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Is this program right for you?

The Community Public Health program in Thailand provides an attractive option for students interested in studying community health issues and public health policy in an Asian context—in English—coupled with learning Thai as a second language. Thailand, a country known for its innovative public health system, provides a near perfect environment for students interested in an intensive and integrated immersion experience to examine issues of public health and social services on both a regional and national level through academic lectures from public health faculty coupled with site visits to communities, NGOs, and Ministry of Public Health projects.

Program Snapshot

  • Focused on trends in public health management in Thailand and Southeast Asia
  • Opportunities for engaging with local communities about healthcare issues, and for developing and implementing a public health project
  • Authentic exchange with villagers, NGOs, and others working for social change through site visits and hands-on field work
  • Opportunities for cultural integration through community stays and structured exchanges in Northeast Thailand, Thai student roommates, and peer tutors

Subject Areas

  • Community Health
  • Development & Planning
  • Public Health
  • Thai Language

About Khon Kaen

Located in the center of the Northeast province of Isaan, Khon Kaen is Thailand’s fourth largest city with a population of over 300,000. About 300 miles north of Bangkok, it is the educational and government center of the Northeast, as well as the headquarters for many development organizations working in the region. Compared to other parts of Thailand, the Northeast has retained many traditional Thai customs, as well as Lao and Khmer influences.

Where You'll Study

Khon Kaen University - Community Public Health

Khon Kaen University (KKU), founded in 1964, has 17 faculties that offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and professional degrees. Approximately 24,000 undergraduate students and 9,700 postgraduates study at KKU. The Faculty of Public Health at KKU, the faculty in which CIEE students study, was established in 1978 as part of the Royal Thai Government’s policy to extend higher education to the rural areas of the country, and to leverage the resources of KKU to help address the development needs of people in the Northeast Region.

Thoughts From Abroad

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” This saying, attributed to Benjamin Franklin (others claim it is an ancient Chinese proverb), captures our approach here perfectly. We believe that the best learning comes from involvement. You will be confronted with the stories and the lives of other human beings. You will be asked, “What can you do?”

This program believes in the power of one. But much more so, we believe in the power of humans coming together, learning how to be friends, coming to a common understanding, and learning how they can organize for a better future.

This is a program about Thailand. Come learn about Thailand’s history and its particular journey.

If you come, be ready and open to learn from those who have come before. Be ready not only to engage Thai society, but also to engage those who are with you in the program. And be ready to relate your experiences to those who come after you. By receiving, involving, and then passing on your knowledge, the program’s work on issues of public health strengthens and grows.

— David Streckfuss, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Dr. David Streckfuss has been the Resident Director in Thailand since 1994. He received his Ph.D. in Southeast Asian History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is particularly interested in economic, social, and cultural rights.

Dr. Wongsa Laohasriwong, Academic Coordinator, received her Ph.D. in Public Sector Management from Canberra University (Australia) in 2002 and received a certificate in Conflict Resolution at Uppsala University in Sweden in 2004. She has also served at Khon Kaen University as its Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2001–2002, and Associate Dean for Foreign Affairs from 2002–2004.

Arunee Sriruksa, Program Coordinator, has an M.A. from Khon Kaen University in Development Management and has been working with the program for 10 years.

Recommended Credit

semester: 15 semester/22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • College-level coursework in public health or sociology recommended
  • Nursing and pre-med students encouraged to apply

Program Dates

Spring 20101/24/2010 - 5/15/2010

Application Deadlines

Spring 201010/15/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Spring 201017 weeks
mid-January - mid-May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Spring 2010 $12,700
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, visa fees, transportation from Bangkok to Khon Kaen, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,588
    Housing$1,910
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa$128
    Total$12,700

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, visa fees, transportation from Bangkok to Khon Kaen, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,500
    Personal Expenses$1,100
    Meals$750
    Books and Supplies$70
    Local Transportation$350
    Total$3,770


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.