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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Business, Hospitality, Social Science & STEM
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Location
Bangkok
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Host University
Mahidol University
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Term
Fall 1 2021
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Program Dates
Aug 22, 2021 - Dec 15, 2021
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
May 15, 2021
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Forms and Payment Deadline
May 30, 2021
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Credit
16 Host University Units
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$9,795
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
Immerse yourself into Thai culture and boost your academic knowledge while studying abroad at Mahidol University, the leading university in Thailand.
This study abroad program, based in Salaya just outside of Bangkok, is focusing on various disciplines including Business, Economics, Social and Natural Science and more. You can take four to five classes abroad and participate in Mahidol University student organization activities to experience the Thai student university life. All courses are instructed in English with the exception of Thai language. Classes are comprised of local students, ISA students, as well as other international students.
Trimester + Trimester Programs Available: You can combine the Fall + Winter, Winter + Spring OR Spring + Fall sessions at a discounted price by selecting your two trimesters of interest when submitting your initial ISA online application. For more information about this option, please contact your ISA Bangkok Program Manager.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
At the time of application, you should have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of your program.
You should have a full-time enrollment status at your home institution and have completed at least two semesters at the time of application to the program.
Please contact the ISA Thailand Program Manager with any admission questions.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Program
Bridging Cultures Program
The Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) encompasses the ISA on-site orientation which will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. The BCP is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the BCP, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Host University Units
16
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18
Academic Information
Course Availability and Selection
- The courses below reflect the most current list of courses released by the host university. While this list may be used as a general guide while completing your pre-registration form, the host university did not publish the final course list for this program.
- Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers and scheduling. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last-minute class cancellations.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the ISA Thailand Site Specialist.
Course Credits
- Most courses carry 4 MUIC total credits. Per Mahidol University, 4 credits are equivalent to 3 U.S. semester credits or 4.5 U.S. quarter credits. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student’s home university.
- The ISA program fee includes taking 4 courses or up to 16 MUIC total credits. This doesn't include an additional fee charged by Mahidol University for courses that have lab components.
- You can take a 5th course by paying an additional fee while total MUIC credits may not exceed 20.
- Please contact your ISA Thailand Site Specialist for more details.
Course Level Recommendations
- ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that recommendations are based on Mahidol University (MUIC) course codes.
- The MUIC course coding structure is made up of a sequence of seven characters. Each code starts with four letters, representing the faculty/institute and program that offers the course. The remainder of the code is made up of three numbers. The first number in the sequence indicates the year in which the course is delivered: 0 if the level is lower than a diploma degree, 1 for the first year, 2 for the second year, 3 for the third year and 4 for the fourth year. Faculties or institutes that take longer than four years to complete use 5 and 6.
- ISA recommends that courses starting with the numbers 0, 1 or 2 be classified as lower division, while courses starting with the numbers 3, 4, 5 or 6 be classified as upper division. These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisors and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions.
Thai Language Courses
- Taking Thai language class is not mandatory.
- Students will only be eligible to register for the Elementary Thai course if they are staying at Mahidol for more than one trimester. For students that will just be in Thailand for one trimester and are interested in studying Thai, it is recommended to sign up for the Introduction to Thai Language and Culture course.
Courses
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Course Disclaimer
- Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
Crystal Giedt
Program Manager, Asia & Pacific
Born and raised in a small town in Minnesota, Crystal’s various homes range in cities coast to coast including, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Honolulu and now Austin. In 2015 Crystal went on a cruise with her family that changed her life drastically. She was inspired by hearing stories from fellow passengers and cruise ship staff of living abroad. Upon returning from the cruise a decision was made to quit her job, donate her things and move to Thailand to teach English. Upon completion of her TEFL certification Crystal taught English at a private school in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Crystal has traveled to all Southeast Asian countries and aspires to continue checking countries off her list! The experience of working, living and traveling abroad motivated Crystal to steer her new career path, back in the US, towards International Education. In this new role, Crystal is excited about encouraging students to take a leap and see the world while studying. In addition to searching airline tickets on Google Flights, she enjoys running, taking group fitness classes, going to the movies and being a tourist in her home town, wherever that may be.
BANGKOK TEAM
Nasorn (Nala) Promtang
Resident Director, Thailand
Nasorn (Nala) Promtang
Resident Director
Originally from Bangkok, Nala embarked on her first study abroad experience at age 16 when she spent the summer in Sydney, Australia, for an English program. At 18, she followed her travel dreams and journeyed through Bali a la Eat, Pray, Love, and later, while on university break from Chiang Mai University, she again visited Bali, as well as Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, blogging about her experience in Thai as she went. Nala now enjoys being based in the northern town of Chiang Mai and sharing her knowledge and love for travel in the region with ISA students.
Funding Your ISA Program
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, you may visit the Scholarships and Grants page. Please note that some programs, including remote learning opportunities, are not eligible for scholarships.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
ISA Housing provides you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Thai lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor of Thailand. By participating in this program, you'll have the option of either living with other international and visiting students in our off-campus student residence, or securing your own housing. If you choose to secure housing on your own, you'll receive a discount from ISA.
There are differences in culture and lifestyle between life in Thailand and the U.S. The key to a positive experience is flexibility. With this in mind, you can have a fantastic stay in Bangkok.
Student Residence
The student residence Bundit Home is located off-campus, but is only a 10-minute free shuttle bus ride to Mahidol University campus. Free shuttles to campus are offered every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You'll be staying in a double room with another ISA or visiting student. Depending on availability, we can also offer the option of securing a single room instead. All rooms are fully furnished and include an air conditioner, desk, wardrobe, fridge and 32-inch TV. Bundit Home also features a rooftop area, internet, cable TV, dining options, a swimming pool, a gym, laundry services, and free weekly cleaning services. Bedding is provided (comforter, sheet, and pillow are all included), and each room has its own bathroom. Although there is no kitchen available at Bundit and students cannot cook in their rooms, there are multiple restaurants and cafeterias within walking distance.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
A Journey Through History - Wat Muang and Ayutthaya
<p>Stand beneath Thailand’s largest statue, “The Great Buddha of Thailand,” at Wat Muang, and explore an elaborate palace from a bygone era in Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam.</p> <p>On this excursion, travel to amazing sites of historical and religious importance. At Wat Muang, view the country’s largest statue, which gives physical presence to the monumental importance of Buddhism in Thailand. Observe traditional Thai Buddhist practice and learn how to make merit yourself at this beautiful temple. Then journey to Ayutthaya, explore ruins of structures built over 600 years ago. Once one of the largest, most cosmopolitan cities of its time, Ayutthaya’s remnants are a UNESCO World Heritage Site displaying the breathtaking architecture of this impressive economic and cultural center. Learn about historical Southeast Asia as you wander through this archaeological testament to human creativity and ingenuity. <br class="t-last-br" /> </p> <br class="t-last-br" /> <br />
A Journey Through History - Wat Muang and Ayutthaya
<p>Stand beneath Thailand’s largest statue, “The Great Buddha of Thailand,” at Wat Muang, and explore an elaborate palace from a bygone era in Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam.</p> <p>On this excursion, travel to amazing sites of historical and religious importance. At Wat Muang, view the country’s largest statue, which gives physical presence to the monumental importance of Buddhism in Thailand. Observe traditional Thai Buddhist practice and learn how to make merit yourself at this beautiful temple. Then journey to Ayutthaya, explore ruins of structures built over 600 years ago. Once one of the largest, most cosmopolitan cities of its time, Ayutthaya’s remnants are a UNESCO World Heritage Site displaying the breathtaking architecture of this impressive economic and cultural center. Learn about historical Southeast Asia as you wander through this archaeological testament to human creativity and ingenuity. <br class="t-last-br" /> </p> <br class="t-last-br" /> <br />
Cultural Activities in Bangkok
<p>The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Bangkok. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Bangkok special. </p> <p>These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included Som Tam Cooking workshop, a professional development night, a Muay Thai class, multiple local and temple visits.</p>
Cultural Activities in Bangkok
<p>The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Bangkok. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Bangkok special. </p> <p>These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included Som Tam Cooking workshop, a professional development night, a Muay Thai class, multiple local and temple visits.</p>
Chiang Mai
<p style="color: #282523; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px;">Three-day weekend trip – Known for delicious cuisine, a laid back atmosphere, outdoor excursions and myriad Buddhist temples, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northern cultural hub and a popular getaway from Bangkok. Spend the weekend getting to know the country’s majestic Asian elephants during an ethical elephant experience, visiting some of the region’s most significant, gold covered temples, dining on northern Thai dishes, wandering the sprawling Saturday Walking Street market and simply relaxing with a Thai massage. Warm and welcoming, activity-filled and affordable, you’re going to love Chiang Mai.</p> <p style="color: #282523; margin: 0px 0px 2em;">The weekend includes your flight to Chiang Mai and overnight train return to Bangkok, accommodation, excursions and most meals.</p>
Chiang Mai
<p style="color: #282523; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px;">Three-day weekend trip – Known for delicious cuisine, a laid back atmosphere, outdoor excursions and myriad Buddhist temples, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northern cultural hub and a popular getaway from Bangkok. Spend the weekend getting to know the country’s majestic Asian elephants during an ethical elephant experience, visiting some of the region’s most significant, gold covered temples, dining on northern Thai dishes, wandering the sprawling Saturday Walking Street market and simply relaxing with a Thai massage. Warm and welcoming, activity-filled and affordable, you’re going to love Chiang Mai.</p> <p style="color: #282523; margin: 0px 0px 2em;">The weekend includes your flight to Chiang Mai and overnight train return to Bangkok, accommodation, excursions and most meals.</p>
Krabi
<p style="color: #282523; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px;">Three-day trip – A stay in Thailand wouldn’t be complete without visiting the country’s stunning tropical islands, so they’re the perfect place to celebrate the end of an incredible semester! After a speedboat journey exploring the islands of Andaman Sea, famous for its unbelievable turquoise waters and striking karst cliffs, fill the rest of your days relaxing on Railay Beach, kayaking to Phra Nang Beach, lounging by the pool and simply soaking up the island vibes.</p> <p style="color: #282523; margin: 0px 0px 2em;">The weekend includes your flight to Krabi, accommodation, island excursions, special group meals and more. Get ready for your island getaway!</p>
Krabi
<p style="color: #282523; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px;">Three-day trip – A stay in Thailand wouldn’t be complete without visiting the country’s stunning tropical islands, so they’re the perfect place to celebrate the end of an incredible semester! After a speedboat journey exploring the islands of Andaman Sea, famous for its unbelievable turquoise waters and striking karst cliffs, fill the rest of your days relaxing on Railay Beach, kayaking to Phra Nang Beach, lounging by the pool and simply soaking up the island vibes.</p> <p style="color: #282523; margin: 0px 0px 2em;">The weekend includes your flight to Krabi, accommodation, island excursions, special group meals and more. Get ready for your island getaway!</p>