Academics
- Program type:
Study-center program with a focus on language acquisition
- Level:
1,000-3,000 level courses
- Term:
Summer session; three weeks
- Prerequisites:
2.5 GPA; Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
- Courseload:
4 credits.
- Coursework: Take one intensive Thai language course, with beginning through intermediate levels available. Speaking Thai with your host family will enhance your conversation skills.
Faculty
Mark A. Ritchie, Ph.D., Executive Director
Mark has lived in Thailand for over 20 years, working with local communities, international development work, as well as international education. Originally from the United States, Mark studied the transition of agrarian rural communities in Northern Thailand, and has been involved in project evaluation and assessment, participatory development research, and training of local communities in Asia. He founded ISDSI with his wife, Dana E.C. Ritchie, 15 years ago, and is currently working on empowering local communities through international education.
How to Apply
Click the button below to visit this program's web page for more information about the application process for this program.
About This Program
With its fascinating cultural sites and wide array of environmental diversity, Thailand has long been a popular destination for travelers the world over. While Thailand can lay claim to being the only southeast Asian country not be colonized by European today, it serves as a major hub of industry, agriculture, and tourism.
One language course is taught over a three-week period and awards 4 undergraduate credits. All classes are held at a local study center and are taught by experienced instructors who are native speakers. Small class sizes allow you many opportunities to practice your language skills and receive feedback from the instructor. This program can be combined with the MSID Thailand semester or academic-year program for an extended experience abroad.
Homestays are an integral component of the learning experience, and all students live and share most meals with a family. Excursions to locations of cultural interest in and around Chiang Mai are included in the program fee.
About the Learning Abroad Center
The Learning Abroad Center in the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance is the University of Minnesota's comprehensive resource for study, service-learning, work, intern, volunteer, and travel experiences worldwide.
The Learning Abroad Center is a leader in providing innovative international learning experiences that expand and redefine the world for a diverse population of students, colleagues, and staff. The Learning Abroad Center staff and University of Minnesota faculty and staff participate in numerous leadership opportunities and serve on the advisory boards of organizations who provide and/or support education abroad programs. Through collaboration and individual attention, the Learning Abroad Center continues to promote empowerment, development, understanding, and responsibility in the global community.
A variety of program options--300 programs in over 80 countries--have been developed to address the diverse needs of students. Programs vary in length, level, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and degree of independence demanded of the participant.
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