UMN: MSID - Human Rights in Thailand
Program Details
| Program Location |
Chiang Mai, Thailand
|
| Sponsor |
University of Minnesota |
| Program Type |
Co-sponsored |
| Duration |
Semester
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Spring 2026 |
01/17/26 to 05/09/26
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Overview
The Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) Program allows you to study international development and human rights in Thailand - the only southeast Asian country not colonized by European powers and a hub of manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.
Examine the roles of local people, nonprofits, government agencies, and intergovernmental entities in educating and advocating for the human rights of vulnerable communities in Thailand. Complete an internship or conduct research with grassroots organizations or community advocates who work with these marginalized populations.
With a large portion of the Thai population being over the age of 60 and a slightly larger male-to-female ratio, Thailand serves as the perfect backdrop to focus on various human rights issues and policies. You will work directly with local communities and disadvantaged groups, such as the elderly, women and children, and ethnic minority populations. Participate in a 6-week internship or research project focusing on human rights advocacy, gender equality, or rural education.
For more program information, please visit the
program website.
This program is sponsored by:
University of Minnesota.
Eligibility
The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.
GPA Requirement:
2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none
Purdue Credit
Direct Credit
available from the following:
[
College of Liberal Arts]
Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.
Academic Program
Spend 7 weeks engaged in coursework in Chiang Mai, followed by 6 weeks working as an intern or conducting a research project with a local grassroots organization. You will enroll in 4 required courses, including the internship or reserach project.
- Historical & Political Context of Thailand
- Human Rights
- Thai Language
- Internship or Research
Excursions
Although excursions change from semester to semester, you can expect to visit a variety of sites that may include local markets, development agencies, and areas of interest around Chiang Mai. Some sample excursions include:
- Elephant hospital
- Mosque
- Cooking school
- Warorot Market
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Lanna Folklife Centre
- Chiang Mai Historical Centre
Housing
You will live in a studio apartment that is a 5-minute walk from the MSID Thailand program center. If you choose an internship or research placement outside of Chiang Mai, you will stay in an apartment or rented room. If you stay in Chiang Mai, you will stay at your apartment or relocate to a different apartment in an area of the city closer to your placement. You will receive a weekly meal stipend.
Estimated Program Costs
Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location. This will vary by program. The program fee includes non-refundable deposit, tuition, orientation, advising, and some program activities.
Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are
for: Fall 2025
|
Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue
and Co-sponsor
|
| Program Fee |
$16,492.00
|
| Study Abroad Fee |
$914.10 |
| Housing |
$3,815.00 |
| Insurance |
$283.00 |
|
Approximate additional costs per semester
|
| To be paid by the student.
|
| Round-trip Airfare |
$2,300.00 |
| Visa |
$100.00 |
| Books and Supplies |
$10.00 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses |
$0.00 -
$1,760.00 |
| Travel Documents (passport, photos) |
$175.00 |
Financial Aid
Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should
NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.
Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.
Application Deadlines
For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline. Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.
As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.
| Program Application Deadline
|
| Fall Semester Programs |
Mar 1 |
| Spring Semester Programs |
Sep 15 |
Returnees Information
Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted. If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.
Resources
The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.
For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383
or email
studyabroad@purdue.edu.
