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Experience Authentic Northern Thailand...
A Journey of Thai Culture, Nature & Sustainability
Experience a three-week exploration of spectacular Northern Thailand, where culture, nature and the vibrancy of Chiang Mai come together. This is a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection, offering a deeper perspective on Thailand’s culture, nature, and sustainable future.
Explore Chiang Mai’s iconic temples, wander vibrant night markets and marvel at the peaks and waterfalls of the National Parks. Share meals in a hill tribe village, learn about mindfulness from Buddhist Monks, take part in traditional cooking and crafts, and see how communities preserve heritage while embracing sustainable ways of living.
Along the way, you’ll explore the ethical enterprises and grassroots organisations pioneering change, from eco-innovations to social initiatives that put people and planet first.
Discover insights, skills and experience that you can take back into your studies or future career. Every experience connects you to real stories and real people
Read more about Ultimate Chiang Mai
At a Glance...
- Ultimate North Thailand: Thai Culture, Conservation, Nature, Buddhism & Sustainability.
- Timeframe: 21 days
- Team Size: Maximum 18 + local Thai mentors and guides.
- Accommodation Style: Hotel + Eco-Lodge + Traditional Village
- Visit: Chiang Mai, Hill Tribe, National Parks
- Impact: Supporting Thai communities through our CARES approach.
- Includes: Accommodation, breakfasts, evening meals, excursions, experiential activities, domestic travel, 24/7 support
Ultimate Chiang Mai Immersion
Why Join Our Ultimate Immersion?
Open to all students. Whether you study business, sustainability, social sciences, or are simply curious about how culture and enterprise can create change, this adventure blends learning with unforgettable experiences.
- Experience – Explore Thai culture from street food to art to buddhism to hill tribe communities.
- Connection – Build friendships with Thai entrepreneurs, communities, and your teammates.
- Adventure – Trek mountains, raft rivers, and explore Chiang Mai’s stunning landscapes.
- Perspectives– See sustainability in action, from fair-trade producers to community-led tourism.
- Skills – Strengthen adaptability, teamwork, creativity, and cultural intelligence.
- Memories – Share unque adventures, cultural insights with a small team of likeminded students.
- Global Citizenship – Link Thailand’s models of sustainability and innovation to global issues like climate justice and social equity
Come with curiosity and an open mind, and leave inspired by Thai culture and innovation.
Key Information
Programme Provider
Think Pacific
Dates
29 June - 19 July 2026 (allow for a day or two either side for travel).
Eligibility
Open to Registered Undergraduate or Postgraduate students (part-time or full-time). Not suitable for final year students.
Programme Cost
£2145 including a £195 registration fee.
Funding is available for eligible students to assist towards the above project cost.
Students from a *Widening Access and Participation Background will receive a higher rate of funding.
Your contribution will be:
£600 for most students (approx. - exchange rate and fees apply)
or
£200 if your household income is less than £25,000* (receipted expenditure will be required to cover travel costs up to a max. £905)
*you can check the full criteria for this higher Turing rate in the 'Widening Access and Participation' section below.
Flights
An additional scholarship of up to £1000 is available towards the cost of your return flights. This will be paid to students once flights are confirmed, and evidence (receipts) is provided.
You must ensure you have the funds to pay for your flights as you do not receive this scholarship in advance.
Programme Cost Includes
- Welcome & Orientation – Airport pickup, 2-day briefing and cultural orientation, plus a team-building camp in a rural setting.
- Accommodation – All accommodation provided, including hotel, eco lodge and community homestay.
- Meals – Breakfast and dinner included daily (please budget £2–5 per day for lunch).
- Cultural Immersion – Trek to hill tribe, guided hikes, excursions to cultural sites, cooking, art, craft, wellness, temples and community events.
- Learning & Development – Guest speakers, workshops, and exclusive access to our partner network.
- Support & Safety – 24/7 guidance from Think Pacific leaders, in-country manager and project team, daily health check-ins, risk assessment, and pastoral care.
- Travel – All in-country transport in private air-conditioned vehicles.
- Preparation – Comprehensive online portal, pre-departure webinars, and personal planning resources.
Additional Costs
- Insurance – Budget £50–£100 (recommended policy provided).
- Tourist Visa – Approximately £30 (requirements vary by nationality; please check with the Thailand Embassy).
- Vaccinations – Recommended Typhoid and Hepatitis A (budget £50; often free via NHS in the UK).
- Spending Money – Budget £200–£300 for lunches, drinks, souvenirs, and personal items.
| Application | Submit your application |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 12 December 2025 |
| Interview | You will be invited to an online group interview if you are shortlisted at application stage. |
| Interview Guidance | If you require support and guidance to help you prepare for interview reach out to your Employability & Graduate Futures Team. You can request a 1:1 appointment via Handshake or contact the team via e-mail: graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk |
Widening Access and Participation
You will be eligible for a higher rate of Turing Scheme funding if you meet one of the criteria below:
- You are in receipt of an Ulster University Access Bursary
- You are from an area of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status (including those with an annual household income of £25,000 or less)
- You receive Income Support or Universal Credit and are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with them, such as a child or partner
- You are from a background of care
- You have caring responsibilities
- You have no living parents
- Your parents cannot be found or it is not reasonably practicable to get in touch with either of them (estranged students)
- You are a refugee or asylum seeker
Proof of the above criteria will be required as part of your application.
Pre-Departure Information
If you are selected for this opportunity following successful application and interview, the following details will help you prepare for pre-departure:
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet the host country's immigration requirements. This will vary depending on the type of passport you hold. Further advice on the visa application will be provided as part of the pre-departure process, but it is your responsibility to ensure your familiarity with this.
Please note, if travelling out of Dublin airport, students without a British or Irish passport may also need an additional Irish visa.
Ensure you read through the Government Travel Guidance Advice for Thailand
You will automatically be covered for emergency travel insurance and medical emergency cover through Ulster University’s Group Personal Accident and Travel insurance policy for the duration of this programme.
Review the cover thoroughly to check it's sufficient for your needs; if it does not cover everything, you will need to take out additional cover.
Ensure you read through the recommended vaccine requirements for the country you are travelling to.
There’s lots to think about before, during and after your programme. Read the Pre-departure Guide thoroughly for advice on to how to prepare and what to expect from your experience abroad.
Once final candidates have been selected you will be invited to a number of mandatory pre-departure sessions to help you prepare for your programme. This will be an opportunity for you to meet other students who will be joining you and it is a requirement of the programme that you attend.
As part of the pre-departure preparation, you will be asked to submit a mandatory travel preparation form and a medical disclosure form. Both forms are required so we can assess that you are fully prepared for the programme and can provide you with additional support if required.
