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UW Hmong Studies in Thailand

Small buildings near the top of a hill, with a wide valley a large hillside in the background.

Thailand, Chiang Mai

The UW Hmong Studies in Thailand program focuses on the history, culture, and the livelihoods of Hmong people through studying several Hmong communities in northern Thailand.

Throughout this 4-week summer program, special emphasis will be on the history of the Hmong in both Thailand and Laos. Areas of study will include the history of refugee settlement and resettlement, the involvement of the Hmong in Thailand with the Communist Party of Thailand, and contemporary issues facing the Hmong in Thailand related to citizenship, agriculture, land rights, and control of and access to natural resources.

You will learn about and engage with Hmong communities through course seminars, guest speakers, field trips, and time spent with Hmong families in homestays.

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:

  • Learn about Hmong history, culture and livelihoods in Northern Thailand
  • Learn directly from Hmong people about their present lives and past experiences
  • Engage with fellow UW students and faculty
  • 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

  • Open to UW-Madison degree seeking students and all degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students at a US college or university. Preference is given to UW-Madison students.

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Student
  • 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

Hmong Studies; Languages & Cultures of Asia; Anthropology; Geography; History

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels, Local Hosts

Program Duration

Summer 2026: June 1-28, 2026

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 - [Cancelled] 2/20/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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I would recommend to any students interested in learning the Hmong people and really want to integrate themselves into Hmong culture. -Ka Lia X.

You will receive 4 credits for one of the following UW-Madison courses:

  • Anthropology 455: Study Abroad in Cultural Anthropology
  • Geography 475: Special Topics
  • History 273: Study Abroad - Non-Western History
  • Asian Languages & Cultures 300: Topics in Asian Studies

As a traveling seminar, the program leaders and all students will move about Thailand as a group with the support and staff of the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI).

During the first week of the program, you are based in Chiang Mai City, the largest city in northern Thailand, where you will have seminars. You will also take a day trip to visit Hmong villages on Doi Inthanon Mountain, the highest mountain in Thailand and the location of one of Thailand’s National Parks.

In the second week, you are based in Chiang Rai Province conducting field-based work adjacent to the Mekong River, where you will learn about important environmental issues. Then you will travel to Hmong villages located in the mountains near the border with Laos. You will have a chance to learn about the history and culture of Hmong people, both those who identify as “Thai-Hmong” and also those who consider themselves to be “Lao-Hmong.”

During the third week, you are based in Mae Charim District, Nan Province, for more field-based activities with Hmong people. We will particularly investigate the history of the Hmong and the Communist Party of Thailand, and also Hmong agriculture in the past and in the present, Hmong culture, and Hmong interactions with protected areas.

The fourth week includes a few days in Hmong villages in Pong District, Phayao Province, where Hmong culture and Hmong interactions with protected areas will be further investigated. You will then return to Chiang Mai City to finalize and present your final projects.

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

Program leader photo placeholder

Mai Na Lee

University of Minnesota, History and Asian American Studies,

Read more about Professor Lee.