SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL HEALTH (THAILAND)

GEI CERTIFICATE IN GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

A 16-credit certificate program to develop skills, knowledge, and understanding that prepare you for leadership and engagement in our global society.

AT A GLANCE

  • Certificate in Global Engagement Program
  • Disciplinary Track: Global Health
  • Study Abroad Destination: Thailand
  • Fall Semester Dates: Sep 1-Dec 13, 2025 (15 weeks)
  • Spring Semester Dates: Feb 2-May 16, 2026 (15 weeks)
  • Fall Semester Dates: Aug 31-Dec 12, 2026 (15 weeks)
  • Credit: 16 U.S. credit hours (~ 32 ECTS credits) for eligible university students
  • Eligibility: Any field and level of study

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Experience global health at the crossroads of tradition and innovation in Thailand
Thailand’s dynamic blend of public health innovation, cultural diversity, and strong community-based systems makes it a remarkable setting for experiential learning in global health. This 15-week semester program offers students the opportunity to deeply engage with public health practices in Thailand through classroom learning, field-based experiences, and intercultural collaboration.

Based primarily in Chiang Mai, with additional learning sites across northern Thailand, students explore pressing global health topics such as infectious disease control, environmental health, mental health, and health systems strengthening. Through a multidisciplinary lens and guided by ethical reflection, students gain the academic foundation, field experience, and intercultural skills needed to lead in the global health field.
Program Highlights
  • Study Thailand’s public health challenges and innovations in both urban and rural settings
  • Participate in hands-on field placements and community health projects
  • Learn Thai language and cultural foundations for cross-cultural communication and understanding
  • Engage in weekly reflection, leadership development, and interdisciplinary collaboration
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This 15-week semester program awards 16 U.S. academic credits through four integrated courses. The program begins with an interdisciplinary foundation in global health and cross-cultural perspectives, followed by immersive fieldwork and a supervised practicum. Language learning supports cultural fluency and professional engagement throughout.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
  • Analyze global health challenges using interdisciplinary and culturally grounded frameworks
  • Apply ethical reasoning and systems thinking to real-world public health contexts
  • Engage professionally and respectfully with Thai health organizations and community partners
  • Communicate effectively in basic Thai, especially in health and intercultural settings
  • Produce a professional portfolio demonstrating academic, practical, and reflective competencies
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: THAILAND

The Land of Smiles is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. As one of Southeast Asia’s most influential economies, Thailand has experienced rapid urbanization and technological advancement while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. The country’s bustling cities and thriving industries contrast with its rural heartlands, where Buddhist traditions and community life still shape daily experiences. Yet, balancing economic growth with social and environmental sustainability remains a key challenge for the nation’s future.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Public health in a culturally rich setting
Chiang Mai offers a unique vantage point into Thailand’s health system, traditional medicine practices, and grassroots health movements. Students visit community clinics, local health centers, and research institutions - exploring how Thailand addresses issues like infectious diseases, mental health, and health equity.

Field learning with local partners
Students gain real-world insight through structured field placements and project-based practicum work. From remote village health posts to urban wellness centers, students collaborate on local priorities while building their own competencies in research, program implementation, and intercultural teamwork.
Immersive language & cultural engagement
Language learning and cultural immersion are core to the experience. Students receive intensive Thai instruction and participate in cultural activities such as food preparation, religious festivals, traditional healing practices, and storytelling sessions with community leaders.

Structured reflection and ethical growth
Through weekly colloquiums, guided reflection, and mentorship, students explore topics like health justice, positionality, and global citizenship. This structure supports both professional development and deep personal growth, helping students emerge as thoughtful, ethical global health practitioners.
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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes a minimum of 15 weeks in Thailand. For this time, GEI Thailand offers different housing options that students can choose from, pending availability. These include:
  • Homestays: Typically single rooms, with shared bathroom, and access to a kitchen and living room
  • Serviced apartments: Single or shared double rooms, with shared bathroom, and access to a kitchen and living room
  • University residence halls at our local partner universities: Shared double rooms, with shared bathroom and no kitchen facilities
  • Simple guesthouses: Shared double rooms, with shared bathroom and no kitchen facilities


Homestay host families typically provide breakfast and dinner. Students in serviced apartments, university residence halls, or guesthouses are usually responsible for all meals outside of core course meals.

You can find additional information in the following blog post: Accommodation – What to expect.

DATES, FEES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Program Dates

Application Due Date

Fees

Fall 2025 (15 weeks): Sep 1-Dec 13

Spring 2026 (15 weeks): Feb 2-May 16
Fall 2026 (15 weeks): Aug 31-Dec 12

Fall 2025: July 1

Spring 2026: Dec 1
Fall 2026: July 1

Fall 2025: US $17,450

Spring 2026: US $17,450
Fall 2026: US $17,450

At GEI, we strongly believe in equal access to academic opportunities in study abroad. In order to help eliminate financial barriers, we offer a variety of merit scholarships, trailblazer scholarships, and opportunity scholarships and grants, ranging from $500 to full tuition awards. Each year, GEI is awarding several hundred thousand dollars in scholarships. You can find further information as well as additional resources for external funding opportunities in the following blog post: Scholarships & Grants.

INSTRUCTORS & COORDINATORS

Meet our core team

All of our instructors and coordinators are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.
Waleed Fatth, MPH
Program Director
Francoise Uzamukunda, MA
Academic Director, East Africa
Thuy Phan, MA
Academic Director, Vietnam
Chone Chaowai, MIDP
Academic Director, Thailand
Kari Cousins, MA/MSc
Academic Director, Southern Africa
Yvan Rubengebenge
Operations Manager, Rwanda
Eric Kingoina, DCS
Operations Manager, Kenya
Dang Huynh, BA
Operations, Vietnam
Denyse Iradukunda, BA
Operations, Rwanda
Sammy Davies Mochama, BSc
Operations, Kenya
Mabwe Gwamure, BSc
Operations, South Africa

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