OHIO Cultural Arts Internship at Moradok Mai Theatre in Thailand

The OHIO Cultural Arts Internship at Moradok Mai Theatre offers students an extraordinary opportunity to engage in community-based performing arts and cultural exchange in Thailand. This eight-week summer internship immerses students in Thai theatre, music, and dance while exploring the transformative role of the arts in education, social connection, and intercultural understanding.

Based at the Moradok Mai Home School and Community Theatre, interns collaborate with professional Thai artists and educators, teach dance, music, and English to local students, and participate in a theatre co-production that travels to schools across Thailand. The experience provides a rich combination of service learning, creative collaboration, and leadership development.

Whether you are interested in performing arts, cross-cultural education, or community engagement, this internship offers a unique pathway to explore how art and storytelling create bridges across cultures.

This internship offers students the opportunity to work with Moradok Mai Theatre and Home School in Thailand, a nationally recognized arts organization that empowers youth through theatre, music, and dance while promoting cultural understanding and community engagement.

Program Dates

June 1 – July 29 (eight weeks, flexible)

Faculty Contact: Pittaya Paladroi-Shane, Professor of Instruction in Thai Language, Center for International Studies, paladroi@ohio.edu

Program Highlights

• Community Engagement – Build lasting relationships with students, teachers, and staff at Moradok Mai Home School while gaining first-hand insights into Thai culture, arts, and performance traditions.
• Service Learning – Develop meaningful teaching and mentoring skills by leading workshops in dance, music, and English for underrepresented children in the Moradok Mai community.
• International Experience – Work alongside Thai artists to explore storytelling, performance, and drama across Thai and international traditions.
• Creative and Leadership Skills – Strengthen teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving abilities through theatre co-productions and community performances across Thailand.

Venues and Logistics

• Flights: Round-trip flight from Columbus to Bangkok.
• Accommodation: On site, provided by Moradok Mai Home School.
• Transportation: On site, through local transport and host facilities.
• Connectivity: Internet access available at the home school; limited access during travel to rural areas.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Visa: Non-Immigrant Type ED Via: Internship (Curricular internship) or Exchange student.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the program end date.
• Health and Safety: Students should be up to date on routine vaccinations and prepared for hot, humid weather.
• Cultural Awareness: Interns are expected to dress modestly, respect local customs, and be open to collaborative and community-oriented learning environments.

Applicant Qualifications

This internship is ideal for undergraduate students in dance, music, theatre, education, anthropology, literature, international studies, or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong interest in cross-cultural exchange and performing arts.
• Experience or enthusiasm for teaching dance, music, or English.
• Adaptability, creativity, and teamwork in dynamic cultural settings.
• An openness to immersive learning and cultural humility.

Students must complete Elementary Thai I and II during the academic year prior to departure to prepare for language and cultural engagement.

Estimated Costs and Funding Opportunities