UW Biological Sciences Research Internships in Thailand

This program is not running Summer 2026.

Thailand, Multiple

The UW Microbiology International Internships program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) in partnership with IAP.

The UW-Madison Department of Bacteriology, in association with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, offers this nine-week summer International Undergraduate Research Experience for up to eight undergraduate students. Participants further their research experience as part of a laboratory research team by investigating basic and applied questions in an active, top-notch biological sciences research program at one of four major Thai universities. Research is conducted with the supervision of a Thai professor, post-doc and/or graduate student in the areas of microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, microbial genetics, molecular biology, or related fields.

Possible internship placements include research laboratories in the Faculties of Science at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai, or Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai. Chulalongkorn and Mahidol, located in the bustling capital of Bangkok, are the first and second highest ranked universities in Thailand and both receive some of the largest research budgets throughout Thailand. Chiang Mai University is ranked third in the country, and Mae Fah Luang University is ranked the #1 Mycology University in the World! Both Chiang Mai University and Mae Fah Luang University are situated in the beautiful mountainous plateaus of northern Thailand. Holidays, evenings, and weekends, participants will be free to explore their surroundings, engage in local cultural activities, and travel to neighboring regions of a country known for its rich and varied culture, beautiful Buddhist temples, diverse terrain including both beaches and mountains, and delicious cuisine.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

Practice scientific techniques to conduct effective research in biological sciences
Enhance scientific processes skills - developing hypotheses, design experiments, perform experiments, collect data, analyze it critically and report it to others
Demonstrate critical thinking and comparative perspectives with respect to experiences as well as scientific and cultural approaches to societal and international challenges
Achieve personal development and the ability to adapt to a new culture

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

Students must enroll in a pre-departure course during the spring semester prior to the summer Thailand program in order to be eligible to participate. Students will be given permission to enroll in 1 credit of ASIAN 299: Directed Study after confirming their participation on the program. This class will take place on Fridays at 3:30pm.

Open to UW-Madison degree seeking students and all degree-seeking undergraduate students at a UW-System university. Preference is given to UW-Madison students.

Undergraduate students majoring in the biological sciences are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have strong interest in a career in biological research. Upper level research experience is preferred, but not required.
2.5 cumulative GPA
Junior, Senior
Good academic and disciplinary standing
At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Global Health

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Apartments

Program Duration

Summer: Mid-June to Late-August (9 weeks)

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Students will be evaluated by their Thai mentor on participation in their research project and a written summary of work for the hosting lab, and evaluted by the UW-Madison program leader on a formal abstract of their project and submission of weekly updates. Students are also asked to participate in post-program recruitment seminars.

Students will be enrolled in 4 credits of Microbiology 399 for the program. The study abroad program is approved as a field experience for the Global Health Certificate, although students of all majors and certificates are welcome on this program. This study abroad program fulfills the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences International Studies requirement.

Affiliate Institution(s)

Mahidol University - Faculty of Science Chulalongkorn University - Department of Microbiology Learn about additional credit through the Worldwide Internship Program

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Jon Roll

Location

Not sure where Bangkok is? See it on a map here.

The Chulalongkorn campus covers a large area in downtown Bangkok. The Microbiology program is located in the Faculty of Science department and is the third largest faculty of Chulalongkorn University. One-third of the research on campus happens within the Faculty of Science.

Mahidol University is divided into two campuses, situated 12 miles outside the center of Bangkok, allowing students to relax among the scenic beauty and serenity of Salaya. Salaya campus, which contains the widest variety of research centers at the university, along with Phayathai campus, includes renowned research centers.

These locations give students easy access to the vibrant cultural, social, and political center of the country. Nearby is Nakhon Pathom, the oldest city in Thailand and home to Phra Patham Chedi, the tallest Buddhist Monument in the world. Also nearby is Khao Yai National Park, the largest in Thailand, and the province of Kanchanaburi, where students can walk on the famous Bridge over the River Kwai.

Thailand's geography is divided into four distinct areas: the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsular South.

Cost of living varies widely by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.

Housing

You will stay with fellow program participants in a private apartment with single rooms that are dorm-like but have a private bath. The apartment includes a refrigerator, air conditioning, wireless internet, and hot water.

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

Excursions and Activities

There are no official excursions planned for this program. During non-work hours, students are encouraged to explore their surroundings.

On-Site Support

Dr. Jon Roll, a UW-Madison program leader, will be on site for a portion of the program. Your main contact for support on-site is your lab supervisor. Each university also has an international programs office that may be consulted for assistance.

Dr. Jon Roll is a faculty associate in the UW Department of Bacteriology. He leads the UW Microbiology and Public Health in Northern Thailand program and directs the UW Microbiology International Internships. He recieved his B.S. in 1988 and Ph.D. in 1996 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is currently working on his postdoctoral research at UW-Madison. He is also the program director for the REU program.

Orientation

We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an approved program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.

Visa

There are two entry requirements:

A student visa is required for this program. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. You will apply for your own visa. The Program Leader will provide you with visa information. Non U.S. Passport holders may have different visa requirements. Ask your Study Abroad Advisor, if you have any questions. You may incur additional fees to expedite a visa application or to re-apply if your original visa application is rejected for any reason. You may also incur additional fees if your visa is delayed and you need to change your flight departure date.
Beginning on 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) electronically three days before arrival. Completion of the TDAC will be mandatory for all foreign passport holders. Travelers used to complete paper versions of this form on the aircraft upon arrival in the country, but that is no longer an option.

Getting to Your Program

You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to Thailand but are given guidelines for arrival dates and times by your Program Leader. You should purchase a plane ticket only after your program dates are confirmed and after your acceptance is fully confirmed by your study abroad office and/or the host institution.

Insurance

You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Financial Aid

Sources of available funding for study abroad include scholarships, grants and loans. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, we recommend filling out your FAFSA to begin the financial planning process early.

For detailed information on financial resources, visit our Funding Study Abroad.

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

Student Reflections

Check out blogs and reflections of current or recently returned program students and alumni! Read student experiences on this program

Student Quotes

Photos

Program photo album

How to Apply

First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.

There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.

Next login to the IAP Online Application.

Wondering when applications will open for this program?

View our application schedule.

After the Deadline

IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Session

Application Status

Additional Application Information

Participants will be chosen after in-person interviews of selected candidates.

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. We have a team that works with each program. Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Rebecca Johnson (Make an appointment with Rebecca Johnson, or email rebecca.h.johnson@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Rebecca Johnson (Make an appointment with Rebecca Johnson, or email rebecca.h.johnson@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Judy Humphrey (judy.humphrey@wisc.edu)

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