First Term (September – December) : Students arrive in Chiang Mai, Thailand for 1 semester of courses

Native Studies 180 : Introduction to Thai Language

This is a conversational course designed for the students to have some ability to participate in Thai culture. This is an intense course designed to give some language skills and experience culture through language.

Native Studies 311 : Hill Tribes and Thai Culture

A study of cultural continuity, change and revitalization in Hill Tribes and Thai communities in Thailand. The dynamic nature of cultural adaption and the significance of tribal language, spirituality and social responsibilities will be emphasized.

Native Studies – International Development Studies 305 or 482 : Aboriginal Community Development.

A study of various approaches to community development in aboriginal and third world communities. The course will examine current initiatives in human resource, political and economic development, and critical issues relating to local control, values, gender processes.

Second Term (January – April) : Students participate in Field Placements through Thailand, or in Laos, China, or Vietnam.

Native Studies 386/390 or 403(double credit)

The nature of their placements will very depending on student interests and the availability of agencies willing to take students. The placements are designed to allow students to learn about development and culture in a dialectical way, through a process of experience (action) and reflection on that experience. Placements can take place in Thailand, Laos, China, or Vietnam.

* Students might be able to take different courses depending on their research and required specific courses to graduate , please contact us for more detail.

Teaching Methods:

All Native Stuides courses taught at Chiang Mai will be taught by a Native Studies Professor from Trent. The courses will include some guest lectures from the University of Chiang Mai, however the core of the material will be taught by the Canadian Professor. The Thai language course will be taught in conjunction with Chiang Mai University; the language faculty beign comprised of Chiang Mai staff. Second term students will be independent in thier field placements with periodical visits from the Trent professor and/or the field placement coordinator.