Thailand Interest Meeting

How is the experience of disability influenced by the culture in which one lives? What factors influence the services and opportunities available to people with disabilities? Students in this 4-week program will examine these questions in the context of Thailand through sociocultural lenses. Students will engage with educational institutions, community services, government organizations, and advocacy groups to learn about the way people with disabilities live, learn, work, and play in Thailand.

All students will take two 3-credit courses. DIST 301 Disability & Diversity in Thailand considers disability from individual, family, and community perspectives with an emphasis on understanding issues of access and inclusion in everyday life. ENTR 451 International Social Entrepreneurship Ecosystems: Thailand focuses on the core concepts of social entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship ecosystems, with a focal point on enterprises and ecosystem supports that are with and by people with disabilities.

In addition to academic field visits, students will have the opportunity to appreciate Thai culture through excursions to the Grand Palace, local markets, an elephant sanctuary, and other attractions. Students will stay in hotels (two to a room). First, we will stay in a central district of Bangkok with access to a variety of city amenities. Then we will make a short flight to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand to experience the mountainous landscape and more rural cultures. Finally, we will visit Chon Buri, a seaside city about 80km southeast of Bangkok. Chon Buri is the location of Burapha University, our partner institution. The roundtrip flight to Chiang Mai is included in the program fee. Ground transportation between Bangkok and Chon Buri and for all program excursions will be provided. All breakfasts and some group meals are included.

The Program Fee includes hotel accommodations, all breakfasts, some group meals, all group excursions, and transportation in country.

The Program Fee does not include airfare to/from Thailand, nor airport transfers within the U.S. The program officially begins when students arrive in Bangkok, Thailand. Students will receive detailed travel instructions after acceptance, explaining how and where to purchase their plane ticket. See the Cost section below for estimated airfare.

Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance, which is based on academic quality and demonstrated ability to contribute to the objectives of the program. Early application is encouraged.

• Students departing from EWR and JFK will depart on the morning of Jan 2 and arrive in Bangkok the evening of Jan 3, 2025. Students departing from PHL will depart the evening of Jan 1, arriving in Bangkok the morning of Jan 3, 2025.

• University of Delaware Tuition/Fees for one Winter Session

• Travel Study Program Fee
• Usually covers: housing, all program-related excursions and some meals (check with the program's faculty director for details).
• Does NOT cover: airfare to/from the program site and ground transportation to/from the U.S. departure airport. For planning purposes only, we estimate roundtrip airfare to be approximately $2,300.00.
• Plan ahead for how to pay for travel study, and make sure you understand the costs associated with your program.

• An initial payment of $1000.00 will be due in mid-May.
• The balance of the Program Fee and Tuition/Fees will be due in early January.
• Payments are submitted through My Finances in UDSIS.
• All charges, once posted to your account, are considered non-refundable.

• Program Fees are subject to change until the group's departure date. Final Program Fees may increase due to unforeseen local cost increases, fluctuations in exchange rates, or changes in the group size.
• CGPS reserves the right to cancel a program at any time due to under-enrollment, safety/health/security issues, staffing issues, or any other relevant reason. If your program is cancelled, you will receive a full refund of all Program Fees paid.