There will not be a Simpson faculty director but students can still participate in the program based at Simpson’s partner institution, Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Simpson students will join other international students participating in this program operated by USAC (a consortium of US colleges and universities) in conjunction with Chiang Mai University (CMU) and its faculty to learn about Thailand, Thai language, Thai culture, and other relevant topics. All students will take three credits of Thai language, and then have the choice of a number of elective courses to choose from taught in English by CMU faculty. Elective courses are generally offered in the following subject areas: Sociology/Anthropology, Religion, Global Health, History/Political Science, and Economics.

This program offers field trips, excursions, and cultural activities throughout the semester which provide students the opportunity to learn even more about Thailand and Thai culture.

Cost of the program:

To participate in the program, students pay Simpson tuition plus a program fee of $3,900). In addition, students are also responsible for covering their lodging costs ($500 for a shared room for the term), about $1,200 for your meals for the term, air transportation costs to and from Chiang Mai (approximately $1,600 from Des Moines).

Requirements

Students must take a one-credit hour orientation course during the fall semester preceding the semester in Thailand. Students must also have a grade point average of at least 2.5 both at the time of application for the program, and at the time of departure in order to be able to study abroad.

You will be asked to sign up for a 15-minute interview with the Program Director and the International Education Director.

Students will be notified of their status in the Thailand program during the week of Apr. 11, 2016. A second deposit payment of $300 will be due by Oct. 15, 2016.

Final program payment is due to be paid with Spring Semester tuition, room, and board by January 2, 2017.

For more information, contact:

Jay Wilkinson
Director of International Education
515-961-1288
(515) 961-1646