Dear International Listserv
Members:
The following program, run by UW-Eau Claire,
is open to UW Oshkosh students. This
program focuses on the ethnic minorities, in particular the
Hmong, who call Thailand home.
For information on transfering credit back
to UW Oshkosh, using financial aid to study abroad, etc., please
see
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UW-
Eau Claire
Summer Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Ethnic
Minorities, the Environment and Sustainability
Thailand, Summer 2009
Program Location: Chiang
Mai, Thailand - city of 250,000 located in northern Thailand.
Courses:
- Participants take 2 courses taught in English for a total of 6
credits.
-Culture of Ethnic Groups in Thailand
-Sustainable
Development: Conservation of the Environment
Program Highlights
- 5-day stay in a Hmong village
- 4-day environmental field trip
- Lessons in survival Thai
- Special lectures on the status of women in Thailand and the teachings of
Buddhism
- Weekend Activities: Thai cooking classes, visit to elephant village,
bamboo rafting, visits to Buddhist wats
Housing: Students live in
the International Dorm at Payap University.
Tentative Dates: 6 week
program typically runs mid June to late July
Program Costs: For six
credits of tuition, CISI insurance, housing, breakfast and dinner on weekdays,
excursions, and administrative fees the estimated summer 2009 Wisconsin resident
charge is $3,600. Minnesota residents may apply for reciprocity, while
non-residents should add $900. Not included in this fee are the costs of a
passport, visa, weekday lunches and weekend meals, books, personal expenses,
local transportation, and airfare. Estimate an additional $2,900 for these
expenses. All costs are estimated and may change. Total Wisconsin resident
estimated cost for the program is $6,500.
Eligibility: 2.3 GPA and
good academic standing. Students can apply as freshman but must be sophomores by
the time the program begins.
Past Participant
Comments
“Coming to Thailand was more
than a study abroad experience; I not only had a greater insight on my field of
study but also on my Hmong culture as well as the host culture. I definitely
left a place of comfort and what I discovered about myself, people and culture
was wonderful.” Pahoau, UW-Eau Claire
"The study abroad program
in Thailand was fantastic. Getting out of my comfort zone was exhilarating and
allowed me to grow in ways I was not expecting. I had the chance to stay in a
Hmong Village, a Lua Village, along with traveling in and around Chiang Mai and
the South of Thailand. I learned a lot about the Hmong Culture that I believe
will aide me in my career as a Secondary Education English teacher. Day trips to
the Elephant camp, Orchid Farm, Healing Family Foundation, the U.S. Consulate,
the International Organization for Women’s Justice and Peace, and even Bungee
jumping have enriched my life experience.” Tess, UW-Eau
Claire
“My experience in Thailand made
an invaluable difference in my education. I had to learn to adapt to an
environment where I didn’t know the culture. Through different direct
interactions such as the Hmong village stay, I was challenged to re-examine my
most deeply held assumptions about myself and the world and thus have gained
different perspectives and a better understanding of my culture. I’m
really glad that I decided to take this opportunity because it was definitely
worth it!” Mai, UW-Eau Claire
Definitely the highlight of my
school career! Everyone in Thailand is very friendly and encouraging! If you
come here you will wish you could stay longer! Jessi, UW-Eau
Claire
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Colleen Marchwick
Study Abroad Coordinator
Center for International
Education
Schofield Hall, Room 111
University of Wisconsin-Eau
Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
Email: marchwcc@uwec.edu
Tel. (715) 836-4411
Fax (715) 836-4948