Thailand: Community and Environmental Health in Chiang Mai
Travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to learn about the country’s health infrastructure in addition to social, environmental and cultural factors affecting care.
In this two-week course (GHSR 6727), students will critically examine key public health issues and community based solutions in Thailand, including environmental health, novel interventions to mitigate disease spread, and the health of vulnerable populations, with a special emphasis on the environmental health issues facing rural, migrant and refugee populations.
Excursions will explore cultural sites such as Doi Suthep & Wat Pa Dara Phirom temples, healthcare facilities including the Health Center for Minority Ethnic Groups and Migrant Workers, and an overnight trip to Ontai Community Farm. The course is offered in partnership with Chiang Mai University.
Location
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Housing
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast and lunches provided; some dinners on your own
Eligibility
UMN graduate students
UMN faculty
UMN staff
UMN alumni
International learners with a UMN affiliation
Members of the general public
Course Dates
Jan. 2 – Jan. 16, 2027
Topics
Public health infrastructure in Thailand; Rural, migrant, and refugee health; Environmental determinants of health, alternative medicine, and AI in healthcare
Exploring Interdisciplinary, Scalable Approaches to Health
“I gained a deep understanding of how agriculture, climate, and health intersect in Northern Thailand. From PM 2.5 pollution caused by agricultural burning to antibiotic use in mandarin orchards to cross-border mining contamination, there are a myriad of environmental health issues facing communities in Northern Thailand.
"Meeting researchers and entrepreneurs developing local solutions demonstrated that effective interventions require multi-sector, scalable approaches.”
– Student who took part in CGHSR's pilot course in Thailand in January 2026
Site Visits
- Doi Suthep & Wat Pa Dara Phirom temples
- Health Center for Minority Ethnic Groups and Migrant Workers
- Lampang Cancer Hospital
- Nai Suan
- Ontai Community Farm
- Energy Research and Development Institute
- Mae Kha Canal
- Participatory One Health Disease Detection Center
Note: Site visits are subject to change
Discover How to Apply
This interprofessional course takes place during January each year. The course is available for academic credit (GHSR 6727, 2 credits) or non-credit enrollment. It is open to University of Minnesota graduate and professional students as well as UMN alumni, faculty, staff, and non-UMN community learners. Sign up for our interest list to receive updates on this course.
Eligibility
Eligibility
This course is open to:
- University of Minnesota graduate and professional students (post-baccalaureate)
- University of Minnesota faculty, staff, and alumni
- General public / community learners with interest and/or experience in health-related careers
All participants must apply, and have instructor approval, before they will be able to register.
Proficiency in the Thai language is not required for this course.
Credits and Requirements
Credits and Requirements
UMN Students: Academic credit is available to UMN graduate students (GHSR 6727, 2 credits) for the course. It is up to the student to confer with their academic unit to determine if it meets their specific program requirements. Students may be allowed to apply this program to other academic requirements per approval by their unit. UMN students are also able to take the course without receiving academic credit.
Non-UMN Students: Faculty, staff, alumni and community learners may participate for non-credit enrollment.
All participants (credit and non-credit) are expected to complete the following assignments:
- Personal reflection and group debrief activities
- In-class discussion and participation
- Group presentation
- Professional poster creation
Program Fee
Program Fee
The final program fee for this course will be posted by September 1, 2026. The fee will differ depending if the student is taking the course for credit or non-credit.
Estimated 2027 program fee: $3,000 – $5,500
CGHSR offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 — $3,000 for this course. To apply for a CGHSR Student Scholarship, complete the "Statement of need" section in your course application. Additional scholarships may also be available from students' department or college.
Additional costs:
- Airfare: between $1,500–$2,500, depending on airline and flight
- Passport/photos
- Thai tourist visa
- Immunizations
- Some meals
- Essential daily living expenses
Dates and Location
Dates and Location
2026-2027 Dates
- Course dates: Jan. 2 – 16, 2027
- Expected dates of travel: Dec. 31, 2026 – Jan. 16, 2027
- There will be two pre-departure orientations in November/December 2026 to review travel logistics, and a post-course debrief session in spring 2027 (dates TBD).
- The daily schedule and meeting times vary by day while in Chiang Mai. The full schedule will be shared in the course syllabus prior to departure.
Application
Application
Applications are now open and due Oct. 1, 2026! Apply for the course
- Rolling application review through Oct. 1, 2026
- Confirmation deadline: Oct. 15, 2026
Course enrollment is limited to 15 participants. All interested participants must fill out the application. Applications require a $50 application fee, which goes toward your program fees when confirmed.
Application Process
- Students will complete and submit their application through the UMN Learning Abroad Center.
- Click the maroon "Apply Now" button to get started.
- UMN students – On the left, log in using the 'University of Minnesota' button, then sign in with Google using your UMN ID and password.
- Non-UMN students – On the right, log in with an existing account or create a new account.
- Click "Start New Application" and fill out the required information.
- In the section "Program Selection," choose the program "Thailand: Community and Environmental Health in Chiang Mai Winter Break 2027."
- Finish your application and click submit.
Initial application review will begin in September, and then continue on a rolling basis. Once accepted, program staff will provide participants with instructions on how to complete the registration. If the course is full, applications will remain open until a sufficient wait list is obtained.
Cancellation Policy
Please review CGHSR's Thailand Course Cancellation Policy here.
Scholarships
Scholarships
CGHSR offers scholarships up to $3,000 for this course. To apply for a CGHSR Student Scholarship, complete the "Statement of need" section in your course application. Additional scholarships may also be available from students' departments or colleges.
Partner Organization
This course is offered in partnership with Chiang Mai University, a local public research university with an emphasis on science, agriculture, and medicine.