Itinerary

CHIANG MAI

The first week is mostly classroom-based with regular unscheduled time in the afternoons to explore Chiang Mai’s trendy cafes, cool boutiques, sizzling street food, affordable massages, tumbling waterfalls, colorful night markets and more.

Classes will focus on introducing key conceptual and methodological material during interactive lectures, guided workshops, suggested readings, discussions and class outings. Covering topics such as the role of biodiversity in Southeast Asia and how cultural components, societies and ecological features are all closely related when considering biodiversity conservation, the first week prepares students to then go out in the field.

Before traveling three hours north to Pai on Sunday afternoon, spend the weekend exploring Chiang Mai.

PAI

The first week’s conceptual and methodological foundations are followed by 11 days of hands-on, immersive sessions during field studies and service-learning projects hosted by a conservation NGO near the village of Pai. Though a sleepy mountain town, Pai is a popular destination with both Thai and international visitors thanks to its laid back vibe, yummy food (including plenty of Thai, Western and vegetarian options), cool bars, live music, surrounding river and rice fields, and nightly walking street market.

Here students will implement multi-day mini research projects to learn about field experimental designs, collection methods, data processing in relation to biodiversity sampling and assessment focusing on tree and elephant ecology.  Students join the NGO’s current activities, such as reforestation, community outreach, and reptile and elephant conservation, as service-learning which, will complement a tree ecology research project and elephant observational study coordinated by the course director.

Regular unstructured time will be provided for students to interact informally with local interns, staff and community members, as well as process and reflect. A field report, written as a technical note to inform good reforestation practice, will be produced by students and presented to our hosts toward the end of the field study program.

CHIANG MAI

After the research and service-learning projects are completed, we’ll return to Chiang Mai and look at broader sustainability dimensions to provide a wider context to our field activities, as well as visit a leading center for self-reliance and permaculture-based sustainable living.

Eligibility

• 2.5 GPA
• Currently enrolled at an approved degree-granting institution of higher education.
• This interdisciplinary course strongly touches on components of ecology, conservation biology, biodiversity studies, sustainability science and policy. Previous experience in the above-mentioned fields is an asset but not mandatory, however, students should hold the capacity to discuss and grasp concepts and navigate perspectives from across different disciplines.

Summer 2021

This program not running for Summer 2021. Please check back for future available terms.

ORIENTATION

Be introduced to Chiang Mai upon arrival with an Orientation that combines useful informative sessions with intriguing introductory cultural experiences. Experience a sensory overload as you learn about Thai culture and society, jumpstart your knowledge of Thai Buddhism with a visit to one of Chiang Mai’s glittering gold temples, practice speaking key Thai phrases, and sample an array of deliciously diverse Thai cuisine. (All meals are included!)

HOUSING

In Chiang Mai students stay in twin-share accommodation with other TEAN students. The accommodation is fully furnished and located in a vibrant area, close to cafes, restaurants and street food.

In Pai, students stay in twin-share rooms in guesthouse style accommodation close to town.. Rooms are simple and clean with private bathrooms. Breakfast is provided daily. TEAN staff also stay on-site.

TEAN STAFF

Our team works with you start to finish through the study abroad process. Our programs staff will help guide you through the application process to go abroad, then upon arrival in Southeast Asia, you will be met by our on-site staff who will provide assistance throughout your time in Thailand.

Meet the Team

APPLICATION DEADLINE

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.

Program Capacity

This program accepts 15 students only. Early applications are advised as the program will close once capacity is reached. Students may be added to a waitlist.

Summer 2021 dates

This program not running for Summer 2021. Please check back for future available terms.

The Holistic Health and Wellness in Asia course offered during Session 1 of the Thailand Summer Program is designed to complement the Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development in SEA course. Both courses are taught by Dr. Pierre Echaubard.

Summer 2021

Estimated program fee: $3,490

Two Session Special

$500 off total cost of program
Must take a course in Session 1 and Session 2

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Full tuition (4 credits from Elmhurst University)
• Guaranteed pre-arranged housing
• Overseas health insurance, plus evacuation and repatriation insurance
• Orientation Program with meals, activities and transportation
• WiFi access in housing
• Airport transfers and all course-related ground transport
• Cultural events, excursions and field trips throughout the program
• Thai cooking class
• Extensive pre-departure counseling and information
• Readings for all courses (provided as PDFs to download)
• Staff and resources available 24/7 to provide assistance and recommendations during emergencies

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• International airfares (approx $1,200 – 1,400)
• Meals (approx $150-200)
• Local transportation in Chiang Mai and Pai for personal outings (approx $20)
• Travel insurance ($350)