Payap University (Thailand) & The University of Cambodia

Payap University - Chiang Mai, Thailand

Payap University, established in 1974, was Thailand's first fully accredited private university. With a student enrollment of 6,500 students plus 350 international students, the university has continued to grow and expand its facilities, including adding a wide range of international programs to introduce its diverse student body to culturally rich Chiang Mai. Founded in 1974, the university boasts a pleasant campus with verdant parks and a mixture of modern and older buildings. A chapel forms the campus’s centerpiece, blending Christian and Buddhist heritage with a spire and a lotus-shaped roof. Located just 15 minutes from Chiang Mai’s city center and its famous night bazaar, the university is the perfect base for exploration of the area.

University of Cambodia - Phnom Penh & Siem Reap, Cambodia

With its main campus in Phnom Pehn, the capital of Cambodia, the University of Cambodia is fully registered with the country's Royal Government and is also registered with the Accredidation Committee of Cambodia. The university is based on the American credit-based system and all courses are taught in English. The founder of the university recognized the importance of broadening student perspectives and thus assisting them in an ever-expanding global market.

Academic Program

Courses in Chiang Mai, Thailand at Payap University

Buddhism and Thai Society (3 credits)

This course introduces students to Thailand, a Buddhist Kingdom, through an in-depth look at Theravada Buddhism. Particular attention is given to the practice of Buddhism in Thailand with some references to the Indian roots and influence on Thai Buddhism. A small portion of the course also covers the development of the Mahayana tradition. There is a built-in component of field trips to selected Buddhist temples and monasteries within Thailand.

Sustainable Development, Environmental Justice and Ethnic Minorities (3 credits)

This course focuses on the issue of sustainable development. What does the concept mean? In particular, how have Mekong Region nations addressed this issue? How does sustainable development correspond with environmental justice? How do these issues affect ethnic minorities? These and other issues will be thoroughly scrutinized.

Thai Language (2 credits)

An introduction to the Thai language, the emphasis in this class is on spoken language competency as it relates to daily life: pronunciation and listening comprehension with additional skills in elementary reading and writing. The course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Thai language. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to communicate effectively, utilizing everyday spoken Thai and should be able to read consonants, vowels, simple words and short sentences.

Classes in Cambodia at the University of Cambodia and in conjunction with Payap University

Contemporary Cambodia: History & Society (3 credits) (Co-taught in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with Payap University & University of Cambodia professors)

This course examines the external and internal dimensions of Cambodia’s tumultuous history under the Khmer rouge and social change since that time. Issues examined include Cambodia’s recovery from civil war, the Khmer Rouge, economic development and contemporary Cambodian politics.

Hinduism and Khmer Civilization (3 credits) –(Co-taught in Siem Reap & Angkor Wat with Payap University & University of Cambodia professors )

This course primarily focuses on the Hindu religion, its Indian origins and transplant to Southeast Asia through Cambodia’s ancient Khmer civilization. Who were these people and where did they come from? What was the “Khmer” way of life? What was the Khmer notion of kingship? How did Khmer civilization fall? What role did Hinduism play in the ancient religious traditions of Southeast Asia?

Khmer Language (2 credits)

An introduction to the Khmer language of Cambodia, the emphasis in this class is on spoken language competency as it relates to daily life: pronunciation and listening comprehension with additional skills in elementary reading and writing. The course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Khmer language. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to communicate effectively, utilizing everyday spoken Khmer and should be able to read consonants, vowels, simple words and short sentences.

Note: All courses appear on an official Payap University transcript.

Unique Opportunities

To complement the academic components of study at Payap University, students are also free to participate on a number of unique opportunities during their two months in Chiang Mai. For example:

Teaching English to Monks - Students can choose to teach English to novice monks at a nearby schooling temple. Novice monks are aged between 10 to 15 years old. Students assist in a class of approximately 10-20 monks with English-learning games, singing and other classroom activities. Students spend two hours in the classroom per week with the monks.
Playgroup at a local orphanage - Students spend one afternoon a week at a local orphanage assisting with the carers of orphan children. The children are aged between newborns and 4-years-old. Activities include assisting with meal times and general playground supervision.

Cambodia is home to a large number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and volunteer opportunities are currently being explored for participants.

Semester Activities

Payap University has an active student-run Student Council that organizes entertainment, cultural events, special seminars, community service, and sports. There are also a myriad special clubs including an international outdoor club, academic clubs, sports clubs, and special interest clubs. In addition, the university has soccer fields, basketball courts, volleyball, rugby, softball, badminton, table tennis, petanque, and takraw. Field trips to surrounding townships and provinces are also common as Northern Thailand offers a plethora of dazzling sites to see and experience!

The University of Cambodia and the Center for Khmer Studies (CKS) offer students the unique opportunity to interact with local students and scholars. As courses are taught in English through the University of Cambodia, program participants will have the opportunity to interact on a regular basis.