MSW Thailand Summer Internship FAQ

What is the starting date for the program and how long does it last?

The program starts the week before Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand, begins its academic year which usually is after Memorial Day. The internship program lasts for six weeks, including one week of orientation

How much money does the program cost and is there financial aid available?

The cost of the program is around $5,500 which includes tuition, program fees, airfare, room and board and misc. expenses.Students may apply for money from the SDSU Associated Students study abroad scholarship and the Graduate Research Fund.Additional support for the program has been provided by SDSU’s Instruction Related Activities Fund.Students are encouraged to fund-raise to pay for the program. An account in the SDSU Campanile Foundation has been created to handle fund-raising monies.

How do I apply for the internship program?

Each Fall Semester, the School of Social Work, conducts several informational sessions. You may sign up for the program at one of those sessions. While there is no formal application, the demands of the internship program are best suited for mature and independent students.Priority is given to students in the foundation year of the MSW program. Students in the advanced year may participate in the internship program if space is available.

What types of internship are available and how do I apply for one?

The internship program uses the same agencies that the Faculty of Social Administration (FSA), Thammasat University uses for its social work students. In the past the following agencies have provided internships for SDSU students:

• Holt Saha Thai – International adoptions and child welfare
• Center for the Protection of Children’s Rights – Child welfare and human trafficking
• Sririrat Hospital – Investigation of child abuse
• Rajanakul – Center for developmentally delayed children
• Ministry of Public Health – Office of Communicable Diseases
• Sritanya Psychiatric Hospital – Inpatient and outpatient mental health
• Royal Thai Red Cross – HIV/AIDS program, hospital social work

FSA uses a brief student biography and statement of interest to select internship site which receive final approval from SDSU faculty members. These documents are submitted in the Spring Semester.

Where will I live in Bangkok?

You will live in apartments vetted by SDSU faculty. The apartments are in Thai communities and provide the opportunity to immerse students in Thai daily life. The apartments are within reasonable commuting distance to internships.

Are there other program activities besides the internship?

Yes. The program offers two study trips to areas outside of Bangkok. For short study trips, students have visited Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu, a temple providing hospice care for persons living with AIDS and a female drug offender prisons. For long study trips, students have travel to the South of Thailand to witness post-tsunami recovery efforts and to the North to visit psychiatric hospitals, anti-human trafficking programs, and rural community development programs. The longer duration study trips may also involve home-stay in a village for one day and one night.

What orientation is provided to prepare me for living and internship in Thailand?

The school provides a series of meeting to prepare you for living in Thailand. In the Spring Semester, meetings are held with members from previous internship cohorts to provide an “insider” perspective, Thai students at SDSU to provide cultural orientation.The School of Social Work provides a mandatory orientation for the Thailand program in early May.Additionally, Thammasat University offers a one-week orientation, including language instruction, immediately upon arrival.

Do I need health insurance?

SDSU requires all students participating in study aboard programs to have health insurance. If students already have health insurance providing international coverage, that is sufficient. If students do not have insurance, they may purchase it from Renaissance Agencies, In., a provider vetted by the university.

What immunizations should I get?

Please consult with a health care provider to see what immunizations you should have. You may wish to consult the U.S. Center for Disease Control web page to see what immunizations it recommends.

What travel documents do I need?

You will need a valid passport and a non-immigrant visa issued by the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles. The School of Social Work will facilitate securing the Thai visa.

Can the program handle special dietary needs?

There is vegetarian and vegan food available in Bangkok and major cities. Food allergy cards can be made and translated into Thai.

last updated: 01/25/10