Global Learning Center
The global learning center provides students enrolled in one of the following graduate programs — M.A. in Intercultural Studies, Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies, Ph.D. in Intercultural Education and Doctor of Intercultural Studies — the unique opportunity to earn credits while taking courses in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| Program | Credits |
|---|---|
| M.A. in Intercultural Studies | Up to 18 credits can be taken in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The balance of the coursework can be completed with online courses or hybrid courses in La Mirada, California. However, no more than 18 credits of the M.A. in Intercultural Studies can be taken through Chiang Mai courses. |
| Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies and Ph.D. in Intercultural Education | Up to 21 credits can be taken in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The remaining coursework for the Ph.D. programs must be completed on campus in summer intensives or during hybrid sessions, or with online courses (note that only a maximum of 21 credits can be taken through online courses). |
| Doctor of Intercultural Studies | Up to 19 credits can be taken in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The balance of the coursework can be completed with online courses or hybrid courses in La Mirada, California. However, no more than 19 credits of the Doctor of Intercultural Studies can be taken in Chiang Mai. |
Admission Requirements and Registration
Both U.S. passport holders and non-U.S. passport holders interested in studying at the global learning centers must apply and be admitted to one of the graduate programs listed above. In addition, non-native English speakers must also submit TOEFL scores of at least 100 iBT or IELTS of 7.5.
Most of the registration procedures can be completed online. For details or questions, please contact graduate.admissions@biola.edu.
Course Scheduling
The Chiang Mai global learning center offers semester-long courses taught by Biola faculty in intensive, one-week classroom sessions in January — with the remainder of the coursework taking place online throughout the rest of the semester. All courses offered are designed to help students become more competent in cross-cultural settings.
Biola In-Person Opportunities
The courses being taught in Chiang Mai are also offered on the Biola campus. This allows interested students to complete 49% of the coursework in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and the remainder of the coursework on Biola's campus in La Mirada, California. Please contact graduate.admissions@biola.edu for more information.
Tuition Reduction
For M.A. and Ph.D. students on site in Chiang Mai, there is a tuition discount available. The tuition discount is given to all M.A. and Ph.D. students attending class in Chiang Mai. No application is necessary. No discount is available for the Doctor of Intercultural Studies program because the reduction is already built into the standard Doctor of Intercultural Studies tuition rate.
Food, Housing and Transportation Cost
It is the student's responsibility to provide for food, housing and transportation costs in regard to the stay in Chiang Mai. Food and housing options in Chiang Mai for individuals who come from outside the area are very reasonable.