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Families and Healthcare Businesses in Thailand
Program Information | Location Information | Courses Available | Eligibility | Costs | Deadlines & Dates | Orientation | Housing | What's Next? | Photos | Helpful Links
| PROGRAM TERMS | J-Term 2010 |
| PROGRAM DATES | December 26, 2009 - January 16, 2010 |
| CLASS STANDING | Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate |
| DEADLINE TO APPLY |
October 15, 2009 |
| FEES | Programs costs can be found here |
| FINANCIAL AID | Yes |
| GPA | 2.5 |
| LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION |
English |
Program Information
The health of individuals and the business of medical care is best understood within familial, cultural and global contexts. Thailand, a country which has been greatly influenced by globalization trends, provides excellent opportunities to explore the interdependence of culture, religion, family, business and health care provision. Additionally, this course will provide unique insight into Thailand's important influence on the global healthcare market .
In this course, learners will explore family and health care in unique Thailand contexts such as a rural fishing village, a northern Hmong village, a village-based HIV-AIDS prevention program, a Bangkok slum area, and refugee resettlement efforts. Moreover, they will be exposed to traditional Eastern approaches to health and well-being which are deeply rooted in Thai culture, religion and tradition.
Vivid contrasts between the United States and Thailand give learners opportunities to gain important insights into ways that culture and country contexts shape ideas of health, medical care, and family life.
Thailand is often referred to as a golden land, not because there is precious metal buried underground but because the country gives off a certain luster, be it the fertile rice fields of the central plains, white sandy beaches or the warm hospitality of its citizenry. There are 26 provinces that make up Central and Eastern Thailand, and Bangkok is one of them. Geographically, this is Thailand’s heartland, extending from Lop Buri in the north and covering the rice bowl of the Central Plains around the Chao Phraya River. Further south, the area embraces the east and west coasts of the upper Gulf of Thailand. Thailand is a country of scenic diversity and ancient traditions, of tranquil temples and modern urban excitement. With and independent history going back more than seven centuries, it has managed to absorb a variety of cultural influences and blend them into something uniquely and memorably Thai.
Bangkok is the largest city in Thailand, as well as being it's capital and main port. It is the cultural, educational, political and economic center of Thailand, as well as being the only metropolis. Bangkok has grown and expanded to include the area Thon Buri, which had at one point been the capital of Siam, and the combined area is commonly known as Krung Thep Mahanakhon. The area of Bangkok, including Thon Buri and other provinces, is just over 1,568 square kilometers. The population of Bangkok is close to 9 million people. In Bangkok, numerous beautiful temples can be found featuring traditional Thai architecture. The old sections of Bangkok are immensely popular tourist spots, particularly with the royal Grand Palace. Bangkok is an interesting blend of traditional buildings and modern skyscrapers.
Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. Scenic dense mountains, river valleys, hot springs, waterfalls, ancient settlements and historical sites, hill tribe villages such as Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo and Muser, all can be found in Chiang Rai. Once the province became famous because of the renowned "Golden Triangle" where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge at the banks of the Maekong River and thus the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China. The northernmost town of Thailand, Mae Sai on the Ruak River is the border to Myanmar. Rich in tourist attractions Chiang Rai remains until today a heaven for people looking for a rather laid back holiday, close to nature. Trekking is a highlight in any of the many National Park and roads are perfect for mountain bikes. The city of Chiang Rai was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and the city's most honored temple is Wat Phra Kaew.
Chiang Mai has in excess of 300 temples (121 within the thêtsàbaan or municipal limits) – almost as many as are in Bangkok – a circumstance that makes the old city center visually striking. Thais idealize their beloved northern capital as a quaint, moated and walled city surrounded by mountains with legendary, mystical attributes. In reality, Chiang Mai is a dynamic and modern city, which has successfully managed to combine its rich history and traditions with its increasingly modern side. Chic, Thai-style boutique hotels are popping up everywhere, and one look at the trendsetters setting up shop (and bars and restaurants), particularly in the Th Nimmanhaemin area, shows that the city’s identity is changing. Yet, the northern capital still manages to retain the relaxed, temple-sprinkled, cultural capital atmosphere of yore, alongside these new hip happenings.
Courses Available
Students will complete FST 4252, HCM 4595 Special Topics: Families and Healthcare Businesses in Thailand, which is a 3 credit course.
Eligibility
Participants must be available for an interview with faculty prior to acceptance in the program. Participants MUST have a passport, valid for at least 6 months after their return to the U.S. Students also should be in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.5.
Costs
The program package cost is $3764. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is due with the application and a deposit of $400 will be billed to your student account upon confirmation of your participation. The remainder of the program fee will also be billed through Student Accounts Receivable.
The program package includes:
- Tuition for the 3-credit course
- In-country airfare Bangkok-Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
- 11 nights accommodation in Bangkok (includes breakfast)
- 3 nights accommodation in Chiang Rai (includes breakfast)
- Bus transportation Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Wat Panya Nuntahram
- Field trips including entry fees and transportation
- Cultural Insurance Services International health insurance
Students are responsible for the cost of roundtrip airfare (Minneapolis- Bangkok) and course textbook. Students will also be responsible for 15 lunches and dinners. The estimated additional expense for these additional meals is approximately $250 for the entire travel period. Other items not included are the cost of obtaining a passport and personal spending money. It is recommended that all participants bring additional money for personal and miscellaneous expenses.
Fluctuating currency exchange rates may increase or decrease the cost of your international experience. Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student. There are several study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students.
Deadlines & Dates
The application deadline is October 15, 2009. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the class will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis after eligibility criteria and interviews are completed.
Travel dates are December 26, 2009 to January 16, 2010.
Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientations will be held. Attendance at pre-departure orientations is required. The orientation sessions will include information about financial aid information, international insurance, class work, travel tips and a general study abroad handbook.
Accommodations in Bangkok and Chiang Rai will be in centrally located hotels in each city as arranged by the tour company. Other accommodations will be home stays arranged by the program leaders.
What's Next?
Before applying, it is a good idea to follow the steps under steps to studying abroad. The IEO website also provides information on financing, health & safety and other important information to consider when choosing to study abroad. When ready to apply, the UMD study abroad application may be downloaded from the IEO website. Please complete the application with required accompanying materials and return it to IEO.
Contact Jill Klingner for program questions. For application/registration and location questions, contact Leigh Neys at (218) 726-7053 or email: lneys@d.umn.edu.
