Summer Health Research Assistantship/Community Internship Program in Thailand

Summer 2024 Application Deadline: 11:00pm on Thursday, February 8, 2024

About Khon Kaen, Thailand*

• Population: 1.8 million
• Distance from Bangkok: 280 miles
• Distance from Chiang Mai: 400 miles

Khon Kaen is located in the heart of Thailand's northeast region, well known for the high-quality Mud Mee silk and its hospitality. Khon Kaen is a large and truly local city, not yet discovered by tourists. Due to this, the cost of living is low.

Khon Kaen is the commercial and political center of northeastern Thailand, featuring a number of upscale restaurants and hotels, and the largest center of education, healthcare, and technology.

It's only an hour flight from Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The local transportation system makes it easy to visit nearby mountainous areas and neighboring countries, such as Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Historically, Khon Kaen is quite a new town, established a little over two centuries ago. However, prehistorically, this town on the plateau has been home to various cultures as well as other fascinating creatures unknown to the modern world (dinosaurs!). The ancient cultures, traditions, and historical sites in this area have all contributed to shaping the local people and culture.

*https://usac.edu/study-abroad-programs/thailand/khon-kaen/about

Program Details

Program participants complete a ten-week Community Health Internship OR Research Assistantship in Khon Kaen, Thailand, and may earn up to 8 credits.

Note: Students selected to participate in this program must complete Office for URaCE pre-training (to be completed before departure to Thailand), and additional activities during and after the experience.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be current, degree seeking undergraduate students in good academic and judicial standing at the time of application, and during the program.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Meet the Program Pre-Requisites.
• Successfully complete all application steps listed below.

Program Pre-Requisites - Applicants must meet the following pre-requisites

For the Community Health Internship Option (Shadowing-based placement)

• Sophomore standing or higher at time of application.
• Successful completion of a UTC biology course with lab.
• Successful completion of an UTC introductory course in public health or other health science field is highly desirable.

For the Community Health Internship Option (Public health organization or health clinic placement)

• Junior standing or higher at time of application.
• Completion of one or more courses at the 400-level in biology/chemistry for clinical placements or one or more health-related courses at the 300-level for public health placements.
• Prior lab experience and a course in statistical methods.
• Applicants are expected to be knowledgeable of the U.S. healthcare system structure.

For the Research Assistantship Option

• Junior standing or higher at time of application.
• Completion of three or more upper-division courses in science or health that provide a relevant foundation for the research project.
• Lab experience beyond an introductory level and a course in statistical methods.

Application Process

Before You Apply:

Make certain you meet the eligibility requirements and pre-requisites listed above.

Please visit the USAC program website and make certain you are familiar with the elements of the program, responsibilities, and expectations of the program, and USAC program requirements.

The UTC program application includes two questions based on information posted HERE . Please review this webpage BEFORE you begin an application.

Required Application Materials and Instructions

Save application materials (items 1 and 2 below) as either PDF or Microsoft Word files. Items 1 and 2 will be uploaded to the UTC e- application form.

1. Statement of Interest. Submitted with the e-application form.

The statement must address the 4 items listed below.

1. Background Information: Include your major, academic interests, extra/co-curricular activities, involvement in clubs and organizations, and any other non-academic information or accomplishments you wish to share.
2. Why do you want to participate in this program, and how do you see your participation “fitting in” with current and future academic and professional goals?
3. You have the option to complete a community health internship OR research apprenticeship as part of this program. Please identify which track/option you would like to complete as part of this program, and explain in detail why you selected it.
4. Explain why you selected this program location specifically. Also address how you will prepare to study abroad in the selected location. What do you know about this location? Culture? Language?

2. A copy of your CV or Resume. Submitted with the e-application form.

Application Process

1. Review the program eligibility and responsibilities carefully.
2. Submit the UTC e-application form.
3. Meet with Laura Livermore in the UTC Study Abroad office to discuss the program, application process, fees, and program responsibilities.  Once you apply, you will be contacted to schedule a meeting.
4. Meet with Dr. Lisa Piazza in the Office for URaCE to discuss research responsibilities and expectations.

Students selected to participate in the program must:

• Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad application. NOTE: Students selected to participate in the program will receive the SA application link via e-mail once steps 1-3 above have been completed.

Note: Students selected to participate in this program must complete Office for URaCE pre-internship training via Canvas in May 2024. Participants must also attend an in-person orientation meeting in late April or early May. Before you apply make sure you are available to dedicate time to this program in May.

APPLICATION

Participant Responsibilities

Prior to Departure to Thailand

• Complete Office for URaCE Canvas training modules prior to departure. (Specific dates TBA)
• Attend orientation and program related meetings prior to departure. (Specific dates TBA)

During the Program

• Follow UTC policies and code of conduct.
• Follow USAC Study Abroad policies and code of conduct.
• Successfully fulfill all responsibilities and requirements of the program.

At the Conclusion of the Program

• Submit post-experience materials to the Office for URaCE.
• Present a poster at the Virtual UTC Fall Research Conference in August 2024, and the 2025 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference (for students registered for class during the spring 2025 semester).
• Complete Office of Study Abroad Post-Study Abroad Scholarship Requirements.
• Participate in the Office of Study Abroad Fall 2024 study abroad fair.
• Present at Center for Global Education cultural spotlight (either during the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semester).