Interning may be a great way to build confidence and independence, develop real-world skills, and enhance your resume. And if you decide to intern abroad in Thailand, you may also have the opportunity to learn a new language on top of everything else. In fact, U.S. News recently ranked Thailand as 21 out of the 60 best countries in the world[i]. That’s not too shabby! And with its tropical climate, beautiful sandy beaches and islands, Buddhist temples, and vibrant culture, it’s easy to understand why Thailand is one of the world’s most visited countries – and why it could be a great place for Internships in Thailand, too
FUN FACT: “Thailand” translates to “land of the free” and it’s the only Southeast nation that wasn’t colonized by Europe.
Opportunities to Learn about Business in Thailand
Formerly known as Siam, the Kingdom of Thailand is located in the Indochina peninsula, neighboring Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. In terms of top industries, agriculture and manufacturing are right up there. Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice—and a leader in textiles, electronics and tin.
What is Thailand famous for?
Also known as the “land of smiles” you may enjoy the combination of modern cities and ancient ruins that Thailand offers—and you’ll definitely want to fit in a Thai massage to take the edge off after a long day at your internship. While you’re at it, you’d be crazy not to take advantage of the abundance of authentic Thai dishes like Tom Young Goon (spicy shrimp soup), Som Tum (spicy green papaya salad), and—of course—Pad Thai! Our mouths are watering just thinking about it…
Did you know? In Thailand, it’s illegal to leave the house without underwear. Just saying…
What Areas Should You Consider?
Whether you’re interested in a paid or volunteer internship, to spend a summer or a semester, to gain work experience or to enhance your education—there may be a program out there that’s the perfect fit for you. It’s just a matter of finding it! And one way to help narrow things down a bit is to think about which areas you’re interested in exploring. To help give you a sense of what Thailand’s many fantastic destinations have to offer, we’ve compiled a brief summary of a few below.
Bangkok
Thailand’s bustling capital—also the largest city in the country—has so much to offer! Some things to check out include the spectacular Grand Palace, Wat Triamit, Temple of the Golden Buddha, and Khao San Road, which is packed with amazing food vendors, clothing stalls, and travelers from around the world. Bangkok is also famous for its swanky rooftop lounges, bars, and nightclubs, if you’re so inclined…
Chiang Mai
Located in mountainous northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has historically served as a cultural and religious center. These days, it’s the place to be if you’re interested activities like visiting elaborate Buddhist temples, taking part in traditional khantoke dinners (accompanied by Thai music and dance) and visiting open-air Night Bazaars for treasures. Also, there are tons of elephants to observe – and maybe even get the experience to play with!
Ko Samui
Thailand’s second largest island is known for its beautiful beaches, coconut groves, and dense rainforests. This is where to head if you want to treat yourself to a day at a spa or luxury resort. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, try Maenam Beach. There’s also snorkeling and diving at Ang Thong Marine National Park, for the more adventurous. And, don’t miss the 12m- golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple.
Phuket
Located off the Andaman Sea, the island of Phuket boasts some of Thailand’s most popular beaches. Phuket City is famous for its busy markets and old shophouses, while Patong is a resort town that offers a lot of restaurant and nightlife options. If you’re interested in scuba diving among coral reefs, check out the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project—and if sightseeing is more your speed, you can always visit the Wat Chalong Buddhist temple complex.
FUN FACT: Siamese cats are native to Thailand. The country is also where the term “Siamese Twins” originated!
How Do You Find Internships in Thailand Programs?
That’s where StudyAbroad.com comes in! Think about what you want to get of your internships in Thailand—and then check out our program listings to find one that suits your interests and educational goals. You can also narrow down Internships in Thailand programs the selections by city, term, and type of work. So go wild!
Sources: [i] usnews.com/news/best-countries/thailand#ranking-details
