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- Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand 2021
What is the Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand project all about?
The Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand program in Bangkok, Thailand is the perfect way to volunteer with Kaya and earn credits for your university course.
Thailand is known as the land of smiles and you will understand why as you immerse in Thai culture and experience Asia, while earning credits towards your degree! You will spend four weeks studying at Mahidol University while participating in all of the must-do activities, including elephant trekking, exploring the mountains, learning to cook Thai food and so much more! There are also optional weekend trips you can add on. Ask your Kaya Advisor for more information.
After your studies are completed, you can choose to stay an additional 2, 4 or 6 weeks to either volunteer or intern around Chiang Mai. Extending your stay will be a great opportunity to use the knowledge you gained in class to really immerse yourself in Thai culture.
For the first four weeks, you will live in Bangkok, and take 1 to 2 courses at Mahidol University, one of the most well-regarded universities in Asia. While you are studying, you will live in an apartment sharing a double room with another student. The complex has a pool, fitness center, shuttle to campus, a restaurant, and 24-hour security. For those choosing to extend their stay by adding on a community service project, you will be able to choose between a community development placement outside of Chiang Mai, or from one of our 4 weeks+ internship options. For community development placements, you will be located in a surrounding community where you will live in a homestay with a local family, and working on your chosen project. This will provide a great opportunity to truly engage in the local culture, while also give back to the community. Internships are located in Chiang Mai and you will also have the opportunity to stay with a homestay family to experience the true Thai culture.
Why choose this Summer Study Abroad and Service project?
If you are a university student and able to earn credits for your course, this Summer Study Abroad and Service program in Thailand is perfect for you. You can earn up to 6 credits, a great way to get ahead with your studies! Not only will you do a course at a Thai university and learn about Thai culture and language, you will also be able to give something back to a local Thai community through your volunteering efforts should you decide to extend your stay. This will be a great addition to your resume making it stand out from the competition!
Role of the Study Abroad & Community Volunteer
You will take 1 or 2 courses on this Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand program. (Note that the prices are based on 2 classes. For more pricing, please inquire to your Kaya placement advisor)
You can choose up to two of the following courses for the Summer Study and Service in Thailand placement. Options are:
Intro to Thai Language and Culture (100 level course)
This course will provide vocabulary and structures for everyday use and introduce basic aspects of Thai culture. After successful completion of this course, students will be able to handle basic communicative situations such as asking for and giving directions, ordering food and drinks, asking for prices and bargaining, and buying tickets. Students will also understand the importance of rice farming and ceremonies involving growing rice and Buddhism in daily life.
International Trade and Marketing (200 level course)
This course will teach an introduction of marketing as it related to global trade. Topics include international trade theory and policy, export and import, global logistics management, digital marketing, global marketing strategies, and global strategic management.
Global Supply Chain & International Logistics Management (200 level course)
This will provide with a comprehensive understanding of international logistics management including procurement, forecasting, operations and prediction, warehouse and distribution centre management, logistics network design, supply chain technologies, transportation mode and inventory management.
Sustainable Development in Hospitality and Tourism (100 level course)
You will learn about the concept and principles of sustainable tourism development, emphasizing the impacts of tourism and learning about best practices of community-based tourism including strategies to manage natural and cultural resources in a sustainable approach.
Culinary Management (100 level course)
This course will allow you to understand the planning and the operations involved in the food and beverage production. You will learn various concepts from food preparation ingredients to culinary terminology, reading and evaluating menus, developing recipes conversation and costing skills. You will also examine different production schemes and product flow, the use and care of equipment, procurement management, and cost control.
Those choosing to stay for the service component will be able to choose between 2 volunteer projects or apply for one of our internships.
Early Child Care Teaching Assistant You will spend two weeks working with teachers from the Kut Chang Subdistrict near Chiang Mai. Each day you will work in the classroom, with a diverse group of young students, who will appreciate your energy and enthusiasm. The teachers are overworked and will appreciate the support you can give. You will have an excellent opportunity to continue working on the Thai language skills you have learned already on the program, and experience a rural community.
Community Development and Conservation As a community development and conservation volunteer you will work with community members outside of Chiang Mai on projects that could range from reforestation work to public health outreach. Actual project work will depend on community needs at the time of placement and participant’s interest and expertise.
4-week Internships Combine your study abroad experience with one of our 4-week internship in Chiang Mai, focusing on either Journalism, NGO Development, LGBT NGP Development, Healthcare or Medical.
What skills do I need to be a Study Abroad & Community Volunteer in Thailand?
To join the Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand program you will need the following:
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Academic Reference
- Official Transcript
- Personal Statement
- A Kaya representative will contact you upon application to get these materials
Travel during COVID times
The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!
RECRUITING FOR SUMMER 2021
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

Where will I work in Thailand?
Study Component – About the Location – Bangkok
Mahidol University is one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand. Mahidol ranks as the number one university in all of Thailand, and as one of the top 50 universities in Asia. You’ll get a top quality education in Bangkok, one of the world’s most fascinating cities!
Bangkok is a nice mix of serene spiritual temples and active nightlife! Nearly 10 million people live in Bangkok. Capital of Thailand, Asian finance and business centre, and influencer on politics, culture, fashion and entertainment, Bangkok is sure to give you the wow factor!
Thanks to its proximity to the equator, you’ll enjoy warm weather year-round in Bangkok.
Accommodation in Bangkok
While you are studying, you will live in an apartment sharing a double room with another student. The complex has a pool, fitness center, shuttle to campus, a restaurant, and 24-hour security.
What to do in your spare time in Bangkok
During your free time, you will have plenty to do including visiting the Grand Palace, the Vimanmek Palace Complex and the thousands of temples around the city. Hope in a tuk-tuk to embrace this amazing bustling city and soak in its energy through going to street markets and tasting its international cuisine.
Service Component – About the Location – Chiang Mai
If you chose a service option, you will move to a local village on the outskirts of Chiang Mai at the end of your studies, where you will work within a community that welcomes volunteers to assist them in the important development work they are carrying out in their village. Chiang Mai was recently voted as one of the top cities in the world and is a destination that should not be missed. Enjoy Thai massages, sample the delicious and healthy street food and discover the rich Thai culture that welcomes all visitors to the self-proclaimed “land of smiles”.
Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Living with a homestay family or in a guest house, you will have the opportunity to use your new language skills, while helping your host improve their English. The homestay will provide you with basic needs and you will truly enjoy the immersion! Your guest house will be in central Chiang Mai allowing you easy access to all the culture and excitement the city has to offer.
What to do in your spare time in Chiang Mai
During the weekend, you may decide to wander around the local market, or you may be intrigued by the night bazaar where you can get everything from souvenirs to everyday wears. You may also want to enjoy a thai massage or cooking courses. Or for those craving countrysides, take advantage of the weekends to go explore the lush green countryside, pristine forests, peaceful country villages and the many waterfalls around the city.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4+ weeks
- Cost: With quarantine*:
Study abroad only (4 weeks including 2 courses): $7415
Study Abroad with 2 weeks of volunteering (including 2 courses): $11003 for 6 weeks
Study Abroad with 4 weeks of interning (including 2 courses): $11819 for 8 weeks
without quarantine*:
Study abroad only (4 weeks including 2 courses): $5915
Study Abroad with 2 weeks of volunteering (including 2 courses): $8003 for 6 weeks
Study Abroad with 4 weeks of interning (including 2 courses): $8819 for 8 weeks
*payment only in US Dollars. - Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Working hours: One or two courses (3 to 6 US credits) at Mahidol University
- Project availability: Summer 2021
- Arrival day: June 30 arrival date in country
What is included
Study abroad
- Accommodation: shared room in an apartment (singles available for additional fee)
- Meals: Non-provided during the study abroad part of the placement. All included during your service part in Chiang Mai.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Bangkok
- 1 or 2 courses at Mahidol University
- Bangkok City Tour and its local excursions
- Internet access
- Grade report
- 24-hour support
Service Component
- Transfer to the service site
- Accommodation: homestay with a local Thai family
- Meals: 3 meals a day
- 24-hour support from on-site coordinator
What is not included
- Meals during your study abroad part fo the placement
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Weekend Excursions Optional:
- Optional Chiang Mai Add on for $385
- Optional Angkor Wat Trip for $528
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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