Service-Learning in Chiang Mai

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Term: Fall, Spring 
Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks

Description: You will spend a semester in Chiang Mai, studying Thai culture, language, and society at Payap University and engaging in substantive volunteer service for 10-15 hours per week. Your volunteer service immerses you in the culture and deepens your understanding of Thai society in a way that goes beyond that experienced in traditional study abroad programs. It also contributes to your knowledge and use of the Thai language.

Volunteer Services:
After a week of orientation to Chiang Mai and Payap, you will visit various service agencies; service assignments will begin shortly thereafter. As you work with local people and care for those in need, you will find your experience and understanding of the culture enriched and deepened, your leadership skills developed, and your language skills enhanced.

You will serve approximately 10-15 hours per week in a local agency. Service opportunities for most students center around:

- services to disadvantaged children
- English language consulting and/or tutoring related work in which Thai language is not a barrier.

Additional service opportunities can be arranged depending on your Thai language ability. These may include work with:

- schools for the deaf and blind
- environmental programs
- hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- organizations serving the elderly and the handicapped, Burmese refugees/immigrants, street children, hill tribe girls, sex workers, or farmers who are seeking another means of livelihood.

Highlights: In the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a land of contrasts: gorgeous countryside of rice fields, mountains, hills, and ancient temples; bustling city life in the capital, Bangkok; and beaches world-famous for diving and snorkeling. A largely Buddhist society, Thailand's population is varied with many tribal groups and immigrants. Through service-learning, you will learn about Thai culture, religion, and contemporary social issues while addressing social and economic problems caused by globalization and rapid development. Set amidst the cool and beautiful mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has the advantages of a city but with the feel of a small town where the old style of Thai living is preserved.

Qualifications: The program welcomes students of any nation. TOEFL equivalent 550.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: Must be 18 years of age to participate

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership's Mission Statement: The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership has two related missions: 1) offering programs uniting academic study and volunteer service to the community in international/ intercultural settings that are models for the practice of service-learning, and 2) promoting the theory and practice of service-learning through research, publications, conferences, and training.

Year Founded: 1982