Thank you for choosing to study abroad in Thailand with the South East Asian Institute for Global Studies. We have prepared this handbook to help you prepare yourself for the program, as well as to use during the program. Please read it over carefully before you begin your trip, and bring it with you to use for reference when you are at Payap! This handbook will answer many of your questions about Thailand, Chiang Mai, Payap University, and the Thai Studies program. This handbook is organized topically; the first section addresses basic pre-departure concerns, while the second section describes our program and program calendar. The last section is a brief introduction to Thai culture. The appendix contains a copy of the program Waiver of Liability, and a picture of the ideal Payap University student uniforms for men and women.

We highly recommend the colorful and insightful book Very Thai: Everyday Popular Culture by Philip Cornwel-Smith which offers an entertaining look at contemporary Thai culture. A good review of this book is available online at: Very Thai: Everyday Popular Culture