SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (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: Sustainable Development
  • 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

Explore sustainability and systems change in Thailand
Thailand is home to a vibrant and evolving sustainable development movement - rooted in cultural heritage, community wisdom, and regional innovation. This 15-week semester program invites students to dive deep into the practice and principles of sustainability in one of Southeast Asia’s most ecologically and culturally diverse nations.

Based primarily in Chiang Mai, with excursions across northern Thailand, students explore sustainability from multiple perspectives: environmental justice, economic inclusion, cultural preservation, public health, and innovation. Through integrated coursework, immersive fieldwork, and community-based collaboration, students gain the knowledge, tools, and intercultural understanding to lead change in a global context.
Program Highlights
  • Study interdisciplinary sustainability frameworks through real-world Thai case studies
  • Participate in field placements and collaborative projects with community partners
  • Learn Thai language and cultural foundations to support local engagement
  • Engage in structured reflection and systems thinking through weekly colloquiums
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This 15-week program awards 16 U.S. academic credits across four integrated courses. Students begin with academic foundations in sustainability and Thai culture, then move into hands-on fieldwork and a guided practicum with a local organization.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
  • Analyze sustainability challenges using systems thinking and interdisciplinary tools
  • Apply sustainable development frameworks in field-based and community-driven contexts
  • Communicate and collaborate across cultures, especially within Thai community settings
  • Demonstrate practical proficiency in Thai language for social and professional engagement
  • Create a digital portfolio that showcases applied learning, leadership, and reflection
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

Sustainability in action across northern Thailand
From forest conservation projects and permaculture farms to eco-tourism initiatives and zero-waste movements, students engage directly with Thai changemakers. Chiang Mai serves as a launchpad for exploring rural development, policy innovations, and traditional ecological knowledge.

Hands-on field learning & professional practice
Through structured field placements and practicum work, students apply their academic learning to real-world projects. Guided by local mentors and faculty, they work on sustainability challenges in energy, agriculture, water, education, and livelihoods.
Language and cultural immersion
Intensive Thai language instruction supports cultural understanding and community engagement. Beyond the classroom, students participate in cultural activities like traditional crafts, food workshops, rural homestays, and Buddhist mindfulness practices.

Ethical reflection and global leadership
Weekly colloquiums and mentorship provide space to reflect on privilege, positionality, and global responsibility. Students emerge with greater self-awareness and practical skills for contributing to sustainability movements both locally and globally.
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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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