If you are looking for an exotic way to earn undergraduate credits, a Summer Study Abroad in Thailand program brings you to Mainland Southeast Asia. Close to Vietnam, Indonesia and India, Thailand is rich in historical ruins, geographical and cultural diversity. A few of the fascinating things about this beautiful country include the elephant as its national symbol, ruins that date back over 40,000 years, and influences from Nepal. If studying abroad in Thailand is a possibility, a summer in Thailand may satisfy your zest for exotic adventure and travel. Plus, an opportunity to immerse yourself in a foreign and diverse culture while you earn undergraduate credits - wow!
Why Consider a Summer Study Abroad in Thailand Program?
While Thailand has been modernized, it is still home to old temples and palaces, and has cultural influences that range from Indian, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian and Chinese. Most of the 62 million people living in Thailand practice Theravada Buddhism, and there are many famous landmarks to take in. If you opt for a Thai summer study abroad program, you can choose from any number of cities, including the capital, Bangkok or more laid back Cha-Am
FUN FACT: To say hello in Thai, you can say: SA-WAT-DEE
Palaces, Monasteries and Temples
Orange, yellow, red, blue, green, gold. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is the city’s most famous landmark, boasting beautifully intricate architectural detail. Within the palace complex, see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha –Wat Prakeaw. Note to self: As Thailand’s most sacred site, there is an enforced dress code.
Also, just North of Bangkok, Ayuttaya’s temple and palace ruins awaits. There are so many icons to take in such as the site of Buddha's head entrapped by the roots of an overgrown banyan tree.
The Reclining Buddha
Nothing has prepared you for this moment. Located near The Grand Palace, visit the Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan, or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is one of the oldest temples, and the chance to stand near the 15 m high and 46 m long statue is likely to awe you for a long time to come.
Tired tootsies?
Stop by and get a little spa treatment; little tiny fish nibble at your feet to remove dead skin. If this doesn't appeal, Thailand is the birthplace of Thai massage and many temples have medical inscriptions and illustrations on their walls.
James Bond Island
Khao Phing Kan, featured in The Man With The Golden Gun and Tomorrow Never Dies, you can take a boat ride in the emerald green water to see the limestone cliffs.
Floating Markets
Seriously the stuff of movies, the floating market boats are piled with produce, so you could literally buy fresh coconut juice or local food cooked right from the boat - that’s right – a floating kitchen. Of course, there are on land markets too, opportunities to bargain and shop on land too.
Turquoise Water, Waterfalls and Underwater Life
If you love marine life, the Phi Phi Islands are just a speedboat away from Phuket. Definitely not just a day at the beach, one of the islands, Maya Bay was used in the Leonardo Di Caprio movie, The Beach. Khao Yai is a UNESCO World heritage site and literally lush, mountainous and the place to go to see waterfalls, native plants, birds and wildlife. For scuba divers, the marine life and aquatic landscapes throughout the Gulf of Thailand offer plenty of underwater photo opportunities and memorable ocean moments
Foodie and Fun
Thai food is known to balance 5 flavors: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter, and salty. You will probably try a green curry or pad thai from a local vendor, eat lots of jasmine rice, never get enough papaya salad, and then have more mango sticky rice for dessert. Bangkok also has a Chinatown and upscale areas to taste as you travel. Nightlife in Bangkok and Phuket can be loud, a little rowdy, with beer bars, trendy clubs…yours to discover
Find a Summer Study Abroad in Thailand program
Spending your summer studying abroad in Thailand is bound to be a unique experience. The contrasts of land and sea, ancient spirituality and modern infrastructure are likely some of the moments of discovery you would be in for. Find Summer Study Abroad in Thailand programs by choosing a popular city or select a specialty program if there is something you specifically want to learn. Continued success as you journey to the ‘land of smiles’!
/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Pho
