GLOBAL HEALTHCARE STUDY ABROAD
MEDICAL SHADOWING & HEALTHCARE IN THAILAND
Chiang Mai, Thailand
May 2026
Medical Shadowing & Healthcare in Thailand
Add Your Heading Text HereShadow medical professionals in Chiang Mai, Thailand
May 16 – May 30, 2026
The two-week Medical Shadowing & Healthcare study abroad program program offers students the opportunity to observe a wide range of healthcare professionals in diverse hospital settings in Chiang Mai, Thailand, an enchanting Thai cultural hub. In addition to clinical observation, students will delve into global health topics and immerse themselves in the rich culture and natural beauty of Thailand.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Hospital Rotations
Rotations at public & private hospitals
On rotation days, students shadow from 9:00-11:00. After a debrief and a break for lunch, shadowing resumes in a different department from 1:00-3:00. A full schedule is linked below.
Examples of placements: ER, OR, OB/GYN, pediatrics, general medicine, surgery, pharmacy, health promotion, radiology, dental, physical
and occupational therapy, outpatient department, medical technology, and Thai traditional medicine
Global Health Activities
Lectures, Discussions, and Visits
Health system in Thailand – Public Health in Thailand – Pediatric HIV treatment – One Health (visits to dog and elephant sanctuary, rice paddy) – Comparison of Thai and US medical education
Community Engagement & Culture
Staff a Health and English Camp at a local primary school.
Thai cooking Class – Tour of Chiang Mai – Mini Muay Thai Course – Monk Chat – Night Markets – Elephant Nature Park – Temple Visits – Rice Paddy
DETAILS
This program is appropriate for anyone exploring a career in medicine, including those interested in becoming medical doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and those who just aren’t sure. Students with an interest in global health, community health, or public health will find that this program explores a number of themes of interest to their potential career by allowing them to learn about healthcare in a developing nation.
This program is open to undergraduate students from any country who are 18+. No prior experience is required.
The program is in English and no Thai skills are required (for the program or getting around Chiang Mai). The group will be accompanied by a program leader who will translate when necessary.
ITINERARY
Exact program itinerary is subject to change.
WEEK 1
- Medical shadowing
- Visit a children’s home that began as an orphanage for children with HIV
- Discussion topics, debriefings, and presentations, including
- Health system and health indicators in Thailand
- Public health in Thailand
- Pediatric HIV care
- One Health (human/animal connection)
- Buddhism & Health
- Chiang Mai tour with temple visits
- Thai cooking class
- Mini Muay Thai course
- Visit to Night Bazaar for shopping and cultural activities
- Monk chat/meditation
- Elephant Nature Park
WEEK 2
- Medical shadowing
- Visit with healthcare students
- Visit rice paddy to learn about rice planting
- Discussion topics, debriefings, and presentations, including
- Difference in medical education and clinical training between the US and Thailand
- Health education
- One Health: (human/environmental health connection)
- Doi Suthep and Doi Pui
- Sunday Street Market
- Rice Paddy
View the daily program itinerary here:
PROGRAM DATES
May 16 – May 30, 2026
TUITION
Tuition is $3450. All housing and meals are included in your tuition. Tuition does not include international airfare. Participants must book their own airfare to Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX). Airport transfers in Chiang Mai are included in your tuition.
Your space is not held until your $1,000 deposit (credited toward tuition) is paid. The deposit is non-refundable. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Interest-free payment plans are available.
College credit from our partner, Culver-Stockton College, may be available for an additional fee.
The application can be found here or through the button below.
Please reach out to Maureen Buckley at [email protected] for more information.
Included in program tuition:
- Airport transfers in Thailand
- All meals
- Lodging in guest house in shared room with other program participant
- All lectures, guest speakers, or learning activities
- All fees for included tourist activities
- 24/7 staff support
Not included in program tuition:
- $30 application fee
- Airfare
- Medical insurance (required)
- Personal budget for souvenirs, etc.
- Free time activities and food
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
For over a decade, the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA) has provided academically challenging and transformative pre-health study abroad experiences in Belize. In conjunction with our parent company, Loop Abroad, which has offered study abroad opportunities in Thailand for more than 15 years, we are excited to once again offer this exciting medical shadowing program in Thailand.
EXPLORE OUR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS
SCHOLARSHIP AND FUNDING IDEAS
Want to study abroad but not sure if you can afford it? You are not alone! While studying abroad gives you an appreciation for the world outside of your home country, grows your character and confidence, and gives you great opportunities, many still worry about paying off student debt in the future. Thankfully, you can pursue a couple of options that may make that trip of a lifetime a little bit more affordable.
Crowdfunding
