Study Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand

Salaya: Your Gateway to Bangkok
A lush, tropical university campus

 

Just west of Thailand's bustling capital of Bangkok sits a refreshing counterpoint to big city life called Salaya. In Salaya, a city of about 10,000, you get the best of two worlds: a relaxed university town overflowing with tropical flora, and the dynamic energy of Bangkok within easy reach.

 

Home to Mahidol University's sprawling 520-acre campus, Salaya is a city where academic excellence, the comfort of a campus setting, and authentic Thai culture come together. You’ll only be about 30-45 minutes by public transit from Bangkok capital’s temples, markets, and unforgettable skyline, making the city accessible and your daily life both green and part of a campus community.

 

Simply put, while living in Salaya you can access the excitement of Bangkok without ever sacrificing space and a true campus feel.

 

A Campus of Tropical Beauty
The Mahidol (“MAH-hee-duhn”) University Salaya Campus is famous for its landscaped gardens, reflective ponds, and tropical foliage - students say it feels more like a park than a university! Between classes, escape to the shade of the palm and bamboo groves, or grab a coffee at one of the many campus cafés framed by warm teakwood, open-air walkways

 

Thailand's Premier Concert Venue
Located right on campus, Prince Mahidol Hall is the largest concert hall in the country, hosting classical performances, recitals, and cultural events year-round. It's a rare perk of student life here — world-class music, just steps from your dorm.

 

Food Markets and Everyday Life
Salaya's weekend and evening markets are the heart of the community, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to classic Thai street food — pad see ew, mango sticky rice, and grilled skewers cooked right in front of you. It's an easy, affordable way to experience authentic Thai flavors - so affordable that you can try something new every day.

 

The Thai Film Archive
Film buffs will love this hidden gem near campus, which screens classic and contemporary Thai cinema and houses a rich collection of the country's film history — a deeply local, cultural detour from student life.

Easy Access to Bangkok
Salaya Railway Station and nearby bus and van routes connect students directly into the city in about 30-45 minutes, putting Bangkok's temples, rooftop bars, shopping districts, and street food scenes within easy weekend reach.

 

Studying in Salaya means enjoying a slower, greener pace of life without ever being far from Bangkok's electric atmosphere. It's where quiet campus mornings, local community, and vibrant city weekends fit naturally into one lifestyle.

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Academics & Eligibility

Mahidol University International College
Located on Mahidol University's green and inviting Salaya Campus just outside of Bangkok, Mahidol University International College (MUIC) is Thailand's first public international college. Founded in 1986, MUIC has built a proud legacy of international education, offering a supportive, diverse, and dynamic academic environment where students from Thailand and around the world come to study.
 
You'll study at MUIC's modern campus, featuring spacious classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and a welcoming, close-knit community - all set against a backdrop of lush gardens and reflective ponds.
 
MUIC offers degree programs across the Arts, Sciences, and Business Administration, taught entirely in English by a faculty that draws heavily on international expertise. Thai language and culture courses are also available for international students who want to deepen their knowledge. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already conversational, MUIC has a place for you!
 
Some highlights of Sogang's programming are:
 
  • Trimester System with Full Immersion: MUIC operates on a US-style trimester system, giving international students a familiar academic rhythm while studying alongside Thai and international peers in every class.
  • Thai Language and Culture Courses: International students are encouraged to take Thai language classes, offering a hands-on way to build real connections with local students and the wider community.
  • Global Networking Opportunities: Become a part of an international student body and faculty, building relationships and a global network that lasts well beyond graduation.


 Campus Life

 

MUIC is proud to have a tight-knit, welcoming campus community. An Exposition at the beginning of each trimester showcases over 30 student clubs you can join, spanning academics, the arts, sports, and culture - so you can start connecting with like-minded students from day one.

 

The campus itself is designed for social connection as much as study: open-air walkways, shaded courtyards, and a lively food court create natural gathering spots between classes. The mandatory school uniform - white collared short sleeve shirt and navy/black skirt or pants - makes mornings simple. (Students actually report that they enjoy not having to worry about what to wear!) Also, because Mahidol is so respected and education is so valued in Thailand, locals give discounts and treat students in uniform with honor. Uniform sets can be purchased inexpensively on site or brought with you.

 

Because MUIC brings together Thai and international students in every classroom, campus life here means authentic, everyday cultural exchange — not a separate "international track," but full immersion in Thai university life alongside a global peer group.

 

Course & Credit Information

⭐ Mahidol University International College is AACSB ACCREDITED ⭐

 

Language Requirement: None. Classes are taught in English

 

Summer U.S. Credits: 3 US credits/4 Thai credits (1 course) per 4-week session

 

Semester U.S. Credits: 12-15 US credits/16-20 Thai credits per semester. Normal course load is 4 or 5 courses.

 

Final Transcript: Issued by Mahidol University

 

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum GPA 2.50 (Applicants with GPA below 2.50 will not be considered)
  • Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Thai language. Classes are in English
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Must have completed at least 1 semester at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying
  • Must be currently enrolled full time in a U.S. or Canadian college or university to apply
  • Official Transcript from your current college or university
  • Proof of enrollment at your current college or university
  • Letter of recommendation from your current college or university (from a study abroad advisor, academic advisor, or professor)
  • ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here
  • Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 1 year after the day you plan to return home from abroad. A scan of your valid passport is required at latest 2 weeks after the application deadline. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.

Course Finder

⭐ Mahidol University International College is AACSB ACCREDITED ⭐


You MUST have DOUBLE the number of classes approved by your home institution than you actually plan to take. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts.

 

COURSE OFFERINGS AND SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 

 

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA’s control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

 

When can I book my flight? Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and you receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure date.

<p style="font-weight: bold;">Cost of Attendance &amp; Budget Sheet</p>

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Your home away from home.

We place a high priority on safety, housing location, and proximity to school. Housing includes WiFi and is located in safe neighborhoods within a reasonable distance from school. Your residence hall in Salaya is located just under 2 miles from MUIC and offers a free shuttle to/from the MUIC campus (a 5-10 minute drive) - making it very easy to get back and forth!

 

Friends studying abroad together can request to be placed in the same room and we'll do our best to accommodate!

 

Off-Campus Residence Hall

ASA student housing in Salaya is at Bundit House, a modern, comfortable dorm-style residence located near Mahidol University International College. Rooms are double or single occupancy and feature air conditioning, a refrigerator, and en suite bathroom (in double rooms, the bathroom is shared by just you and your roommate). 

 

The building offers plentiful amenities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, minimart, and laundry - so everything you need for daily life is close at hand. There are restaurants, food stalls, and convenience stores nearby with a variety of fresh and inexpensive Thai food - in fact, convenience store meals are a big part of Thai culture - and a short walk or bike ride is all it takes to find your next favorite Thai meal.

 

Bundit House is all-gender but rooms are single gender, and each unit has its own bathroom. Friends studying abroad together can request to live in the same room or the same building, and we'll do our best to accommodate! Please be aware that housing accommodations in Thailand will likely differ from what you're used to in the U.S., with a more communal layout and minimal storage space.

Housing FAQs

Yes, we can usually arrange for friends to live in the same room or in the same building. You'll complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted, and you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back!

If in a double room, you’ll have a roommate and a shared bathroom for the two of you. Double and single occupancy rooms are available (cost differs by room type - please see the Costs & Dates section on this page for pricing). Single rooms come with a private bathroom. We will make every effort to accommodate you in your preferred room type; however, it will depend on availability and thus we cannot 100% guarantee a specific room type. If you have a medical/health reason for needing a single room, please be sure to note this on the Housing Request Form you’ll complete after acceptance to the program.  

ASA will email you your living arrangements via email approximately 2 weeks before the start of your program. 

A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins.

Meals are not included, but you’ll have a refrigerator in your room and plenty of restaurants, food stalls, and convenience stores nearby with a variety of fresh and inexpensive Thai food. (Convenience store meals are a big part of Thai culture!) A short walk or bike ride is all it takes to find your next favorite Thai meal.

The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.

Bundit House is located just under 2 miles from MUIC and offers a free shuttle to/from the MUIC campus (a 5-10 minute drive) - making it very easy to get back and forth!

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

ASA Semester programs in Bangkok include 2 overnight excursions and 2 day excursions. Semester and Summer programs include at least 4 cultural activities. A sample of trips and cultural activities can be found below.

 

The Grand Palace & Wat Pho: Home of the Reclining Buddha

The Grand Palace & Wat Pho: Home of the Reclining Buddha

Day Trip

Built in 1782, the Grand Palace was home to the Kings of Siam for nearly 150 years and remains Thailand's most sacred royal site. On this excursion, students explore its gilded spires and intricate architecture, then visit Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. In addition, we'll visit one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temple complexes, Wat Pho. Wat Pho predates the city itself and remains a living center of Thai culture. Its centerpiece is the massive Reclining Buddha, a gold-plated statue stretching 46 meters, with mother-of-pearl inlay detailing its feet. Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and its on-site school still teaches the practice today.

Community Service & Sustainability Excursion

Community Service & Sustainability Excursion

Day Trip

This is a special opportunity to go beyond Bangkok's tourist sites and into one of the city's most underprivileged communities, where you’ll roll up your sleeves and contribute directly to the local community through hands-on volunteer work. While working alongside local residents, discover innovative sustainability initiatives to environmental and social challenges that often go unseen by tourists. The day continues with a tie-dye workshop with natural dyes sourced from local plants; you’ll learn traditional techniques passed down through generations and create something to take home. This excursion is built around connection and meaningful engagement with the local community, and in doing so you'll help drive change from the ground up.
Chiang Mai - Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai - Northern Thailand

Overnight

Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai offers a slower, mountain-set contrast to Bangkok's lively energy. Explore Old City temples like Wat Phra Singh, then climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for sweeping mountaintop views. The trip may also include an ethical elephant sanctuary visit, hill tribe villages, or vibrant night markets full of handmade crafts. No visit is complete without sampling Northern Thai dishes like khao soi and sai ua. This overnight excursion gives students a richer, deeper picture of Thailand beyond the capital.
Koh Chang - Island

Koh Chang - Island

Overnight

Just a few hours from Bangkok, Koh Chang offers a completely different rhythm of Thai life - one shaped by the sea, jungle, and laid-back island culture. Part of Mu Ko Chang National Park, the island is covered in rainforest and dotted with waterfalls, hiking trails, and stilted fishing villages like Bang Bao. Depending on the time of year, students may snorkel nearby reefs, hike to a waterfall, or simply relax on the beach - all while sampling fresh coastal seafood along the way. It's a chance to unwind while discovering a side of Thailand shaped by coastline as opposed to concrete.
Floating Market: Bangkok on the Water

Floating Market: Bangkok on the Water

Cultural Activity

Long before Bangkok became a city of skyscrapers, its canals were the center of daily life, and the city’s floating markets offer a vivid glimpse into that history. Cruise through narrow waterways lined with vendors selling fresh fruit, noodles, and Thai snacks straight from their boats, a tradition that dates back generations. Beyond the colorful photo opportunities, it's a chance to see how commerce, community, and daily life once revolved entirely around the water. This is a lively, sensory-rich morning that offers a new perspective on Bangkok's history and culture.
Bangkok Street Food Tour

Bangkok Street Food Tour

Cultural Activity

Eat where the locals actually go and sample dishes ranging from smoky grilled skewers and boat noodles, to som tam pounded fresh at the cart, and mango sticky rice for dessert. Each stop is a small lesson in Thai culture, from the delicate balance of flavors that defines the cuisine, to the family-run stalls that have been perfecting a single dish for generations. Guides help you navigate the sizzle of woks, the smell of lemongrass and chili, the rhythm of vendors calling out orders - while sharing stories and traditions behind what's on your plate. It's a hands-on, taste-first tour of Bangkok and its culture.
Thai Cooking Class: A Taste of Culture

Thai Cooking Class: A Taste of Culture

Cultural Activity

One of the most hands-on ways to connect with Thai culture is through food, and this cooking class lets you do exactly that. Guided by a local chef, learn to prepare classic Thai dishes - such as pad thai, tom yum soup, or green curry - starting with a shopping trip for fresh ingredients and ending with a meal you made yourself. Along the way, learn about the balance of flavors - spicy, sour, sweet, and salty - that defines Thai cuisine, as well as cooking techniques passed down through generations. It's a fun, flavorful excursion that turns a favorite part of daily life in Thailand into a skill you can take home with you.

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A World of Care" Student Support Suite
  • Dorm-style accommodation - double or single room. Meals are not included. See housing tab for more info.

  • Tuition for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.

  • Academic Credits: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.

  • Official Transcript: Final transcript is issued by Mahidol University. ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.

  • Excursions: Semester programs include 2 overnight excursions and 2 day excursions. Locations to be decided.

  • Cultural Activities: Semester and Summer programs include at least 4 cultural activities. Locations and activities to be decided.

  • Internet Access: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.

  • Airport Pick-Up: Group ground transportation is provided from Bangkok (BKK) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.

  • Site Director: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.

  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.

  • Visa Advising: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to "Student Visa Information" to find out if a visa is required for your program.

  • Pre-Departure Handbook & On-Site Orientation

  • Subscription to Safeture Safety-Enhancing Mobile App

  • Subscription to Mindhamok: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about Mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs

  • $150 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Summer program! (Up to 2 Summer programs)
  • $350 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Semester program! (Up to 2 Semester programs)

Not Included

  • Round-trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location.

  • Books, materials, supplies (if applicable)

  • Local transportation

  • Personal expenses

  • Meals 

  • Laundry

  • Meals on excursions

  • Visa, if required

  • Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time

  • Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program

For students enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions.

Program Calendar

Important dates and deadlines for this program.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure dates.

  1. TBA

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Bangkok (BKK) airport on TBA before TBA
  2. TBA

    ASA Orientation

  3. TBA

    Mahidol University Orientation

  4. TBA

    Last day of final exams

  5. TBA

    Housing move-out (time TBA); students depart

  1. TBA

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Bangkok (BKK) airport on TBA before TBA
  2. TBA

    ASA Orientation

  3. TBA

    Mahidol University Orientation

  4. TBA

    Last day of final exams

  5. TBA

    Housing move-out (time TBA); students depart

  1. TBA

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Bangkok (BKK) airport on TBA before TBA
  2. TBA

    ASA Orientation

  3. TBA

    Mahidol University Orientation

  4. TBA

    Last day of final exams

  5. TBA

    Housing move-out (time TBA); students depart

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

  • Culture & Ethnicity

  • Disability Accommodation

  • Food & Diet

  • Financial Aid & Money Matters

  • First Generation

  • Gender Identity & Sexuality

  • Mental Health

  • Non-traditional Students

  • Religion

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

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