Global sustainability School

Sustainability School En

Learn Sustainability Where It's Happening

The Global Sustainability School at the Language Institute Chiang Mai University is an immersive learning program designed for international students and university partners who want to explore sustainability through real-world challenges, cultural insight and community based learning.

Launched in summer 2022, the program brings together Chiang Mai University (CMU) experts, local communities, language institute facilitators and international learners to engage directly with some of Southeast Asia’s most urgent sustainability issues – from transboundary haze pollution and water security, to food systems, reforestation and climate change and resilience.

This study abroad program moves beyond the classroom, by allowing students to learn by doing, observing systems, meeting changemakers, collecting insights in the field and co-creating solutions through teamwork and reflection.

Our Global Sustainability School includes a combination of:

Interactive lectures, workshops and seminars with CMU faculty and sustainability practitioners
Field visits and site-based learning
Cultural learning components (Lanna heritage (northern Thai), local traditions, responsible tourism perspectives)
Team-based learning with local CMU students (through LICMU Buddy Program)
English for Global Communication sessions – designed to strengthen students’ ability to communicate sustainability ideas with conference in international settings.
Final presentations, reflection sessions and peer feedback

Chiang Mai University's Hub for Sustainability Abroad Programs

Language Institute serves as a university-wide hub at Chiang Mai University for inbound sustainability programs, supporting international partners with program design, coordination and delivery. We work closely with CMU faculties, research centres and local experts on the group to curate high quality academic content and ensure every program is grounded in strong disciplinary knowledge, local insight and real world relevance.

Chiang Mai University is an internationally recognized for its commitment to sustainability. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking 2026, Chiang Mai University was ranked No. 44 in the world, reflecting its continued commitment to sustainability.

Top 20 for SDG-4 (Quality Education), SDG-5 (Gender Equality) and SDG-17 (Partnership for the Goals)
Top 50 for SDG-13 (Climate Action)
Top 100 for SDG-1 (No Poverty), SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG-9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) and SDG-15 (Life of Land)

Preparing for Success

Starting your academic journey in a new environment can be both exciting and challenging. Strong English and academic skills are essential to thrive in university-level study, and this program is designed to help you build that foundation.

The Academic English Bridging Program has been approved to be delivered at the Language Institute Chiang Mai University by the UOWC. This program focuses on critical language, study and communication skills required for success at university. On completion of the program, students will be able to

Write clear, structured essay and reports that meet international academic standards.
Deliver effective presentations and express opinions with confidence.
Analyze and understand complex texts
Apply IELTS strategies for higher performance
Demonstrate CEFR B1/B1+ proficiency in English

When students graduate from the program, they will also acquire useful skills which employers seek from their workforce:

Independent, self motivated learner
Effective global communicator
Critical thinker and problem solver
Responsible and culturally aware individual

This program has been designed to fast track students from an IELTS 4.5 to IELTS 5.0 in just 12-week (20/hour per week).

Our Instructors

Sean O'Leary

Melissa Catherine Jones

Cameron Grant Albertson

฿ 70000 240-hour | 12-week

UOWC Certificate of Completion
Direct Pathway to UOWC Australia
Guaranteed progression to IELTS 5.0

full course

฿ 25000 60-hour | 4-week

Co-branded UOWC x LICMU Certificate
Ideal for summer or winter study abroad program opportunity
Academic English immersion with a focus on critical thinking

short course

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UOWC College (UOWC) EAP Program?

The UOW College English for Academic Purpose (EAP) program is a prepartory English course designed to improve students’ academic English proficiency for university study. This program is delivered by the Language Institute Chiang Mai University who have concluded a collaborative agreement with UOW College Australia to deliver this program in Chiang Mai, Thailand

How long is the program?

There are 2 program options:

EAP 3-month Program: 240 hours in total (20-hour per week)
EAP 4-week Program: 80 hour in total (20-hour per week)

What certificates will I receive after completing the program?

3-Month Program: Students who successfully complete the 240-hour EAP program (along with all required assessments) will receive an official UOW College Certificate.
4-Week Program: Students who complete the 80-hour program will receive a Certificate of Participation co-issued by the UOWC and Language Institute Chiang Mai University.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must have an IELTS score of 4.5 or an equivalent English proficiency level to enroll in the program.

What is the expected exit level after completing the EAP program?

Upon successful completion of the 3-month program, students are expected to achieve an IELTS equivalent of 5.0.

What are the benefits of completing the 3-month program?

Students who successfully complete the 240-hour EAP program are exempt from taking an IELTS test when applying to UOW College Foundation Programs in Australia. They may also apply for the appropriate student visa for further study in Australia using this program certificate.

What certificates will I receive after completing the program?

3-Month Program: Students who successfully complete the 240-hour EAP program (along with all required assessments) will receive an official UOW College Certificate.
4-Week Program: Students who complete the 80-hour program will receive a Certificate of Participation issued by the UOWC and Language Institute Chiang Mai University.

Will I recieve an education visa for this program?

Yes. All enrolled students are eligible to apply for an education visa (non-immigrant ED visa) for the duration of their studies in Thailand.

What documents do I need to provide when applying for this program?

Students must prepare and submit the following documents for program admission and education visa processing:

For Program Admission:

Completed application form (available from the Language Institute Chiang Mai University)
Copy of passport information page (valid for at least 6 months)
Copy of academic transcript or graduation certificate (from your most recent school or university)
Copy of English proficiency test result (IELTS 4.5 or equivalent)
Recent passport-sized photograph (taken within the last 6 months)

For Education Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Visa) Application:

Acceptance letter issued by Language Institute Chiang Mai University
Visa support letter from Chiang Mai University (provided after admission)
Proof of financial support (such as a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds)
Passport copy with at least 6 months validity
Completed visa application form (as required by the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country)

How large are the classes?

To ensure personalized instruction and maximum learning support, class sizes are limited to 15 participants per group.

Where are the classes held?

All classes are conducted at the Language Institute Chiang Mai University located on the main CMU campus in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Who teaches the EAP program?

All classes are taught by native English-speaking instructors who have been vetted and approved by UOW College (UOWC). Each instructor holds relevant teaching qualifications and has a minimum of three years of ESL teaching experience. This ensures that students receive high-quality English instruction aligned with UOW College’s academic standards and learning outcomes.

How much does the program cost?

3-Month (240-hour) EAP Program: 70,000 THB
4-Week (80-hour) Program: 27,000 THB

Tuition fees include all course materials, placement testing, and certification.

Global sustainability School

Learn Sustainability Where It's Happening

Chiang Mai University's Hub for Sustainability Abroad Programs

Preparing for Success