2026 Program Page will be Updated by October 1
Thailand is a paradise of culture, history, and natural beauty, offering visitors a true adventure. In this program, students will gain insights into one of Thailand’s key economic contributors: tourism. Ecotourism in Thailand thrives because this tourist hotspot has managed to conserve its resplendent natural beauty despite millions of tourists flocking to the country. Beaches, rivers, mountains, valleys, and a vast green cover entice tourists to this kingdom. After this program, students will understand tourism’s role in local and national economies and how the industry is taking new strides to implement sustainable practices.
Students will visit companies with a social mission capitalizing on the tourist influx to create experiences that are small-scale, sustainable, and culturally sensitive. They will also engage in a hands-on service-learning activity during their time in Thailand, actively working to better the community they are visiting while learning about the challenges unique to the area through a management discussion. Students will have the opportunity to interact with one of the most important national symbols of Thailand, the elephant. Importantly, animal welfare is at the heart of the shift to ecotourism.
In addition to company and community engagements, potential program activities include tours of the Grand Palace, the expansive Thai markets, Wat Arun, a midnight food tour via tuk-tuk, glass bottom ocean kayaking, and a cooking class (activities are subject to change).
This course will explore the evolution of ecotourism. We will consider the impact on various stakeholders of ecotourism (the communities, owners, travelers, etc.), the necessary components for successful ecotourism, the business case, and the implications of introducing ecotourism to a region (the good, the bad, and the ugly).
By the end of our course and Thailand immersion, students will be able to:
· Identify key stakeholders of eco-tourism,
· Describe best practices of ecotourism,
· Defend the business case for ecotourism,
· Apply the concepts of ecotourism to our own region, and
· Share your experience of ecotourism in Thailand.
Dr. Jenna Haugen, Clinical Associate Professor of Management and Corporate Communication, will lead this program. Jenna is an enthusiastic advocate for businesses engaging in a social mission and has a deep love for sustainable travel.
Eligibility
- Eligibility:
- Business Major, Business Admin Minor, Real Estate Minor, or Business of Health Minor
- First-Year AAPs are eligible for this program
- Seniors graduating in May are not eligible
- GPA Requirement: None
- Language Prerequisite: None
- Class During Program: None
- Language of Instruction: English
- Accessibility Resources
Application Dates
- Application Opens: November 3, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 12, 2026
Program Information
Meet with an Advisor
UBP students can schedule a meeting with the UBP Global Team to learn more about this and other Global Immersion Electives by clicking on the “Schedule Appointment” link below.
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