SE Asia Regional Area Study

Academics

Requirements Fulfilled: 

General Education – This program fulfills the Global Perspectives general education requirement for students who successfully complete 8 or more semester credits. IS-234 fulfills EITHER the Culture, Power and Identify OR the Historical Perspectives general education requirement.

Major / Minor Requirements - This program fulfills the overseas study requirement for the Asian Studies major.

Credits

4 courses (16 credits)

Curriculum:

IS-234 Thai History and Society

This course focuses on the history of Thailand and Southeast Asia, as well as major social issues in Thailand, Thai social and political structure, and the economics of Thai development. This will include field studies in and around the 700 year old city of Chiang Mai, looking at markets, temples, and more. This course explores the history and politics of Thailand, from its place among the ancient kingdoms in Southeast Asia to contemporary social and political issues. Special emphasis will be on understanding how contemporary Thai society and politics have deep cultural and historical roots.

IS-235 Thai Language

Focus on conversational and functional Thai language acquisition. Language classes start on the first day, continue throughout the semester, and cover both written and spoken Thai. Emphasis on speaking, listening comprehension, and reading and writing skills. Provides fundamental language skills in Thai for use in daily life, as well as during courses and independent learning throughout the Southeast Asia program.

IS-236 Sustainability and Natural Resources

Examination of the challenges of sustainability in Thailand, especially as related to small-scale tropical agriculture, ecology, and access to and use of natural resources in the Global South. Field studies outside the classroom complement seminars to understand Thailand’s challenges and opportunities for creating a more sustainable future. Three distinct units covering the major issues in sustainability in Thailand and the Global South more generally.

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Depending upon the year, one course from the selections below will be offered. LC course availability will vary based on year and program leader, and is determined by the Overseas Office:

IS-239 Topics in SE Asia

Taught by the faculty leader of the SE Asia Regional Area Study overseas program, this course will focus on a topic within the leader’s discipline and expertise. The course will make use of SE Asia resources and will incorporate site visits. Topics will vary by year and leader.

For the 2024 program, Professor Podobnik will teach a course on that focuses on contemporary social and cultural dilemmas that are facing the nation of Thailand; students will conduct research on topics of interest to them throughout the semester for this course. 

LC Departmental course

In place of IS-239, the faculty leader (with the approval of the Overseas Director) may choose a relevant course selected from LC’s existing curriculum to be offered in situ. Course offerings may include a research methods course using topics relevant to the region, or other offerings from the LC Curriculum in the faculty leader’s area of expertise.

Student Life

Housing: Students live in apartments in Chiang Mai. There are homestay components during excursions to the north and south of Thailand.

Cost

2023-2024 Fee Breakdown*

Total Fee (includes Tuition, Program Fee, and Health & Wellness Fee): $39,385

Tuition: $30,958

Program Fee: $8,390

Health & Wellness Fee: $37**

Included in the program fee are room/housing, board/meals, and administrative fees. Not included are airfare, passport and visa expenses, primary insurance coverage, photographs, books, immunizations, and incidentals. 

*Fees are updated every February for the following academic year.

**The Health & Wellness Fee supports the operations of Wellness Services staff in delivering pre-program orientation services, as well as in providing health-related consultation regarding participant health needs. All students in the College of Arts and Sciences pay a mandatory fee of $37 per semester.

Stipend: Students will receive a stipend to cover the cost of meals and transportation costs not covered by the program fee.

Estimated Airfare (Round Trip PDX to CNX): $1,500 - $2,000

Estimated Health Insurance Fee: $1,943.50

All students participating in overseas programs are automatically enrolled in iNext, a supplemental travel insurance program. The fee for iNext is covered in the program cost. However, students are also required to have comprehensive health insurance during their time abroad. All students participating in overseas programs, both abroad and domestic, are automatically enrolled in the College’s student health insurance program. Similar to a regular semester on-campus, students participating in overseas programs may waive enrollment in the student health insurance program if they have other comprehensive health insurance (e.g., through a parent, guardian or employer) that 1) provides coverage for them in the geographic region in which they will be studying and 2) includes mental health benefits. Click here for more information regarding Health Insurance Information & Overseas Programs. 

Program Preparation

Application Process: Applications are due one year before the start of the program. The semester before the program, students who have been accepted will meet regularly for orientation. This orientation is meant to prepare the students for life in Thailand by exploring literature and culture, and provides an opportunity for students to learn more about the logistical details of the program.

For more information about the application process, click here.

Travel: Students usually fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), where they meet as a group and begin orientation.

Visa: Students will be required to apply for a visa in order to participate in this program. More information will be provided upon admission to the program.

Country-Specific Health Information: Click here to view specific health information for people traveling to Vietnam.

State Department Country Information: Click here to visit the State Department’s Vietnam page.