore the Karen Hill Tribe villages on the way to
Intanont Mountain, the highest mountain in Thailand. The villages are surrounded by magnificent rice terraces and
coffee plantations. The itinerary includes a guided tour to pick edible wild fruits in the forest, swimming in the famous
and beautiful waterfalls, relaxing and drinking local fresh-brewed coffee, and enjoying campfire cultural performances
by Karen people and students in the evening. On the return trip, students can stop for an elephant ride and bamboo
rafting. USAC encourages each student to enroll; however, this segment of the program is optional and has an
additional fee. Students have the option to participate as a tour or as a field study for credit; to receive credit, students
must be registered for the 1-credit course.
COURSES
Asian-Pacific Rim Economics, Cultural and Political Studies
Taught in English
The following courses are designed to familiarize you with the region and help complete requirements for other
disciplines. This list of courses is subject to minor changes; course availability is subject to student interest and
enrollment. Please visit the USAC website for complete course descriptions. A minimum of 12 credits is required per
semester; while you may enroll in up to 18 credits, we recommend you enroll in 12-15 credits in order to have time to
fully experience the local area’s culture and people.
Fall Semester
•
ASEAN Trade and Economics (ECON, 400-level, 3 credits)
•
Buddhist Philosophy (PHIL, 300-level, 3 credits)
•
Hill Tribe Field Study (ANTH, 400-level, 1 credit) This course has an additional fee for the tour.
•
Hill Tribe Peoples and Culture (ANTH, 400-level, 3 credits)
•
Introduction to Thai Language (FLL, 100-level, 3 credits)
•
International Finance (MGT, 300-level, 3 credits)
•
International Relations (PSC, 400-level, 3 credits)
•
Political Economy of Southeast Asia (PSC, 300-level, 3 credits)
•
Thai Cuisine (NUTR, 400-level, 1 credit)
•
Thai Society and Culture (ANTH/SOC, 100-level, 3 credits)
Spring Semester
•
Comparative Political Systems (PSC, 300-level, 3 credits)
•
Gender Studies (SOC, 300-level, 3 credits)
•
Hill Tribe Field Study (ANTH, 400-level, 1 credit) This course has an additional fee for the tour.
•
Hill Tribe Peoples and Culture (ANTH, 400-level, 3 credits)
•
International Business Management (MGT, 300-level, 3 credits)
•
Introduction to Thai Language (FLL, 100-level, 3 credits)
UCC-12-005
•
•
•
Money and Banking (ECON, 400-level, 3 credits)
Thai Civilization (ANTH/SOC, 100-level, 3 credits)
Thai Cuisine (NUTR, 400-level, 1 credit)
RESOURCES
In Search of Southeast Asian History by Davis Seinbert
Thailand: Travel Survival Kit by Joe Cumming
Travelers’ Tales: Thailand by James O’Reilly and Larry Habegger
www.thailandtravelguide.com
www.tourismthailand.org
PAYMENT DEADLINES
$300 with application ($200 deposit, plus $100 non-refundable application fee)
Fall Semester and Yearlong
Cancellation deadline to receive deposit refund: June 15
$800 position hold payment due June 15
Fall balance due July 15
Yearlong: 25% of spring payment due October 15
Yearlong: remaining spring balance due December 1
Spring Semester
Cancellation deadline to receive deposit refund: November 1
$800 position hold payment due November 1
Balance due December 1
PROGRAM FEES
Fall or Spring semester—$3,280
Fall and Spring semesters (with $500 yearlong discount)—$6,060
Program fee includes:
•
tuition and fees
•
personalized pre-departure advising
•
immigration visa assistance
•
parental support and advisement
•
financial aid/scholarship advising and assistance
•
transcript assistance
•
student health insurance
•
orientation and tour of Chiang Mai
•
host university student ID card
•
24-hour local staff support
•
program organized field trips
•
local travel resources, tips, and suggestions
•
volunteer opportunities
Estimated expenses not included in fees:
Expenses incurred on-site are listed in local currency as exchange rates fluctuate daily.
•
airfare—$1,300-1,450 (US group flight available)
•
apartment fees – 5,000-6,000 THB/month
•
meals—9,470 THB/month
•
personal expenses—6,310-7,890 THB/month
•
textbooks—3,790 THB/semester
•
student visa—$175
•
field trip(s)—1,580-3,160 THB/semester
•
Hill Tribe Field Study—$100 (not including elephant and/or bamboo raft trip)
See the Money Matters section of the USAC website for more financial information and help.
Thailand
Chiang Mai
Asian-Pacific Rim Economics, Politics, and Culture Studies
Summer 2012
•
Chiang Mai
•
•
•
Live and study in a center of Thai trade, tourism, and
academic activity
Enjoy a wide range of field trips, including a field study with
the Karen Hill Tribe people
Explore “the land of smiles,” a country that is 95% Buddhist
Visit lovely nearby mountain regions—featuring rivers,
rainforests, national parks, nature preserves, and tea and
coffee plantations
Apply online at http://usac.unr.edu 145
Chiang Mai
Thailand
CALENDAR
Occasionally dates need to be changed; please visit the USAC website for updates.
(6-week session)
June 15, 2012
Departure from the US on optional group flight
Host University:
Chiang Mai University
June 16
Arrival in Chiang Mai | Move into housing
June 18
Mandatory orientation
USAC Specialty Program—
US credit
June 19
Courses begin
June 20
Reception Dinner
June 23
Tour of Chiang Mai
July 7-8
Optional Hill Tribe Tour/Field Study
July 21-22
Optional Tour—Chiang Rai Provence
July 24
Farewell Party
July 25-27
Final examinations
July 29
Move out of housing | Program end date
Open return
Students establish their own date of return
Length of program:
One 6-week session
Maximum program enrollment:
40 students
Language of instruction:
English/Thai
Minimum GPA:
2.5
Application deadline:
April 1
Please apply early to ensure a space.
Late applications will be accepted if
space is available.
WHY STUDY IN CHIANG MAI?
The Chiang Mai summer program offers one six-week session and is ideal for students
who are interested in the economics, philosophy, politics, religions, culture, and
language of Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. The program integrates
multiple disciplines in order to respond to the ever-changing issues and events
surrounding Thailand and Southeast Asia. The academic coursework, however, is only
part of the value of a summer abroad. Participation in formal and informal activities,
including field trips and optional field studies, also form an integral part of the program.
Cultural courses, including Thai Cuisine or Thai Kickboxing, also provide an opportunity
to enrich your experience.
The Chiang Mai program has a Resident Director who is responsible for the overall
operations of the program: securing appropriate student housing, hiring outstanding
faculty, organizing exciting field trips, and overseeing your general well-being.
Phatcharakran “Jha:Jaah” Intanaga is the Resident Director for the Chiang Mai program.
She is a native of Chiang Mai. Jha:Jaah received her Master’s Degrees in Teaching
English as a Foreign Language and Public Administration from Chiang Mai University,
where she teaches English and Linguistics. She will meet the group flight at the airport
and provide the mandatory on-site orientation as well as additional support and
resources while you are on the program.
CHIANG MAI AND THAILAND
Thailand—Chiang
Thailand—Bangkok
Mai
THAILAND
Capital: Bangkok
Language: Thai
Currency: Thai baht (THB)
Resident Director
Phatcharakran “Jha:Jaah” Intanaga
Cover Photo Credit:
USAC Thailand
Photo Above:
USAC Thailand
146
1-866-404-USAC
CHIANG MAI
Population: 1 million
Distance from Bangkok: 362 miles
Distance from Phuket: 754 miles
Known as the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai is located on the Ping River in Northern
Thailand and dates back over 700 years. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it is in
one of the most scenic areas in the country. Unlike most of Thailand, the climate in the
north—and especially in Chiang Mai—can be cooler, with rain and mist, but it still has
tropical heat and humidity. The region is full of lush jungles, national parks, and over 300
Buddhist temples. Historically and culturally important for trade, Chiang Mai Province is
the second largest province in Thailand.
As a city of cultural, trading, and economic prominence for hundreds of years, Chiang
Mai is host to many historical and cultural landmarks. There are over 700 temples in
Chiang Mai alone. The famous “night market” is a sprawling tourist attraction that offers
all sorts of trinkets, local handicrafts, food shops, and shows. Its tiny passageways and
beautiful old temples and palaces among
the skyscrapers. The saying that Thailand is
the “land of smiles” is still true, especially in
the rural areas where traditional agrarian
lifestyles survive. While eastern and
southern Thailand are famous for seaside
resorts, the north and west are well known
for peaceful mountains and hill-tribe treks.
Thailand is a tourist gateway and the
friendliness of Thai people makes travel in
Thailand and the surrounding region easy.
CHIANG MAI UNIVERSITY student use and the neighborhood hosts
numerous coffee shops, cafes, stores,
banks, and post offices conveniently near
campus.
The SuanSak campus houses the faculties
of Agriculture, Architecture, Business
Administration, Science, Engineering,
Humanities, Social Sciences, Education,
Fine Arts, Economics, Law, Mass
Communication, Political Science and
Public Administration, as well as the
College of Arts, Media and Technology,
the Graduate School, and three Research
Institutes. The newly opened International
Centre for Education (ICE) welcomes our
students. CMU continues to rise in national
and international rankings for research
universities, and has incorporated a focus
on internationalization into its long-term
goals. CMU currently offers more than
sixty international training courses, three
international undergraduate degrees, and
twenty-three international postgraduate
degree programs.
In the local community, USAC also
encourages students to voluntarily join
social service activities such as helping
those with AIDS, teaching English to
young students in local schools and
children at the leprosy colony, joining rural
development projects, and cleaning and
painting Buddhist temples.
“Everyone chooses Europe. I wanted something different.”
Apply online at http://usac.unr.edu 147
Thailand—Chiang Mai
The USAC program is located at Chiang
Mai University (CMU), a university
recognized throughout Southeast Asia
for its high academic standards. Founded
under a Royal Charter in 1964 by His
Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, CMU
was the first institution of higher education
in Northern Thailand. With an enrollment
Thailand is strategically located in the heart of 40,000 students, CMU is comprised
of four campuses. CMU hosts the USAC
of Southeast Asia and though relatively
program on the SuanSak campus, located
small (Texas is ten times bigger than
approximately five kilometers west of
Thailand) it is an important center of the
the city center. Set against the dramatic
region. Known as Siam until 1939, the
backdrop of Doi Suthep Mountain, the
Kingdom of Thailand is a constitutional
campus occupies more than six-hundred
monarchy, with a prime minister and
acres with a reservoir and beautiful
a royal family. It has a population of
vegetation, including protected teak wood
62 million people, 95% of whom are
trees that may not be cut down, palm
Buddhist. Although industrialization and
modernization have brought energy to the trees, and amazingly oversized foliage
as big as the buildings themselves. Free
lifestyle of Chiang Mai, one can still find
electric campus shuttles are available for
Photo Credit: Olivia Lin
Photo Credit: USAC Thailand
colorful booths are great fun to explore,
however there are many side streets of
shops and restaurants away from the
touristy zone where students can find
authentic local cuisine and truly start to
experience all that Chiang Mai has to offer.
Near the city there are national parks and
nature preserves, including the highest
mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon,
Obkhan, and Doi Pui Suthep National
Park. Located just outside of town, Wat
Doi Suthep Buddhist temple overlooks
the city—and Chiang Mai University—
from the top of Doi Pui Suthep. Students
traditionally hike to the top as part of an
annual tradition; once they arrive at the
top they find the elaborate temple with
its pure gold dome, the beautiful view
of the city, dancing shows by local hill
tribe children, musicians, vendors, and a
marketplace.
Apartments—Three apartment locations
are available, all of which are close to
campus and convenient to Chiang Mai
Airport. Typically, these options are fully
furnished double rooms equipped with
air-conditioning, hot and cold water,
refrigerator, and high speed internet for
daily or monthly rental. Many affordable
and convenient restaurants and cafes are
nearby.
There is a surcharge to have a single
room in all three options. One of the
three options includes breakfast; there is a
surcharge for the breakfast option.
FIELD TRIPS, TOURS, AND FIELD STUDIES
Optional Field Trips and Tours
One- or two-day field trips and tours are
also organized to visit important historic,
cultural, commercial, and resort sites not
far from Chiang Mai. These trips have a
nominal cost and will be organized by local
tour operators. Potential field trips include
local museums and cultural sites, some
of the oldest historical temples in Chiang
Mai such as Wat Doi Suthep, villages
specializing in producing Northern Thai
handicrafts including celadon, silk, and
intricately decorated Thai umbrellas and
lacquerware, and visits to nearby natural
areas, including ecotours of the rainforest
canopy and rafting. More information and
the opportunity to sign up will be provided
upon your arrival.
brewed coffee, and enjoying campfire
cultural performances by Karen people and
students in the evening. On the return trip,
students can stop for an elephant ride and
bamboo rafting. USAC encourages each
student to enroll; however, this segment
of the program is optional and has an
additional fee. Students have the option to
participate as a tour or as a field study for
credit; to receive credit, students must be
registered for the 1-credit course. You will
sign up for the tour or register for the field
study on your course and tour selection
form.
Optional Hill Tribe Tour and Field
Study
This optional two-day tour/field study
offers the opportunity to explore the
remote Karen Hill Tribe villages on the
way to Intanont Mountain, the highest
mountain in Thailand. The villages are
surrounded by magnificent rice paddy
fields, green mountains, and coffee
plantations. The itinerary includes a guided
tour to pick edible wild fruits in the forest,
swimming in the famous and beautiful
waterfalls, relaxing and drinking local fresh-
Optional Tour—Chiang Rai Province
This optional tour to Chiang Rai Province,
the northernmost province in Thailand,
includes the famous golden triangle
and a visit to the mighty Mekong River.
USAC encourages each student to enroll;
however, this segment of the program is
optional and has an additional fee. You will
sign up for the tour on your course and
tour selection form.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Nota
Thailand—Chiang Mai
Your orientation will include a city tour of
Chiang Mai. This field trip is included in
your program fees.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Nota
Photo Credit: Kelly Robbins
LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS
148
1-866-404-USAC
COURSES
Taught in English
You may enroll in up to seven credits, plus one additional credit for the Field Study. This list of courses is
subject to minor changes; course availability is conditional on student interest and enrollment. Please
visit the USAC website for complete course descriptions. Prerequisites for all courses will be verified
during course registration.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ASEAN Trade and Economics (ECON, 400-level, 3 credits)
Buddhist Philosophy (PHIL, 300-level, 3 credits)
Comparative Political Systems (PSC, 300-level, 3 credits)
Gender Studies (SOC/WS, 300-level, 3 credits)
Hill Tribe Field Study (ANTH, 400-level, 1 credit) This course has an additional fee.
Hill Tribe Peoples and Culture (ANTH, 400-level, 3 credits)
International Business Management (MGT, 300-level, 3 credits)
International Relations (PSC, 400-level, 3 credits)
Introduction to Thai Language (FLL, 100-level, 1 credits)
Thai Cuisine (NUTR, 400-level, 1 credit) This course has an additional fee.
Thai Kickboxing (no credit) This course has an additional fee.
Thai Society and Culture (ANTH/SOC, 100-level, 3 credits)
Traditional Thai Massage (no credit) This course has an additional fee.
Apply online at http://usac.unr.edu 149
Thailand—Chiang Mai
Photo Credit: Alyssa Nota
“I love Thailand! It’s a
beautiful country. Thank you
so much. It was an amazing
experience and USAC made
that possible.”
RESOURCES
Program Fees
In Search of Southeast Asian History (Davis
Seinbert)
Summer Session—$2,880
Thailand: Travel Survival Kit (Joe Cumming)
Program fee includes:
Travelers’ Tales: Thailand (James O’Reilly and
Larry Habegger)
• tuition and fees
• housing placement
• housing fees (double occupancy, without
breakfast)
• personalized pre-departure advising
• immigration visa assistance
• parental support and advisement
• financial aid/scholarship advising and
assistance
• transcript assistance
• student health insurance
• USAC mandatory orientation in Chiang Mai
• host university student ID card
• 24-hour local staff support
• program-organized field trips
• local travel resources, tips, and suggestions
• volunteer opportunities
www.thailandtravelguide.com
www.tourismthailand.org
PAYMENT DEADLINES
The deposit and position hold payment apply
to your program fee; they are not additional
charges.
• $300 due with application ($200 deposit,
plus $100 non-refundable application fee)
• Cancellation deadline to receive deposit
refund: April 1
• $800 position hold payment due April 1
• Balance due May 1
Estimated expenses not included in fees:
Expenses incurred on-site are listed in local currency
as exchange rates fluctuate daily.
• airfare—$1,950-2,100 (US group flight
available)
• housing:
• single room surcharge (without
breakfast)—$155/session
• surcharge for option that includes
breakfast (double)—$155/session
• surcharge for option that includes
breakfast (single)—$310/session
• meals—9,470 THB/month
• personal expenses—6,310-7,890 THB/
month
• textbooks—3,790 THB
• student visa—$175
• optional field trips and tours—1,580-3,160
THB
• Hill Tribe Tour/Field Study—$200 (including
elephant and/or bamboo raft trip)
• Thai Cuisine course fee for materials and
ingredients—$150
• Thai Kickboxing course fee—300 THB/
training session
• Traditional Thai Massage course fee—TBD
Photo Credit: USAC Thailand
Thailand—Chiang Mai
See the Money Matters section of the USAC website for more financial information, including
help with financing and scholarship resources.
150
1-866-404-USAC