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STUDY ABROAD IN THE FAR EAST: THAILAND
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Program: Khon Kaen University / CIEE
Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand
Is This Program Right For You? Are you hoping to work in some capacity that will benefit society and the environment? Are you thinking about joining the Peace Corps or another community-based volunteer program upon graduation? The fall semester program in Thailand is designed for students wishing to learn about a broad range of issues--effects of dams, urban slums, persons living with HIV/AIDS, organic farming, pollution, social movements, human rights, NGOs--primarily from a grassroots perspective within the social and political context of a developing country. The spring semester program is designed for students wantingto learn about globalization from both an academic and a grassroots community level and its overall effects on a developing nation.
The goals of this program are to help students understand the complexities concerning environmental, development and globalization issues and the role that they can play as concerned global citizens. By listening and learning from various sectors of society, students have a chance to know the human dimension of policies pursued by multinational corporations and international financial institutions. Students are also challenged to find ways of working as a group with other program participants and with Thai students.
Khon Kaen University (KKU), serving as the major educational institution in the Northeast, is located four kilometers north of the city on 2,500 acres of partially wooded land. Since its founding in 1964, KKU has grown to include 17 faculties which offer bachelor's, master's, and professional degrees in fields such as health and medicine, social sciences, humanities, education, agriculture, business, engineering, and the physical sciences. Approximately 15,000 undergraduate and 3,000 graduate students study at KKU each year. There are approximately 1,500 full-time faculty members and an additional 4,000 part-time faculty and staff.
The Courses/Program: Based at Khon Kaen University since 1991, the program's focus on development was established in 1994, and the focus on globalization was implemented in 2002. Past participants come from a variety of academic disciplines including development, environmental studies, anthropology, sociology, or economic development and may have an interest in becoming development volunteers in such organizations as the Peace Corps.
In addition to a required Thai language course, students take the core course, The Human Perspective on Development and the Environment, that brings them into direct contact with people who are directly engaged in socio-political movements in Thailand. Visits are made to development projects, and students are asked to assess the effectiveness of small-scale environmental and development projects as well as develop project proposals for implementation. As a supplement to classroom language instruction, program participants are paired with tutors for about one hour per week, but more hours are available if needed.
Students must also take one elective course. In most cases, students take “Thai Politics and Society through Literature” or “Buddhism and Thai Society.” However, students wishing to study more of the language may take the Thai Language Elective. In special cases, students may arrange a Directed Independent Study, but most independent projects can be accommodated within the framework of the core course. Students that are already proficient in Thai may consider an Internship option, but must receive prior consent from the Resident Director before doing so. All of these courses are taught in English except for the advanced language course.
Housing: Housing is included in the program fee. Students live in off-campus rental units with a Thai roommate. Meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Students should budget extra money accordingly. Students can have meals at the university cafeteria or at local restaurants.
Duration/Deadlines:
• Fall Semester (17 weeks): late August – mid December / Application Deadline: April 1st
• Spring Semester (17 weeks): late January – mid May / Application Deadline: November 1st
Requirements: (Language of instruction is English, Thai)
• 3.0 GPA
• Please note that the Thailand program is a highly competitive program and only offers 18 spaces per semester. Students that meet the eligibility requirements and who are not initially accepted to the program will be placed on a waitlist.
Program Cost Includes: Tuition, housing and some meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, and insurance. Visa not included. For more information: www.ciee.org. Catalogues are available in ISAP’s Resource Rooms. Please note: The information on this sheet is for reference purposes only. It is your responsibility to confirm details and deadlines.
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