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Global Hubs | Thailand

Cornell University

Thailand

Exterior of Chula's red-roofed auditorium surrounded by trees.

Chulalongkorn University

About the University

Chulalongkorn University (Chula) is one of Thailand's most prestigious universities. Established as a national university in 1917, it focuses on three core principles: preparing future leaders, developing impactful research and innovation, and advocating social sustainability. 

Chula's mission is to support research, teach professional skills, and promote the arts, culture, and values, including social responsibility and public service.

Opening with four faculties—arts and sciences, public administration, engineering, and medicine—today Chula has 20 faculties and 23 colleges and research institutes. The campus is on 500 acres in Bangkok, Thailand's capital. 

About Chula

About the Student Experience

A circle of shorter flags surrounding a taller flag post with a while-columned building in the background.

The international programs for exchange students cover wide-ranging topics such as Thai language and culture, cross-cultural communication, politics and global studies, and other interdisciplinary programs. The university hosts an International Night for incoming students. Various student clubs on campus focus on language, culture, arts, community service, and diverse other interests. Learn more about international students at Chula.

Research Themes

Hubs provide a collaborative platform for thematic research areas based on Cornell's and our Global Hubs partners' academic strengths and local contexts. Research themes being explored at Chula include:

  • Big Data, AI, and New Media: AI and machine learning are significant research areas for Chula International School of Engineering. 
  • One Health: The Health Research Cluster focuses on disease-based research and medical innovation development to increase the understanding of disease and develop new diagnosis and treatment methods.
  • Sustainable Development: The Environmental Research Institute conducts research and offers classes on sustainability and natural resource management. Topics include climate risk and resilience, environmental innovation, and pollution and risk management. 

Learn About Hubs Research Themes

About the Location

Bangkok, Thailand

An ancient temple site with gold buildings and colorful statues.
Wat Phra Kaew is an ancient temple in Bangkok.

Thailand is divided into four geographical regions with distinct ecosystems: mountains and forests in the north, vast rice fields in the central plains, semiarid farmlands in the northeastern plateau, and the tropical islands and long coastlines of the southern peninsula. About 10 million people live in the capital city of Bangkok, or Krung Thep. Bangkok's location at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River has made the area a trade hub since the 15th century. The center of Thailand’s political, commercial, and industrial activities, Bangkok is a top destination for tourists visiting the royal palaces, temples, and other cultural sites.