Be a Bangkok Canal Scholar!

Spend a summer in Bangkok studying how changing water chemistry affects canal ecosystems and local water use. You will work with mentors at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) to monitor water quality, build low-cost sensors, and survey microbes, plants, insects, and animals that live along the canal.

Preparation will begin the semester before travel and continue the following year to analyze data, present findings, and mentor new participants. This immersive field and lab experience offers international collaboration and practical skills in chemistry, ecology, microbiology and sustainability research.

What will I learn?

Goal 1: Learn how collaborative, international research projects are developed to create new knowledge

Goal 2: Understand how data from complex systems can be analyzed using large data sets related to each other

Goal 3: Develop the skills to propose a hypothesis on a scientific question that has yet to be answered

Goal 4: Learn to design experiments, analyze data, and develop conclusions that address the proposed hypothesis

Goal 5: Learn to communicate scientific findings to both scientists and non-experts

Goal 6: Develop into an independent scientist

Goal 7: Develop intercultural competency skills

The application period for the 2026 Bangkok Canal Science Scholars Program is now closed.

2026 Bangkok Canal Science Scholars Program Open House

At a glance

Who is eligible?
- Pitzer and Scripps first through third year science majors and potential science majors
- Third year Claremont McKenna science majors
- Must be a US citizen, national, or permanent resident
- No previous research experience necessary
What is the time commitment?
- Spring 2026 semester, Friday afternoons from 1-5 pm Bangkok Canal Scholars Orientation on-campus
- Summer Research 2026, June 1-July 24
- Fall 2026 on-campus, Research Analysis, Writing, and Presentation preparation
What is covered?
- Round-trip travel from Claremont to Bangkok
- Food, housing, and ground transportation in Bangkok
- Summer salary for the 8 week period
- Emergency medical insurance through the Claremont Colleges
What is not covered?
- Fee for obtaining passport or visa (if necessary)
- Food, housing, and travel in Claremont (covered by summer salary)
What do you need?
- A complete Bangkok Canal Scholars Program application (opening Oct 1, 2025)
  - CV or Resume
  - Personal statement
  - Unofficial transcript
  - Contact information for faculty or staff reference
- Valid passport (can be done once Scholars are selected)
- Immunizations (can be done once Scholars are selected and financial assistance is available, if needed)
Where will we be in the summer?
- 4 weeks in the Bang Mot area of Bangkok, Thailand followed by 4 weeks in Claremont
What is the weather like in the summer?
- Hot and humid, with frequent downpours and thunderstorms!
- The average temperature in Bangkok in June is 92 °F with a low of 79 °F and an average humidity of 80-85%.
What are the traits of a successful Bangkok Canal Scholar?
- Positive attitude, flexibility/adaptability, curiosity, excitement to learn, intercultural understanding, spirit of adventure, supportive team member, dependable, organized
What skills are necessary?
- The scientific skills that you learn in General Chemistry, Introductory Biology, and/or Integrated Biology Chemistry (IBC) are enough
- Willingness to develop your problem solving, scientific thinking, and data analysis skills
- Willingness to learn basic Thai language skills and cultural norms (you do not need to know how to speak Thai to apply)