Chiang Mai University
Programme Details
Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s English
Agreement Scope Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre (IGDC) and Department of Politics
Exchange Places 2 full year places for 2024/25
Overview
About:
Chiang Mai University (CMU) is the first provincial university founded in January 1964 as the first institution of higher education in Northern Thailand, and as the first provincial university in Thailand. Ever since its founding, CMU has been focused on providing a broad range of academic programs, with a strong emphasis on engineering, science, agriculture, and medicine.
In the field of research, CMU has been launching innovative initiatives and development projects, the results of which are utilised to further advance the standards of teaching, learning and technology transfer, supporting the social and economic development of the region and the country as a whole.
Highlights:
The Chiang Mai program is the perfect placement to live and study in a lively, vibrant city in one of the most scenic areas of Thailand. The curriculum integrates multiple disciplines in order to respond to the ever-changing issues and events surrounding the country and region. There is also a wide variety of student-led clubs and societies that international students can benefit from, so there is something for everyone to partake in. For more information about the student-led clubs and societies at CMU, visit this link.
Location:
Its main campus lies between Chiang Mai downtown and Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Academic information
Courses / Modules:
Have a look at the list of courses provided by CMU. Courses are subject to change each semester, however, it will give you a good idea as to what is on offer at the university.
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
Each module is worth 3 CMU credits, with one credit equalling 15 hours of lectures. One completed course most often converts to 5 ECTS credits or 3 US credits. York students would need to take 18 CMU credits per semester (60 York credits).
Teaching Periods:
Chiang Mai University’s academic year is divided into two regular semesters (18 weeks / 4.5 months each) and one summer semester (8 weeks / 2 months).
• First Semester: June to October
• Second Semester: November to March
Language:
This programme is primarily taught in English.
Student life
Accommodation:
Exchange students are supposed to stay in off-campus accommodation. There are accommodation options for CMU students, ranging from service rooms, to hostel rooms. For more information on accommodation at CMU, search "Chiang Mai University Fact Sheet For Exchange Students" and download their information factsheet.
NB: Some information on this fact sheet may have since changed.
Orientation / Welcome week:
CMU does offer an orientation for international students, the details of which are released upon admission to the course.
Uniforms:
Exchange students are required to wear school uniforms in classes and anywhere else on campus.
Support Services:
There are several support services on offer at CMU for international students, from wellbeing support and support for students with additional needs to life skills development support. For more information about the student support services, visit this link.
Visas:
All international students must request their official visa application documents via CMU-IRD-VISA Online, within 1 week after confirming status to study at Chiang Mai University. These official visa application documents need to be presented by the student to the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate where the student wishes to apply for a Non-Ed VISA or at the Immigration Office where the student wishes to extend their Non-Ed VISA. For more information about visas, visit this link.
Health insurance:
Every international student is required to buy personal health insurance. If you choose not to purchase health insurance through the university, you must check with the institution to see if it meets their minimum requirements. For more information about health insurance at CMU, visit this link.
Travel insurance:
If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
For more information visit the Chiang Mai University website.
Student experiences
You could be the first University of York student to study at and share your experiences of Chiang Mai University! Please read the student experiences on some of our other sites as a guide.
Top Tips for Studying in Thailand
Please note: Chiang Mai University- Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Monthly budget:
Accommodation: Average cost of accommodation for the short term stay (1-6 months) is varied between 5,000 – 18,000 THB/month (approximately £110 - £400)
Food and drink: Average expense for food & beverages is 4,000-5,000 THB/month (approximately £90 -£110)
Banking: Get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so that you can take cash out easily without opening a bank account. There are several companies that offer these cards, such as Caxton, Starling, Monzo and Moneycorp.
Staying Connected:
Make plans: Going to International events is a good way to meet people, especially the trips the international desk organise early in the term A great way to connect with people is also by joining clubs, groups and societies.
Call or send a postcard to your friends and family at home: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family or having a quick catch-up on the phone can make all the difference and can help you feel a bit more settled.
Food:
Eating on campus: Most faculties have their own canteen and coffee shops, where students and university staff can enjoy affordable food and drink.
Local delicacies:
Chiang Mai has several dishes that make up its own distinctive cuisine, including both those handed down over the generations from the Lanna kingdom and those influenced by its neighbours, especially Myanmar.
Chiang Mai specialities include spicy sausage, Khao soy (a type of noodle soup), and the ultimate in northern cuisine, a khan toke dinner; khan toke dinners usually consist of several small dishes, such as curries, crispy fried pork skin, and northern style chilli sauces, served with sticky rice on a small round table, usually in front of a traditional dancing show.
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
Be organised: There will be a lot of paperwork to do throughout the year, so be as organised as possible! Make a list of things that need to be done and by when and start working your way through it as soon as you can. The earlier you do it, the better, as sometimes it can take quite a while for documents to be signed and approved.
Remember your supervisor: They are here to help! If you are struggling with the amount of paperwork, both your supervisor in York and your host institution are there to support you if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
What I wished I'd known...:
'Making the most of your experience: "I wish I'd known that you never know if your time abroad is going to be unexpectedly cut short so make the most of every second."
Moving: "That moving to another country isn't that daunting! It's just like moving to University."
Useful links
If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk
Contact Global Opportunities
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