Faculty and Custom Programs
Our Approach to Faculty-Led Programs
At Thailand Experiences, we design every faculty-led program with one guiding principle: meaningful learning happens when academic rigor meets authentic cultural engagement. Our approach goes beyond traditional study abroad—we create transformative educational experiences that prioritize student outcomes, safety, and excellence at every level.
Academic Outcomes that Matter
Our faculty-led programs are built around measurable learning objectives that align with institutional goals and career readiness standards. We work closely with faculty partners to:
- Co-design curriculum that integrates classroom learning with experiential activities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and rural communities
- Embed structured reflection throughout the program, helping students process cultural experiences and connect them to academic concepts
- Assess learning through multiple modalities—from field journals and group presentations to community-based projects and cultural competency evaluations
- Align with NACE competencies including global/intercultural fluency, critical thinking, teamwork, and career development
Every site visit, guest lecture, and cultural activity is intentionally sequenced to support your learning outcomes—not just added for tourism value. Students consistently report gains in cultural awareness, adaptability, and professional confidence that extend far beyond the program dates.
Safety as Foundation, Not Afterthought
Student safety is our non-negotiable priority, and we approach it through comprehensive planning, on-ground support, and proactive risk management:
Before Arrival
- Thorough risk assessments for all activities, sites, and transportation
- Pre-departure orientations covering health, safety protocols, cultural norms, and emergency procedures
- 24/7 emergency contact systems established with faculty, students, and home institutions
During the Program
- Experienced Thai coordinators who accompany every group, providing language support, cultural interpretation, and real-time problem-solving
- Vetted transportation providers with professional drivers and well-maintained vehicles
- Accommodations selected for security, cleanliness, and proximity to program activities
- Comprehensive travel insurance coordination and on-ground medical support networks
- 24 hour support and flexible programming that responds to student needs and local conditions
Our Track Record
We’ve successfully managed programs across Thailand for diverse student groups—from first-time international travelers to advanced learners—with consistently high safety ratings and incident-free programming through proactive planning and responsive execution.
Everyone teaches. Everyone learns. Everyone grows.
Quality Staffing: The Thailand Experiences Difference
Our people make the difference between a good program and an exceptional one. Our staff aren’t tour guides—they’re higher education professionals. Every Thailand Experiences program includes:
Thai Program Coordinators
- Native Thai speakers with deep cultural expertise and years of international education experience
- Trained in facilitation, cross-cultural communication, and student support
- Your cultural bridge—they don’t just translate language, they translate context, helping students understand “face,” indirect communication, and kreng jai (Thai consideration)
Site Partners and Guest Speakers
- Carefully selected local experts, community leaders, and professionals who engage authentically with students
- Ongoing relationships built on mutual respect and educational partnership—not transactional tourism
Professional Program Design and Support
- Leadership with extensive Thailand experience and international education expertise
- Responsive pre-departure planning, on-program communication, and post-program assessment support
What Faculty Say About Our Team “Our coordinator, was incredible—he anticipated needs before we knew we had them, helped students navigate challenging moments with grace, and made every interaction a learning opportunity, he’s the reason our students felt safe enough to take risks and grow.”
Program Quality in Every Detail
Quality isn’t an accident—it’s the result of intentional design, continuous improvement, and operational excellence:
Authentic Partnerships
We work with established institutions like Mahidol University International College (MUIC) and ethical community partners like Kanta Elephant Camp. These aren’t vendor relationships—they’re educational collaborations built on shared values and sustainability.
Structured Cultural Learning
- Every program includes workshops on Thai culture, history, and social norms—taught by our educators
- Guided reflection sessions help students process experiences, challenge assumptions, and develop intercultural competence
- Balance of structured activities and free time that allows for both guided learning and independent exploration
Responsive Iteration
We gather detailed feedback from faculty and students after every program and use it to continuously refine:
- Activity sequencing and pacing (learning from real experiences about heat management, temple visit duration, and balance between intensity and rest)
- Logistics like restaurant selection, transportation timing, and accommodation quality
- Cultural programming depth and facilitation approaches
Operational Excellence
- Detailed pre-program planning timelines and shared documentation
- Clear communication protocols between staff, faculty, students, and partners
- Contingency planning for weather, health issues, and program adjustments
- Post-program reporting on outcomes, financials, and lessons learned
Our Commitment
Every program we run reflects our organizational mission: Everyone teaches. Everyone learns. Everyone grows. That means sustainable partnerships with Thai communities, culturally responsive pedagogy, and programs that benefit all stakeholders—not just extractive educational tourism.
Ready to Design Your Program?
Whether you’re envisioning a short-term intensive, a multi-week field course, or a custom program for your unique academic goals, we’re here to co-create an experience that meets your students where they are and takes them somewhere transformative.
Let’s start the conversation.
Our Team
Meet our team of Cross Cultural Experts
Ann Rungsinee
Bangkok Site Director
Ann has a background in social science and graduated with a master’s degree in international development from the U.K.
Adisorn Dechaboon
Chiang Mai Site Director
Adisorn is educated in languages and a fascination with culture exchange.
David Jackson
Director
For the last 20 years has lived and in Thailand, as a teacher, as a development officer in NGOs, and with volunteers and study abroad programs. He has an M.A. in Asia Pacific Studies, an M.B.A. and is fluent in Thai.
Thamonpat Cooperider
Program Manager
Thamonpat brings a wealth of non profit and management experience to Thailand Experiences.