Intern in Chiang Mai

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Achieve your goals in beautiful Thailand

Take part in a meaningful internship and apply your classroom knowledge to real work experience in fields such as community development, education, environmental conservation, health care, and human rights, all while immersing yourself in Thai culture in a historic and beautiful city. You'll be based in historic Chiang Mai, a popular destination for foreign and local travelers alike due to its great climate, amazing foods, surrounding mountains, and hundreds of ancient temples dating back to the 14th century.

What to Expect

Language(s):

English

Average Courseload:

U.S. credit may be available

GPA Requirement:

2.50

Visa Requirement:

Yes - Electronic

Highlights:

Hands-on placements in the fields of healthcare, education, journalism, and community development

Homestay or private apartment for full immersion into the beautiful and welcoming Thai culture

Quaint college town of Chiang Mai, full of charm and adventure

Easy and inexpensive options for independent weekend travel

Delicious and affordable Thai cuisine

This has been so beneficial to my educational career. I am having the opportunity to learn so many skills about the area of work I want to be in.

Gabriella Schwedt

Arizona State University

Intern in Chiang Mai

The application process is actually really easy. I basically needed to write a one-page cover letter about why I think I would be a good fit to the program. I liked that because I can reflect on my skill sets and how to apply them to the internship that I was applying for. I ended up getting in! It was really easy application process and I highly recommend it. It is also a lot more affordable than the internship international programs at my university at the time.

Gabriella Schwedt

Arizona State University

Intern in Chiang Mai

During my time in Thailand, I have obtained a new identity and perspective. I lived in a homestay and it has taught me the daily living of the locals and encouraged me to speak the native language. I learned and tried to speak the native language as much as I could to interact with the village. I participated in events around the village to see the different traditions, celebrations, and customs. In one month, I was able to learn and see how much I improved as an individual.

Ying Vang

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Intern in Chiang Mai

available in Thailand

Below are a few sample placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!

Program Details

Intern abroad in Barcelona Spain intern at communications agency

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Intern for Credit

Want credit for your internship? We can do that for you!

Coursework & Credit

You can earn between 3-12 credits through our partnership with Jacksonville University. Internship credit through Jacksonville University will be reflected as JU 390 - Global Internship on your official Jacksonville University transcript. Most interns select the 3 or 6 credit options. Interns who need 9 to 12 credits must be enrolled in a 12-16 week long program to meet the necessary contact hours. Learn more about interning for credit through Jacksonville University here.

Micro-credential

All participants in this program are eligible to earn a Working Across Cultures Micro-credential at no extra charge! If you are completing the coursework for credit, you will also automatically earn the Working Across Cultures Micro-Credential.

Browse Courses

Use the filters when looking for courses offered in a specific term or session. Course listings are for exploratory purposes, final course availability is determined during the enrollment process.

Filters

Life in Chiang Mai

Known to Thais as the "Rose of the North," Chiang Mai is a breathtaking city surrounded by mountains and bisected by the Ping River. Visitors flock to experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere and delicious food unique to the region, and to venture out into the imposing mountains. The city resides on an elevated plateau approximately 1,000 feet above sea level.

Recently voted the world's second-best city, Chiang Mai has a rich history and culture. Chiang Mai is home to 150,000 people, with a greater metropolitan population of around one million. This city has 700 years of ancient history and was a prominent place as the heart of Lanna culture. The fortressed Old City center was the former capital of the Lanna kingdom. This is one of the few cities in the world that still features an intact moat, which encircles the Old City. You'll notice that the common mode of transport is to ride a songtaew (pronounced "song- tau"), or red truck-taxi. You'll feel like a local as you zip around the streets.

From Chiang Mai, you can explore the mountains and visit hilltribe villages, learn to cook Thai food, visit elephants, or go bamboo rafting. Other popular activities include hiking in Doi Inthanon National Park (home of Thailand's tallest mountain), savoring tasty street food, enjoying the nightlife, and witnessing the city's many festivals and cultural celebrations.

Live the Local Life

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai's most holy temple, constructed on the side of the mountain after an elephant carrying a relic of the Buddha died there. This beautiful temple is a must visit for Thai and foreigners alike.

Sunday Walking Street Market

Chiang Mai's biggest attraction, people from all over the region converge on the old city to sell homemade and unique northern style clothes, jewelry, art and other amazing souvenirs.

Elephant Programs

Spend some time with these amazing animals and learn about efforts to look after them.

Trekking

Chiang Mai is known for the surrounding mountains and their hilltribes that you can visit in a sensitive and responsible way for a truly unique and insightful experience.

Thai Cooking Class

Enjoy a lesson about Thai herbs and vegetables, take a visit to a market to learn the names ,and then make several delicious dishes of your choosing.

Introduction to Chiang Mai's Internships Housing

Overview

Students placed in rural placements, health clinics and some schools, stay in a homestay 5 days a week and travel to the city of Chiang Mai every weekend, staying in the guesthouse. Students choosing placements in the city will stay in a private apartment 7 days a week.

Chiang Mai - Apartments

a clean white large b ed with towels and designer decor throughout the brightly lit room

a kitchen and common area with a microwave, couch, large windows, and modern decor

a large, modern bedroom with a bed, tv, wall art, and towels

exterior view of apartment building. four stories, white, large windows and greenery all around

Overview

Students will live in double rooms in centrally-located hotel-style apartments. Among the amenities are TV, air conditioning, Wifi, and a small refrigerator. Check out the photo gallery to get an idea of what the apartments are like.

Meals

You will find an amazing variety of cheap and tasty food all around.

Inclusions and Amenities

24-Hour Security Air Conditioning Bathroom - Ensuite Bed Linens Commute - Walking Desk Double Room Fitness Center Laundry Laundry - Onsite Study Areas Wi-Fi

Homestay in Chiang Mai

comfortable looking bed with an open door nearby to a yard with trees

a toilet, sink, and shower/tub with glass pane

two twin beds in a room with two medium-sized windows

Overview

Students will live with a warm and welcoming Thai family in a private room. Interns staying in Homestays can return to Chiang Mai every weekend and stay in a guesthouse. This enables to meet the other interns, participate in excursions and better explore the city.

Meals

Homestays include two meals per day

Inclusions and Amenities

Bathroom - Shared Commute - Public Transportation Double Room Kitchen Equipment Study Areas

Shared Guesthouse in Chiang Mai

Overview

Depending on the location of the internship, a small number of placements require interns to live in guest houses with other interns. Interns will have access to a full kitchen and shared lounge areas. Check out the photo gallery to get a sense of what the shared guest houses are like.

Meals

This option does not include meals. Instead, cook for yourself in the guesthouse kitchen!

Inclusions and Amenities

Commute - Shuttle Commute - Walking Desk

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Orientation in Chiang Mai
Thai language (intro lessons during orientation; two hours per week thereafter)
Cultural values training to help acclimate you to Thai business culture
Multiple excursions depending on the length of your program
Internship placement and support
Housing
Medical and accident insurance
Pre-departure and onsite orientation
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
CIS Abroad Micro-credential

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival you’ll take part in a comprehensive orientation program. You’ll learn the “do’s and don’ts” of living in Chiang Mai. Where to go out, how to stay safe, where the shops and markets are, how to get around, and the likes will be among the topics covered in our orientation. In the afternoon you will participate in the Thai Cultural values training, where staff will cover the differences in working and communication style between Thailand and the West.

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

At the end of the program we will all get together for one last epic meal and talk about your adventures and experiences. Our staff will also share some precious tips on going back home feeling like a champ! Your study abroad experience is something to be cherished and shared with your family and friends back home.

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Elephant Sanctuary

Enjoy a day of friendly appreciation of elephants at one of Thailand's most respected elephant ...

Learn More

Trekking

A shorter day trip to visit the amazing mountains and national parks surrounding Chiang Mai, not ...

Learn More

Site Directors

David Jackson

Site Director - Thailand

David was born in the UK and moved to the US when he was 16 and completed high school and University in Colorado. As an avid traveler, his first thought on graduation was to travel to Asia. He volunteered and lived with a family in Kathmandu for 2 months before traveling to Thailand. He quickly fell in love with the country and for the last 12 years has worked as a teacher, as a development officer in NGOs, and has worked with volunteers and study abroad programs for the last seven years. He has an MA in Asia Pacific Studies and is fluent in Thai. He loves his work because it allows him to share his love of Thailand and its people with participants and at the same time support the great things that people all over Thailand are doing every day.

Travel Tip! Looking for a cool and exciting way to explore Bangkok? The whole city used to be based around canals, so jumping on a boat gives you a way to get out of the traffic and experience the real Bangkok.

Adisorn "Aun" Dechaboon

Site Director - Chiang Mai

Adisorn, or Aun for short, was born and raised in Lamphun, Thailand. Lamphun is a very small town in the northern region. He came to Chiang Mai for his college degree at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University and since he is trapped here (in a good way). He likes to talk to others to exchange/to learn about new things. He also believes that talking with others is an easy way to travel the world without spending much money. He loves to share and exchange Thai culture, customs, and local wisdom. He enjoys getting to know people from different backgrounds.

Travel Tip! Be open to spontaneous encounters! The world is too large to put into a book or on a screen, so instead of researching and contemplating, go out and experience it!

Your Support Staff

Amanda Murphy

Program Enrollment Manager - Costa Rica & Thailand

I have a BA in Communications and English from Florida State University and recently got my master's in International Studies at NC State University. Since I was a child, I've always had a passion for traveling and getting to know different cultures. Studying abroad as an undergrad in Valencia, Spain ignited that passion and put me on the path to a career in international education. After college, I moved to Costa Rica (my mother's home country - pura vida!) to become an ESL teacher and connect with my roots. I absolutely loved teaching and went on to teach in Spain and Australia, and visited more than 20 countries along the way. When I returned to the states, I knew for sure that international education was the field for me so I focused my master's program on all things study abroad. I've been on such an incredible journey around the world and I want to help students do the same in their own way. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina with my partner and our 27 house plants.

Travel Tip! Don't overplan. Have a place to stay, pick a few major things you want to do, and then just get lost in the beauty of it all. If you plan too many activities, you miss out on stumbling into the most wonderful things that you'll never forget.

Alexandra Woolner

International Operations Senior Director - Asia Pacific (Australia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea)

Alex studied abroad in the French Alpes when earning her BA at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Following graduation she taught English abroad in China, France, and South Korea. After returning to the states she earned her MA in International Education at SIT Graduate Institute. Alex enjoys exploring culture through food, art, and conversation and has been known to plan travel around best recommendations for street food and immersive museum experiences. In her spare time, Alex participates in community activism through art, repairs vintage typewriters, and gently annoys her cats.

Travel Tip! Expect the unexpected! Sometimes culture shock is stronger in countries where you expect things to be more similar to your home country and environment. Traveling abroad is an excellent way to learn more about your own culture, habits, style, and adaptability.

Kaylee Klinger

Advising & Alumni Relations Manager

Received a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Business Administration from Ohio University. It was there where I discovered CIS Abroad and got the opportunity to study abroad twice; in Paris, France and Stirling Scotland as well as become an Alumni Ambassador. It was during my time in the Scottish Highlands where I discovered my passion for travel. On top of studying in Paris and Stirling, I've been blessed to have traveled to Australia, Canada, Ireland, England and Italy as well! I have a passion for hiking and visiting all of the National Parks in the United States. Also enjoy spending time with my cat, Mumford.

Travel Tip! The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!

Serenah Quiroga

Advising & Communications Coordinator

I am the daughter of an Argentinean immigrant so all of my dad's family still lives in Argentina. I grew up in South Dakota but attended high school and undergrad in the northern Chicago suburbs. I graduated in 2023 from Lake Forest College with a degree in Neuroscience and Psychology. I balanced life as a women's soccer student-athlete, dance team captain, president of the Neuroscience club and working as a medical assistant and babysitter. I studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy and traveled all throughout Europe during my time there. I also frequent Argentina to visit family but my dream destinations are Tokyo, Spain, Seychelles and sooo many more! I feel inspired to work in international education because I want to share the impact that international travels have had on my life and help provide resources for others to travel and gain a world perspective. Outside of work, I love going to concerts, dancing, reading and meeting new people. I am an empathetic and social butterfly that has a lot of compassion for others. At the same time, I value my 'me-time' and am extremely determined to be the best version of myself.

Travel Tip! Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

Program Deposit

There is a non-refundable program deposit for all CIS Abroad programs. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program! The deposit deadline and amount can be seen above in the Dates & Prices section.

Please note: As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.

CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.

ADVISOR TIP:

Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

Intern in Chiang Mai

Achieve your goals in beautiful Thailand

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Sample Placements

available in Thailand

Program Details

Intern for Credit

Coursework & Credit

Micro-credential

Life in Chiang Mai

Live the Local Life

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Sunday Walking Street Market

Elephant Programs

Trekking

Thai Cooking Class

Introduction to Chiang Mai's Internships Housing

Overview

Chiang Mai - Apartments

Overview

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

Homestay in Chiang Mai

Overview

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

Shared Guesthouse in Chiang Mai

Overview

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP: