Information for term Community Public Health
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenStudy abroad in Khon Kaen and gain an in-depth understanding of the role of public health in Thailand. The program combines classroom-based academics with extensive field work that offers hands-on experience, visits to private and public health agencies, and guidance from government officials and practitioners. The program begins with an intensive Thai language instruction course, geared toward helping you succeed in everyday situations. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
Unique Experiences
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Interact with
doctors, nurses, public health professional, academics, and community-level public health volunteers
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Collaborate with
local public health leaders to determine research topics and activities that meet community needs
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Visit
Laos, Vietnam, or another Southeast Asian country to compare public health systems
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residents
300K -
STUDENTS AT KHON KAEN UNIVERSITY
38,000 -
water buffaloes (province)
23,126
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
The northeast of Thailand, called “Isaan,” retains many of its traditional Lao and Khmer customs and features a strong silk trade, ancient temples, museums, and recreation areas. Khon Kaen city features expansive shopping malls, top-rate private medical facilities, and chain stores like McDonalds and Starbucks. But it also has close-knit traditional communities and historic Buddhist temples dotted along the banks of the city’s picturesque lakes. Khon Kaen is at the center of Isaan and serves as a regional hub for development organizations, commerce, industry, government, and education. Compared to other regions, this area is well known for its welcoming attitude toward visitors.
With the Thai language skills you develop on the program and through your site visits and community stays, you’ll feel proud to be part of the culture and not a mere tourist.
The Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Enjoy a three-day tourist excursion to scenic Chiang Mai (starting Fall 2018)
- Go on two- to three-day community visits using various research tools to assess community public health needs and build relationships
- Take a five-day comparative study excursion to Laos, Vietnam, or another Southeast Asian country
- Head to an overnight excursion where you feed, bathe, and walk your own elephant with “Elephant Lover Home” in Surin Province (starting Fall 2018)
- Camp at a mountainous national park and watch the sunset while bats stream out of a nearby cave
- Live with a Thai student in a dorm-style room with internet, air-conditioning, microwave, refrigerator, and heated shower - a five-minute walk to convenience stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues
- Practice Thai with a Peer tutor

PROJECTS
- Collaborate in a fieldwork/research project. Past students have studied pesticide consumption, diabetes management, the behavior of motorcyclists, nutrition, trash management, and more.
- Contribute human interest stories published in partner publication The Isaan Record.
- Help create the newest issue of Common Ground Magazine, a publication of student writing and photography on selected issues.
- Work with CIEE student-initiated Radical Grandma Collective, a women’s weaving group preserving a traditional art and raising money for important local issues.
- Participate in an annual human rights festival or other similar event in the northeast.
- Join other students, Thai resident assistants, and CIEE staff for fun and reflective evenings discussing cross-cultural issues.
Daily Life
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HOUSING
When students are not in the field or staying with host families, they live in an off-campus, air-conditioned, dorm-style room in a secured facility near Khon Kaen University (KKU). Each participant shares a room with a friendly KKU student trained on intercultural skills. Internet is provided.
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MEALS
Meals are not provided except when staying in communities. Students can purchase reasonably-priced meals at university cafeterias or local restaurants. Vegetarian options are available. A microwave and small refrigerator are provided in each room.
Khon Kaen, Thailand Where You'll Study
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A
KHON KAEN UNIVERSITY
Thailand
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CIEE KHON KAEN
Khon Kaen
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Program Details
Click to OpenWhat you need to know
The program detailsThis program enables students to understand the complexities and challenges of the public health community in Northeast Thailand. Given a broad overview of public health management and community public health issues in Thailand and Southeast Asia, students apply theoretical frameworks covered in the classroom, competently carry out community health assessments, develop and implement a public health project, and assess its impact.
Content courses are taught by a variety of professors from Northeastern universities and as well as outside university lecturers, members of the NGO Coordinating Committee on Development (NGO-CORD), government officials, representatives of NGO and governmental organizations, and CIEE center staff. The Thai Language courses taught by CIEE language faculty and resident staff.
CIEE Khon Kaen is conveniently located on the campus of Khon Kaen University.
Khon Kaen University was founded in 1914, and has 19 faculties offering bachelor, master, doctorate, and professional degrees and hosts 44,000 students. CIEE students’ study at the Facility of Public Health, which was established in 1978 as part of a government mission to extend higher education to rural areas.
Academics
Click to OpenEligibility
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OVERALL GPA
Students need to have a GPA of at least 2.5.
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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
College-level coursework in public health or sociology recommended. Nursing and pre-med students are encouraged to apply.
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Course Information
Program Credit
Total credit: 15 U.S. semester/22.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
CIEE courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours
Language of Instruction
English and Thai
Requirements
Students are required to take all three CIEE content area courses, plus a Thai language course.
Course Notes
Thai language level will be determined by an on-site Thai language exam.
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
Courses
Click to OpenSpring 2020 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenHealth Professions and Related Programs
Languages and Cultural Studies
Fall 2020 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenHealth Professions and Related Programs
Languages and Cultural Studies
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- McDermott Health Sciences, Nursing, and Public Health Merit Scholarships
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
YOUR FEE INCLUDES:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Visa
- Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
- Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
- Orientation – an introduction to Thai culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
- Three-day excursion to Chiang Mai (transportation, lodging, and trip to Doi Suthep) (starting Fall 2018)
- Overnight excursion at the Elephant Lover Home in Surin (starting Fall 2018)
- Five-day study excursion to Laos or another Southeast Asian country
- Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
- Food and lodging while on community visits
- Research costs
- Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
- Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
- 24/7 emergency on-site support
No Hidden Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
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Spring 2020 17 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 14, 2020 | May 14, 2020 |
$17,850
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $15,081 ** Housing = $2,150 Insurance = $167 Visa Fees = $152 Total Fees = $17,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $750 International Airfare = $1,500 † Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $15 Personal expenses = $700 Total Estimated Costs = $3,165Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. 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 $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
Fall 2020 17 weeks | May 1, 2020 | Aug 11, 2020* | Dec 10, 2020* |
$17,850
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $15,081 ** Housing = $2,150 Insurance = $167 Visa Fees = $152 Total Fees = $17,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $750 International Airfare = $1,500 † Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $15 Personal expenses = $700 Total Estimated Costs = $3,165Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. 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 $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
Spring 2021 17 weeks | Nov 1, 2020 | Jan 12, 2021 | May 13, 2021 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, and personal expenses. In addition, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.
Looking for funding?
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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David Streckfuss
Director
David has been the director for CIEE Programs in Thailand since 1994. He has a Ph.D. in Southeast Asian History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Anootnara Talkul
Academic Director
Dr. Anootnara Talkul Kuster is a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Health Science at the Faculty of Public Health at Khon Kaen University.
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Chananya Tangvanichkapong
Manager of Finance and Human Resources
Ms. Chananya Tangvanichkapong has been working with the CIEE Khon Kaen as an Accountant since the Spring 2016 semester.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.