Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand 2021

What is the Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand project all about?

Given the special global circumstances, this Study Abroad and Service in Thailand program combines an in-country online study abroad component combined with the local government quarantine requirements.

The Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand program is the perfect way to volunteer with Kaya and earn credits for your university course during the pandemic.

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 (AACSB accredited) while participating in all the must-do activities, including Muay Thai boxing, floating market visits, learning to cook Thai food and so much more!

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 and explore more of the country.

For the first four weeks, you will live in Bangkok, and take up to 2 courses at Mahidol University, one of the most well-regarded universities in Asia. The first two weeks will be in a government-approved quarantine 3-star hotel, where it will go by fast while you are studying online and interacting online with other peers doing the same thing. Once quarantine is over, you will be picked up by our on-site director for a welcome dinner and a Bangkok city tour. You will be settled in a single room apartment. The complex has a pool, fitness center, a restaurant, and 24-hour security. There, you will continue taking your online class with Mahidol University, and depending on COVID-19 protocol at the time, you will have the opportunity to participate in cooking classes, Muay Thai boxing and a floating market visit during week 3. On week 4, activities include Bangkok tuk-tuk street food tour, exploring the city in tuk-tuk and trying some of the world-famous street food available there at three different restaurants. During your time in Bangkok, you will also have the chance to finish one of your day overlooking the amazing Temple of the Dawn and sunset over the Chao Praya river.

Once you are finished with your online classes, you will take part in a farewell dinner and prepare to travel to Chiang Mai where you will take part in a community service project, unless you decide to fly home directly.

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 single apartment, and work 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 will give you the opportunity to experience the true Thai culture.

If you still need convincing on why Thailand should be your top destination for study abroad, watch our webinar.

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. As you are used to taking online classes by now, this is an opportunity to take classes in a foreign country while discovering a new culture and changing your online setting environment. 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, but 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! And not to mention that you will get all the support you need from the ground team while being abroad!

Role of the Study Abroad & Community Volunteer

You will take up to 2 courses on this Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand program.

The following courses are currently being offered for the Summer Study and Service in Thailand placement:

Intro to Thai Language and Culture (100 level course – 3 credits)
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 learn the basic of Thai alphabets and writing system. Other topics include the importance of rice farming and ceremonies involving growing rice and Buddhism in daily life.

Management, Small Business and Entrepreneurship (200 level course – 3 credits)
The course is designed to provide students with a practical approach associated with the creation and management of a small business. The course also provides the students with business knowledge necessary for successful small business, including topics such as economics for entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial accounting, financial management, marketing plan in the digital era, organization and leadership, and entrepreneurial strategy.

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 NGO Development, LGBT NGO Development, Healthcare or Medical.

What skills do I need to be a Study Abroad & Service participant in Thailand?

To join the Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand program you will need the following:

• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Academic Reference
• Home University Transcript
• Personal Statement
• Copy of Passport and Passport-Style Photo
• 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! This specific Summer Study Abroad and Service in Thailand program include the pricing for the Thai Government Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) 3-Star hotel.

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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