UW Microbiology and Public Health in Northern Thailand

This program will not be run in Summer 2023. We encourage interested students to explore the UW Microbiology International Internship in Thailand program as an alternative.

Click here for a full list of programs currently accepting applications.

Thailand, Chiang Mai

The UW Microbiology and Public Health in Northern Thailand program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) in partnership with IAP.

This program is located in Chiang Mai, a famous and bustling city of historical importance, located in picturesque Northern Thailand. Popular with both domestic and foreign tourists, Chiang Mai is known for its vibrant city life, night markets, excellent (and spicy!) cuisine, cultural sites and easy access to hiking in the green mountainous northern plateau region of Thailand. The program will immerse you in Northern Thai culture as you study first-hand microbiological issues in Thailand as they relate to the environment, food production and human health. Outside of class, you will have the opportunity to explore local markets, visit Buddhist temples, take a Thai cooking class, and visit an elephant sanctuary.

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:

List and describe microbiological disease concerns of Northern Thailand of humans, animals and plants.
Describe disease mechanisms of selected viral, bacterial and eukaryotic pathogens of humans, animals and plants.
Explain environmental microbiological topic of interest in Thailand.
Describe the basis and mechanism of food fermentation.
Recognize and describe regionally relevant fermented food.

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 have completed an introductory biology course (ig Zoology 151, Botany 151, Biology 151) prior to participating.
2.0 cumulative GPA
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
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

Biosciences, Pre-Health, Public Health

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Summer: Late June - Early August

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Participants will enroll in two courses while participating in this program. Students will enroll in Microbiology 375 for 2 credits taught by Dr. Jon Roll which presents and discusses microbiological topics of Thailand relevant to human health, the environment and food production. Many of these topics will be specific to Northern Thailand or the region and when possible include excursions and/or hands-on (or taste-buds-on) experiences. Students also learn about Public Health and Sustainable Development in Thailand, and will earn one credit. Participants must take both courses for 3 credits in total.

The two courses will be completed in Chiang Mai at the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI) that will also familiarize you with modern Thai society.

This program is approved as a field experience for the Global Health Certificate. Students completing both courses offered on this study abroad program will fulfill the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences International Studies requirement.

Affiliate Institution(s)

International Sustainable Development Studies Institute

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

This five-week program takes place in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Not sure where Chiang Mai is? See it on a map here.

Nestled in the foothills of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a cultural and religious center home to over 300 Buddhist temples. Urban explorers can visit museums, countless cafes, the lively night bazaar, and the large zoo, or wander around the Old City’s historical walls and moats. There are also plentiful opportunities for trekking into the forested hills to visit waterfalls. Chiang Mai has an international airport and is well-connected by bus and train service.

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

Housing

In Chiang Mai our group will be housed in double rooms at a hotel near the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI).

We typically place students in rooms with others of the same sex. In some locations, this is necessary for legal or cultural reasons. We understand that not all students may identify as female or male, and we want to create a welcoming environment for you while you are abroad. We are happy to work with students who identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and/or non-binary regarding life abroad. If you have questions or concerns regarding housing as it relates to your gender identity, please contact your Study Abroad Advisor.

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

Group excursions are included in this program. Potential group excursions include a day-long trip to a well-known meditation center run by the Buddhist monk Than Wa Wachiramethi, a day trip to a local elephant sanctuary where you’ll be able to interact with elephants and learn about elephant ecology, behavior, and physiology, as well as various other cultural excursions.

On-Site Support

UW-Madison program leaders will be on site during the length of the program to provide assistance. Additionally the resources of ISDSI will also be available to students on the program.

Dr. Jon Roll is a faculty associate in the UW Department of Bacteriology. He teaches the microbiology portion on the UW Microbiology and Public Health in Northern Thailand program. He is also the program leader for the UW Microbiology International Internships. He received 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

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. Study abroad staff and program leaders 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.

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

UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.

Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.

Review our financial aid and funding your experiences pages for more information.

Scholarships

Check out our scholarships page to find:

A scholarship chart listing internal and external opportunities, with descriptions, deadlines, and amounts.
Timelines of when UW-Madison study abroad scholarship applications open and close.
Tips for writing scholarship essays.

Find scholarships

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

Student Quotes

Photos

Program photo album

Blogs

Read about current & past students’ adventures. Lauren R. - Summer 2016 Adventures in Global Health

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

Students of all schools, majors, and certificate programs are eligible and encouraged to apply to this program.

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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