Immerse yourself in the richness of Thai culture by spending four weeks on a campus that was once the palace grounds for the viceroy of Thailand. During this six-credit Thai Studies Program at Thammasat University, learn about Buddhism and Thai society while spending weekends on organized field trips exploring temples, monasteries, museums, archaeological remains, palaces, and ethnic minority communities throughout the country. There are also several opportunities to attend Thai theater, dance, and music performances.

Academics

This program focuses on the complex relationships among Buddhism and Thai history, politics, economics, education, literature, law, arts, and theater. Students are taught by distinguished scholars and professors at Thammasat University and visit sites of particular historical importance. Students attend classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with time for study and cultural excursions on weekends and holidays. Students will enroll in two separate three semester hour courses: Society & Culture of Thailand and Buddhism in Thailand.

Cultural Activities

Exploring Thailand's rich and varied history is a crucial part of this program. Students will spend weekends on organized field trips visiting temples, monasteries, museums, archaeological remains, palaces, and ethnic minority communities throughout the country. There are also several opportunities to attend Thai theater, dance, and music performances.

Dates

early July to late July

For More Info

Please come to the Study Abroad Resource Room for general information on the study abroad process. If you are ready to apply, please make an appointment with study abroad advisor Sterling Bacher. Call 319-335-0353 to schedule a meeting.

Thammasat University

Founded in 1934, Thammasat University has educated many prominent members of the Thai civil administration. Over the years, Thammasat students have been known for their activism and have played a major role in Thai politics. Most classrooms are air-conditioned. A large performing arts hall hosts plays, concerts, lectures, and guest performers. The university is located on the Chao Phrya River near the center of the original Bangkok and several important sites such as Thailand’s most sacred temples, government ministries, the Grand Palace, the National Theater, and the National Museum. About 25,000 students are enrolled at Thammasat.

The university is centered on a compact campus, Tha Prachan, formerly the viceroy's palace grounds on the Chao Phrya River, near the center of the original Bangkok. The campus is close to some of Thailand's most sacred temples and many government ministries, as well as the Grand Palace of the reigning Chakri dynasty, the National Theater and National Museum. All existing international programs, except Engineering and Science, are located at the Tha Prachan campus. The Rangsit campus, approximately one hour from the Tha Prachan campus, houses science-related faculties and is adjacent to the Asian Institute of Technology.

Bangkok

Bangkok is the political and cultural capital of Thailand and home to around 11 million people. For a country known for its smiles and beaches, Bangkok may not seem like the Thailand of a traveler’s imagination, but the fact is it’s one of the most cosmopolitan cities in all of Asia. Skyscrapers sit next to ancient temples still in use by Thailand’s mostly Buddhist populace.

Thailand

Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a peninsular country of about 67 million people. A constitutional monarchy, this largely Buddhist nation has seen rapid growth over the years as tourists flocked in looking for jungle adventures or deserted beaches. Thailand has a long, rich history with great cuisine to match.

Living Arrangements

Students will be assigned a shared room (no more than 3 persons per room) in an off-campus accommodation within walking distance from Thammasat University. Meals are not included, but there are many nearby restaurants and supermarkets.

Travel Arrangements

Airfare is not included in the program fee but students will work with ISEP to determine the best time for arrival. More information on travel arrangements will be provided by ISEP after the application cycle has concluded.

Eligibility

In good standing; Sophomore status

Costs

The previous session's program fee was $3,800. The summer 2014 program fee has yet to be calculated. Please continue checking back for more information.

How to Apply

Please schedule an appointment with study abroad advisor Sterling Bacher before applying directly to ISEP. Call 319-335-0353 to schedule a meeting.

Deadline

5/1

Study Abroad will provide information regarding confirmation and preparation after the application cycle. Please contact study abroad advisor Sterling Bacher if you have questions.

Acceptance Materials

Continue to check this section for updates.

Pre-departure Materials

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Orientation Information

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There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu