Thailand today is a mosaic of peoples and cultures deeply rooted in Theravedic Buddhist culture, refined and tolerate as they grapple with issues of modernization and cultural preservation. Chiang Mai University Hosted at the Chiang Mai University, the Lexia program offers students opportunities to explore this historical city while confronting the daily challenges of a changing society. The Lexia in Chiang Mai summer, semester and academic year programs are comprised of several components, some of which run concurrently, while others follow in a sequence. The program is designed to be academically challenging and demanding, but it allows ample time for students to become acquainted with the local culture. During the first few days of each term, all students are involved with the Lexia Orientation to Thailand, which outlines the academic requirements and the logistics of living in Thailand.
Orientation is a required, but non-graded, program component.
Participation in the remainder of the program is contingent upon attendance during Orientation. Students meet the staff and other participants and are introduced to the Lexia approach of staggered courses and components. They also become familiar with their new home through lectures, field trips, group discussions, walking tours, selected readings, films and social gatherings. The Resident Director and staff address topics such as housing, health and safety, transportation and recreation in the host city and country. General issues concerning living in a foreign culture and being an American or Canadian abroad are considered, as well as the challenges of cross-cultural learning and living.