Chiang Mai University – Summer Sustainability School (5th Edition)

• Overview:

The Summer Sustainability School 2025, hosted by the Language Institute at Chiang Mai University, is a two-week program held from 24 August to 6 September 2025. Now in its fifth edition, the program brings together students from around the world to explore pressing environmental challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Academic components include workshops on the impact of climate change, seminars on urban flooding and resilience, a river walk excursion along the Ping River, and industry visits to Mae Ngat Dam and Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai to learn about real-world approaches to watershed management and sustainable planning. Participants will also engage in English for Global Communication sessions to enhance their ability to articulate global sustainability issues.

Beyond the classroom, the program offers rich cultural immersion through curated activities such as a historical tour of Chiang Mai, a city scavenger hunt, a traditional silver stamping workshop, and an elephant park visit. The program fee of $1,250 USD (42,000 THB) covers tuition, accommodation in a twin-shared 3-star hotel for 13 nights, all field and industry visits, and expert-led sessions. The Summer Sustainability School blends academic rigor with cultural discovery, offering an unforgettable learning experience in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and ecologically diverse regions.

• Target: Full Time Undergraduate Students
• Dates: Aug 24 – Sep 6, 2025
• Application: Deadline June 13, 2025 – Apply here
• Outcomes:

1. Understanding Regional Climate Challenges

Participants will gain foundational knowledge of how climate change impacts the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the context of flood risks, watershed management, and urban resilience in developing countries.

2. Application of Sustainability Solutions

Through site visits and seminars, students will analyze real-world examples of sustainability practices, including government and private sector initiatives, enhancing their ability to evaluate and propose practical solutions for environmental challenges.

3. Interdisciplinary and Systems Thinking

Students will develop the ability to think critically across disciplines, integrating perspectives from environmental science, engineering, policy, and community development to understand the interconnectedness of sustainability issues.

4. Improved Global Communication Skills

Through tailored English for Global Communication sessions, participants will strengthen their ability to express ideas, engage in cross-cultural dialogue, and present sustainability concepts effectively in international settings.

5. Cultural Competence and Global Awareness

By engaging with Thai traditions, local communities, and cultural heritage activities, students will enhance their intercultural understanding and develop a more nuanced appreciation of sustainability in diverse socio-cultural contexts.

6. Teamwork and Leadership in Global Contexts

Activities such as scavenger hunts, workshops, and fieldwork will foster collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving skills within international and interdisciplinary teams.

• Social Impact:

1. Climate Vulnerability in Developing Regions

The program tackles the urgent challenge of climate change and its disproportionate effects on countries in the Global South, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. By focusing on real-world case studies such as urban flooding in Chiang Mai and watershed management at Mae Ngat Dam, students confront the social and infrastructural vulnerabilities that exacerbate climate risks for marginalized populations.

2. Inequities in Environmental Resource Access and Protection

Through industry visits and field excursions, participants are introduced to the complexities of water governance, access to clean and reliable water sources, and the socio-economic disparities that influence who benefits from sustainable development and who is left behind.

3. Lack of Localized Climate Literacy and Adaptation Strategies

The academic components aim to empower future global citizens and sustainability leaders with the tools to localize global environmental frameworks. Students explore community-based approaches and low-tech adaptation solutions relevant for resource-limited setting, emphasizing inclusivity and resilience.

4. Global North-South Dialogue on Sustainability

By creating a platform for intercultural exchange and interdisciplinary learning, the program bridges students from diverse national backgrounds. It promotes mutual understanding and shared responsibility in solving sustainability issues, fostering global citizenship and solidarity.

5. Cultural Preservation Amid Globalization

Activities such as traditional silver stamping and local community visits highlight the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage, which are increasingly under threat from urbanization and homogenizing global forces. Students reflect on how sustainable development must incorporate cultural dimensions to be truly inclusive

• Costs: 42,000 THB (~$1,250); includes tuition fee, partial meal, accommodation, transportation and off campus experiential learning, self funded by participants
• Credential: Certificate
• Materials: Poster, More

Mae Fah Luang University – International Short Course Program 2025 – Sustainable Food Systems & Cultural Discovery Program

• Overview: The Agro-Industry Short Course (AISC) at Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, is a 10-day onsite and 4-day online international program offering hands-on learning in food science, postharvest technology, and herbal product development. Hosted by the School of Agro-Industry, it combines lectures, lab work, field trips, and cultural exchange to provide students with practical agro-industry experience and global collaboration opportunities.

• Target: Undergraduate or Graduate students with backgrounds in Biology, Food Science and Technology, Agriculture, or other individuals with an interest in the subject who possess a basic understanding of science, as lab sessions will be included.
• Dates: Aug 4 – Aug 13, 2025
• Application: Apply here Registration Period: Now – 15 June 2025 Application deadline 30 June 2025
• Costs: 35,000 THB, self-funded by participants
• Credential: Certificate
• Poster: View
• Social Media: Facebook Page

Mahidol University – BE Global Camp: Environment, Biodiversity, and Sustainability

• Overview: This short-term program is organized by the Bioresources and Environmental Biology International Program (BE) at the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University. The BE program warmly invites students from international institutions to embark on an exciting scientific journey while immersing themselves in Thailand’s rich biodiversity and vibrant culture. Participants can choose to enrol in a 3-credit course and will receive a certificate of participation upon completion. Tuition fees are waived for students participating through the Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) Programme or from institutions that have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University.

The program offers a variety of engaging academic and hands-on activities, focusing on developing sustainable solutions and innovations to tackle challenges in the environment and bioresources. In addition to scientific learning and field trips, it includes cultural activities aimed at enhancing student’s understanding of Thai traditions, lifestyles, and cuisine, making this a well-rounded educational and cultural exchange.

• Target: College students from international institutes around the world
• Dates: Two sessions per year:

Session 1: Summer Break (mid-June to early July)

Session 2 Winter Break (mid December – early January)

• Application: Contact Program coordinator for more information:

Assoc. Prof. Patompong Johns Saengwilai

Director, Bioresources and Environmental Biology International Program

Email: patompong.sae@mahidol.edu

• Outcomes:

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable environmental and bioresource solutions through academic study, hands-on field experiences, and cross-cultural exchange. They will enhance their scientific knowledge, practical research skills, and cultural awareness, particularly in the context of Thailand’s biodiversity and traditional practices. More specifically, participants can expect to:

1. Gain academic knowledge in environmental biology and bioresources.
2. Develop practical skills through field trips and hands-on activities.
3. Learn to approach environmental challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.
4. Enhance intercultural competence and appreciation of Thai culture, lifestyle, and cuisine.
5. Foster international collaboration and networking with peers and faculty from diverse backgrounds.

• Social impact

The program aims to address environmental and social challenges by fostering sustainable solutions to bioresource and ecological issues through academic learning and hands-on experience. It promotes environmental stewardship, scientific innovation, and international collaboration, while also enhancing students’ cultural understanding and global citizenship. By building scientific capacity and encouraging intercultural exchange, the program seeks to create a positive social impact both locally and globally.

• Innovative approach

The program takes an innovative, interdisciplinary approach by combining academic coursework with real-world applications through fieldwork, lab sessions, and collaborative projects. It emphasizes experiential learning, where students engage directly with Thailand’s diverse ecosystems and local communities to co-develop sustainable solutions to environmental and bioresource challenges. A key strength of the program lies in its strong partnerships with leading universities and private sector organizations, which provide students with exposure to cutting-edge research, industry practices, and diverse professional perspectives. These collaborations enhance the program’s relevance and impact, bridging academic knowledge with practical, real-world innovation.

• Costs: Partially funded by government/university/other agency/participant. The estimated cost varies depending on the partnership with the program. Contact Program coordinator for specific information.
• Credential: Credits, certificate

Busan University of Foreign Studies – 2025, 2026 BUFS Korean Language Short-Term Program

• Overview: Experience systematic and enjoyable Korean language and cultural programmes at the beautiful campus of Busan University of Foreign Studies.
• Target: Korean language learners who want to learn Korean and experience Korean culture in Korea, regardless of Korean language proficiency, and in the case of minors, a tutor or guide is required
• Dates: 4-22 August 2025
• Application: Applicants must complete and submit the application form within the application period.
  Programme Details Link
• Outcomes: Learners will get the opportunities to learn Korean language through speaking and practical use and understand Korea in general through Korean cultural experiences and city tours
• Social Impact: Indirect expansion of Korean language education environment and popularization of Korean language education, increasing learners’ interest in Korean language and Korea
• Costs:
  KRW 1,760,000 (includes accommodation and meals) Self-funded by participants
  Note: The programme may not be opened if the number of applicants is insufficient.
  Programme Details Link
• Innovative Approach: Compared to other programs, this program has a good balance of Korean language classes, cultural experiences, and city tours, and it has the great advantage of providing students with opportunities to meet and communicate with native Korean speakers through student exchange meetings.
• Credentials: Credits, certificate

• Materials: Download attachments in the Programme Details Link