Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Thailand: Culture and Communication program is a ten-day study-abroad program that explores the culture and people of Thailand. Students will visit both the rural mountains of Chiang Mai in the north and the bustling major city life of Bangkok. The program includes visits to elephant sanctuaries, cooking lessons, Buddhist temples, traditional dance performances, and community service activities.

Program Details

Program Type

• OHIO Credit

Academic Focus

• Communication, Journalism, and Media

Program Feature

• Gen Ed

Country/Region

• Thailand

Program Term

• Winter Break

Program Faculty

• Pittaya Paladroi-Shane, World Languages Coordinator & Associate Professor of Instruction, Thai & World Languages, Center for International Studies
• Pamela Kaylor, Professor of Instruction-Lancaster Campus
• Caroline Bresnahan, Program Coordinator, Office of Global Opportunities

Application Deadline

• September 18, 2025

Program Description

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the culture and people of Thailand through various activities, including:

• Visiting elephant sanctuaries and participating in conservation efforts
• Taking cooking lessons and learning about traditional Thai cuisine
• Visiting Buddhist temples and learning about Thai religion and culture
• Participating in traditional dance performances and learning about Thai arts
• Engaging in community service activities, such as teaching English to Thai students and participating in group painting projects

Highlights and Excursions

• Volunteer at an Elephant sanctuary and engage with locals and elephants while learning about elephant conservation
• Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and see the seven-headed serpent statues that line the stairs to the temple
• Visit the historic city of Ayutthaya and tour the monasteries, then finish the evening with a boat ride
• Participate in community service at Moradokmai Theatre Community & Homeschool

Good to Know

• Physical Activity: The program will require moderate to extensive walking and standing to participate in guided city tours, museum visits, and professional meetings
• Weather: Thailand is tropical and humid for most of the country during most of the year, with hot temperatures and high humidity that may cause heat illness

Living Arrangements

• Students will stay in hotels with 2-3 students per room in Chiang Mai and Bangkok
• Breakfast is included daily at the hotels

Program Dates

• December 30, 2025 - January 9, 2026
• Note: Students will need to depart the US on December 28 or 29, 2025, to arrive in Chiang Mai for the start of program activities on December 30, 2025

Academics

• Undergraduate Course options:
  • COMS 1100C: Communication Among Cultures
    • OHIO BRICKS: Bridge: Learning and Doing, Foundations: Intercultural Explorations
  • COMS 4100: Cross-Cultural Communication
• Graduate students:
  • COMS 6930

Cost

• The total estimated cost for Winter Break is expected to be:
  • Undergraduate Estimate: $8,704 + 3 Credits of Spring Regional-Campus Tuition/Fees
  • Graduate Estimate: $9,954 + 3 Credits of Spring Regional-Campus Tuition/Fees
• Tuition rates are based on participant's Tuition Guarantee or Graduate Program of Study
• The credit hours offered for a Winter Break program are part of the spring semester course load
• Participants will not incur additional tuition costs for the spring semester if they are taking 12-20 (Undergraduate) or 9-18 (Graduate) credits including the credit hours associated with this program

Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses

• Passport and Photos: $185
• Airfare: $3,000
• Meals: $220
• Required Cell phone: $100
• Incidentals: $50

Funding Opportunities

• More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on the funding pages

Eligibility and Requirements

• This program is open to all Ohio University students (undergraduates and graduates) who are in good conduct standing
• Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad
• Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g., GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility
• Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs

Application Requirements

• When applying, applicants will be required to submit:
  • DARs
  • Personal Statement: Why would you like to travel on this program, and what is your past travel or service experience?
• This program reviews applications on a rolling basis, and early applications are strongly encouraged

Entry and Exit Requirements

• U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States
• U.S. citizens will not need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program
• Please note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program