Arriving in Thailand for a fall semester means experiencing the transition from rainy season to the cooler, more comfortable “cool season.” September may still have tropical showers, but by October and November, the weather clears, humidity drops, and cool breezes make outdoor activities and exploring your host community more enjoyable.

During this time, you’ll enjoy cultural highlights such as Loy Krathong—the magical lantern and river-floating festival. You’ll also savor traditional Thai cuisine like pad thai, green curry, mango sticky rice, and coconut ice cream, experiencing how meals are a vibrant and shared part of Thai life.

Thai schools warmly welcome exchange students and offer a variety of activities beyond academics, including traditional dance, language, and Buddhist studies. Unlike the U.S., Thailand’s first semester runs from May to late September or early October, and the second from late October or early November to late February or early March. However, we are happy to offer two departure options: you can leave in August to align with the American fall semester, or embrace the Thai academic calendar and start in May. You choose!