History

History of School

The International School of Interdisciplinary Humanities (ISIH) is a new kind of humanities school for a changing world. Located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and connected to the wider region, the School is committed to developing people who can think across disciplines, work meaningfully with others, engage critically and creatively with technology, and create new values for society and humanity.

In an age shaped by artificial intelligence, rapid technological change, and increasingly complex social and cultural challenges, we believe that the ability to understand people, connect ideas, navigate differences, and imagine new possibilities is more important than ever. Through an international and interdisciplinary education, ISIH prepares students not simply for a single profession, but to become versatile human beings who can do many things, adapt to what comes next, and contribute responsibly to the world.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Human Futures

The School builds on the experience of the BA Humanities and Sustainability (BAHS), established in 2021 with its first cohort entering in 2022. Originally created to provide a fully English-taught humanities education for Thai and international students, BAHS was designed from the beginning to move beyond the traditional boundaries of academic majors. Students were encouraged to combine specialised knowledge with broader perspectives and develop the ability to work across different fields and social contexts. As the programme evolved, so too did our understanding of what humanities education should offer in a rapidly transforming society.

The transition from BAHS to the International School of Interdisciplinary Humanities marks the next step in this development: expanding our commitment to an education that brings together people, technology, culture, and the world, while placing distinctly human capabilities—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, cultural understanding, ethical judgement, and imagination—at the heart of learning.