Program Details
Dates:
Winter/Spring: Jan 23 – April 17
Summer: May 28 – August 21
Fall: Sep 17 – Dec 11
Cost: $6250 USD
Receiving Applications
MORE 2020 PROGRAMS
Summer: May 28 – August 21
Fall: Sep 17 – Dec 11
Cost: $6250 USD
RICH HISTORY | MAJESTIC CULTURE
Our Thailand program hosts cohorts of up to 20 from around the world who are looking to challenge norms, push boundaries, and do things a little differently, all while developing essential skills and building global relationships. This program is well-suited for students looking to immerse themselves in a uniquely tropical and laid-back culture while learning what it takes to collaborate in a globalized world. As a participant in our Thailand program, you will meet, interact with, and learn from local changemakers, all while living in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s cultural epicentre.
How it works
Though it might sound complex, our programming is straightforward. We host students in our safe and centrally located guest house while they
- intern with a locally-led organization
- study the Thai language with our community partners
- experience Thailand’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures, within our cultural experiences, as well as on your own.
The program runs for 12 weeks, is available during winter/spring, summer and fall terms, and is open to current students, recent graduates, or those with a bit of experience but may be looking for a career change.
Program Details
Learn everything there is to know below.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Accommodations
Program participants are hosted in safe and centrally located housing that is maintained by Insight in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Internship
Through Insight's network of partnerships, students will intern 4 days a week with an NGO or social enterprise, relevant to their interests and career goals.
In-country Support
Insight staff are present in-country to lead student orientation, run workshops, and provide support to students.
Self-Determined Experiences
Program participants are free to spend their evenings, weekends and the mid-semester break however they choose. Go explore the islands in the south of Thailand, visit an elephant sanctuary, experience jungle trekking!
Cultural Immersion
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, the largest city in Northern Thailand, program participants will experience firsthand a totally new culture.
Accredited Classes
At Chiang Mai University, students will take 2 university accredited courses during the semester with a focus on human rights, humanitarian affairs and ethnic conflict. These credits can transfer to your home university.
THE INTERNSHIP
Partake in a 12-week long internship and gain international work experience with an organization based within your field of interest. Students will be spending 5 days a week working at their respective internships, with weekends off to explore Thailand.
We currently work with partner organizations that span a wide range of sectors, including:
- Education and Child Protection
- Health
- Human Rights and Refugee Issues
- Gender and Economic Empowerment
- Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Driven Business
We’re constantly adding new partners, so if you seek a specific kind of internship, please feel free to let us know when you apply.
Not sure where you want to intern? Not to worry; after you’ve been accepted into the program, our team of program coordinator swill work with you one-on-one to determine a good fit.
Study PDF
INTERN PDF
Travel PDF
A Commitment To Safety & Quality
At Insight, our priority is to create a unique travel program for students that balances risk with positive life-changing experiences. All of our programs undergo a thorough and comprehensive risk assessment before every departure.
Additionally, our onsite staff are experienced travelers, well versed in the intricacies of living and working in developing nations and fully equipped to handle any obstacles that may arise.
FAQs
Insight’s Thailand program runs three times a year – Winter/Spring, Summer and Fall – for 12 weeks at a time. The specific dates for each term is listed on the program webpage.
The academic component of the Thailand program is structured differently from our Uganda and Fiji programs. This program is open to not only undergraduate students, but also to recent graduates, Master’s students, or professionals seeking a change of pace. Instead of formal lectures at a university, this program offers weekly Thai language lessons. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each participant to reach out to their academic advisors and confirm whether the language course can and will transfer back for credits at their home university.
The internship component of the program is designed to give participants an opportunity to develop valuable skills whilst working within a sector that is of interest to them. Once an applicant is admitted into the Thailand program, we work with them to determine the most suitable internship placement. We match students with one of our partner organizations by considering a variety of factors, and strive to only arrange placements that will result in a mutually beneficial relationship between the intern and their internship host.
We have a Program Director that lives in Chiang Mai and oversees the program. The in-country staff members(s) live in close proximity to the program residence.
The pace of life in Chiang Mai can be very different from what you’re used to. Located in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a popular destination among expats who seek a life of balance and adventure. While living in Chiang Mai, your week will consist of interning and attending language lessons. Additionally, participants will be provided with opportunities to partake in culturally immersive activities. The city has a number of attractions within walking distance of one another. Participants are also likely to spend time exploring new restaurants and nightlife hotspots. Weekends and the weeklong break are used to venture out of the city and visit nearby tourist destinations – Pai in the north and the infamous islands in the south are examples.
Our program participants are accommodated in either a fully-furnished guest house or fully-furnished apartments that are centrally-located, and are in close proximity to restaurants, grocery stores and more.
The cost of the program is inclusive of the following:
- Arrangement and coordination of internship placement
- Thai language lessons
- Accommodation in a shared home with access to a kitchen, laundry services, and utilities
- Arrival pick-up from the international airport
- Bi-weekly cultural immersion activities (e.g. Thai cooking class)
- A long weekend trip to Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok (inclusive of accommodation and airfare)
- Insight’s in-country staff support throughout the program
- Includes bi-weekly group seminars, and routine one-on-one check-ins
- Pre-program and in-country orientations, and post-program support
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
- Place a luggage tag on each piece of luggage, with your name and contact information
- Place a TSA compliant lock on each piece of luggage
- Bring photocopies of your passport, birth certificate and travel insurance details
CARRY-ON
A backpack is ideal, as it is handy for daily use abroad
- Passport
- Itinerary
- Visa documentation (if applicable)
- Vaccine Booklet
- Wallet and bank cards
- $150 USD (for visa fees upon arrival and backup cash)
- Student ID
- Book and/or journal
- Pen
- Phone (unlocked smartphone)
- Laptop
- Camera
- Chargers
- Earbuds (necessary when adjusting to sounds in a new city)
- Change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)
- Reusable water bottle
- Medication
CHECKED LUGGAGE
Check with your airline to inquire about the number of checked bags you are allowed. Whether you bring one or two bags, we recommend that you maximize the space by bringing the clothes, shoes, toiletries and other supplies that will allow you to be comfortable for your 3 months abroad.
Clothing
Please note that you will typically wear the same kinds of attire that you would wear during the summertime at home. Feel free to reach out to your Program Director with questions about clothes to pack.
- Socks
- Undergarments
- Jeans (1-2 pairs)
- Shorts
- Dress pant/skirt
- Suit and tie (for formal NGOs)
- Dresses
- T-shirts
- Tank tops
- Long sleeve shirt
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit
- Rain jacket
- Fleece/hoodie
- Strappy sandals
- Flip flops
- Sneakers
- Dress shoes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Towels (face, body, beach)
- Headlamp/flashlight
Toiletries
Though you can find standard toiletry items in Kampala, Suva and Chiang Mai, the brand selection and quality may vary. If you’re particular about the brands you use, you will want to bring at least 1 of each item along with you.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Moisturizer & lip balm
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hair brush & hair ties
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Feminine hygiene products
- Makeup
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Contact lenses
- Contact solution
- Deodorant
- Wet Wipes
- Razor/shaving cream
Other
- Prescription medications should be brought from home.
- Standard medication, such as Advil or cold medicine, can be purchased at pharmacies.
- Your accommodation will have a fully functioning kitchen. If you require specific kitchen utensils/gadgets (e.g. waffle maker, Nutribullet), you will be required to purchase them yourself.
- Most food items can be found in grocery stores abroad (yes, even gluten free and vegan products). However, brands and prices may vary. We recommend that you bring a small amount of speciality food items (e.g. protein bars, gluten-free snacks, vegan protein powder) as these may be expensive abroad.