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 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE

Families and Healthcare Businesses in Thailand



PROGRAM TERMS Winter Break 2012
PROGRAM DATES December 26, 2011 - January 15, 2012
CLASS STANDING

Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate

DEADLINE
TO APPLY
October 15, 2011
FEES Estimated program costs can be found here
FINANCIAL AID Yes
GPA 2.5
LANGUAGE OF
INSTRUCTION
English

Apply now!

Know the following program information, which you will provide on the online application: 

Country: Thailand
Program Name: Families and Healthcare Businesses in Thailand

 

Program Information
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. This course will provide unique insight into Thailand's important influence on the global healthcare market, including its active and growing medical tourism industry.

Students 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 students opportunities to gain important insights into ways that culture and country contexts shape ideas of health, medical care and family life.

Location Information

Thailand is often referred to as a golden land, 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.

Geographically, Bangkok is Thailand’s heartland, extending from Lopburi 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. The population is close to 9 million.  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 and hill tribe villages can be found in Chiang Rai. Tthe province became famous because of the renowned "Golden Triangle" where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge at the banks of the Mekong River. Rich in tourist attractions Chiang Rai remains a heaven for people looking for a relaxing vacation.  Trekking is a highlight in any of the many National Park and roads are perfect for mountain bikes.

Chiang Mai has in excess of 300 temples, 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) 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
FST 4252, HCM 4595, FSOS 5193 Special Topics: Families and Healthcare Businesses in Thailand (3 credits).

 

Eligibility
Students should be Junior, Senior or Graduate status and in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Students must be available for an interview with a program leader prior to acceptance in the program.

Students MUST have a passport, valid for at least six months after their return to the United States.

 

Costs
A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application. A deposit of $400 will be billed to your student account upon your confirmation of participation. The remainder of the program fee will be billed through Student Accounts Receivable. The program cost can be found here.

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.

Fluctuating currency exchange rates may increase or decrease the cost of your international experience.

 

Deadlines & Dates
The application deadline is October 15, 2011.

Early application is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the program will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis after eligibility criteria and interviews are completed.

Program dates are December 26, 2011 to January 15, 2012.

 

Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientations will be held. Pre-departure orientations will include information about financial aid, classwork and travel tips. A general study abroad handbook will be emailed prior to departure.

 

Housing
Accommodations in Bangkok and Chiang Rai will be in centrally located hotels in each city as arranged by a tour company. Other accommodations will be homestays arranged by the program leaders.

 

What's Next?
Review the suggested steps to studying abroad. Familiarize yourself on financing, health and safety and other important information to consider when choosing to study abroad. When you are ready to apply, complete the online application and upload the required accompanying materials (unofficial transcript and essay). A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Contact Jill Klingner for program or itinerary questions. For application or registration questions, contact Arianna Austin.

© 2012 University of Minnesota Duluth
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Last modified on 10/27/11 10:36 AM
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