Living in Thailand
Housing
Students on the MSID Thailand program live in studio apartment/hotel. The studios are equipped with the basic necessities: wifi, a bed, bed linens, closet, desk, chair, AC, TV, small sofa, and refrigerator. There is also a pool, patio, and community room where students can gather. Washing machines are available onsite, however, there are no dryers. Dryers aren't as prevalent as in the US as it is more typical for locals to hang their clothes to dry. Studios each have a patio where clothes can be hung to dry, but there are laundromats in the area should you want to use a dryer. Each apartment is only accessible via a key card and they are located a 5-minute walk away from the program center.
Meals
The studios do not have full kitchen as is typical in US American apartments. The housing is a 5-minute walk to ISDSI where there is a small kitchenette that you can use during business hours. The housing is also right next to a large food market, small grocery store, and small convenience store where you can purchase your breakfast and dinner each day; you'll receive a weekly meal stipend of approximately ฿150 per meal. ISDSI will provide you with lunch on the days you are at the program center.
The idea of eating prepared food each day rather than cooking might be different for you, but it is not out of the ordinary for Thais to eat out or order food in each day because food is very inexpensive. As part of your orientation, you'll learn how to navigate the food markets and learn about street food.
Thai Diet
Thai food is pretty popular within the United States and there are several classic elements. Fish sauce (made from fermented small fish and/or razor clams "shellfish") is a staple in Thai cooking, and while the Thai diet is much more plant-based than the Western diet, most vegetable-based dishes are still cooked with some meat and contain fish sauce. Peanuts and peanut oil are also prevalent in Thai cuisine.
You will be provided with a meal stipend so that you can purchase and prepare your own food. Chiang Mai has a wide variety of restaurants beyond Thai, so there are certainly other options for other cuisines during your stay.
Because of cultural realities and with an eye toward food justice, there are certain diets and allergies that cannot be accommodated, including: vegans, strict vegetarians, severe peanut allergies, severe shellfish/fish allergies, and severe celiac disease. Please contact us if you questions or concerns.
Thai Uniforms
College students in Thailand wear a uniform while attending university The uniform consists of a white button-up shirt, as well as a black skirt for women or black pants for men. Personal appearance is meaningful and often dictates how you will be perceived in Thai culture. It is considered a point of pride among Thai students to wear this uniform because it shows they are pursuing higher education.
While MSID students aren't required to wear this uniform on the daily basis for classes at the program center, students are expected to wear the Thai university student uniform for certain program activities. As a result, students will still need to bring or buy one uniform to wear on different occasions.
Clothing Guidelines
Students dress casually in a cultrally appropriate manner when in the classroom. What does "culturally appropriate" mean? Past students have described it as causal clothes that one could wear to work; something light weight that covers your shoulders and knees.
You won't always be in a classroom. Some excursions will involve hiking or getting wet; your research or internship placement may be in a rural area; you might visit a temple that requires you to cover your shoulders; or you might want to do yoga or workout at the ISDSI center. Take these considerations into account as you pack and utilize the packing list provided to you.
Packing List
Students students can find a suggested packing list here.
Personal Appearance
Unlike in the US where personal appearance is considered a form of self-expression, in Thailand, personal appearance is a matter of respecting others and dressing for the setting you are in. Your personal appearance can signify your cultural and social standing. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Given that it is so hot, personal hygiene is extremely important. Most Thais shower twice a day.
Buzz cuts/shaved heads, non-natural hair colors, facial hair, long hair on men, and dreadlocks/braids (on non-black/African American people) can all have negative connotations in Thai culture.
Tattoos are acceptable in some cases, but make sure that you have a way to discreetly cover them when culturally necessary.
Facial and tongue piercings aren't considered culturally appropriate.
Transportation
While on the program, you will become very familiar with the songthaew, one of the most popular modes of transportation in Thailand. They are a type of shared taxi that can used to get city and surrounding suburbs and the can be seen everywhere throughout southeast Asia. You'll use them with the onsite staff on local excursions. While they can be intimidating to use on your own, some students will use them as they become more comfortable with their knowledge of Thai and the city.
More recently, the preferred method of local transportation for students and many Thais is Grab. Grab is the Thai version of Lyft or Uber and make traveling around the city easy and convenient. You can download the app prior to your arrival in Chiang Mai.
While students are within walking distance to the program center, students should budget $500 for personal transportation and transportation during the internship/research phase of the program.
Students will also see a lot of motorbikes being used by locals and tourists alike. Grab even offers pick-up and drop-off via motorbike. While students are allowed to ride on the back of motorbikes as passengers, students are not allowed to drive motorbikes while on the program as it is a violation of University of Minnesota policy. Driving motorbikes can result in immediate dismissal from the program.
Communication
Students are required to have a cell phone with a Thai phone number. Most students bring an unlocked cell and buy a Thai SIM card or they buy a pre-paid phone when they get there.
Lèse-majesté Laws
Lèse-majesté is the crime of violating majesty, an offense against the dignity of a reigning sovereign or against a state. This means it is illegal to defame, insult, or threaten the king, queen, heir-apparent, or regent. The lèse-majesté law has been on the statute books in Thailand since 1908. Lèse majesté is take very seriously in Thailand; violation of this law can result in deportation or imprisonment.