Description

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? Then the Development and Globalization study abroad program in Khon Kaen, Thailand is for you. The CIEE Study Center in Khon Kaen helps you to understand the complexities concerning development and globalization issues, and the role you play as global citizens. You'll learn about development and globalization from both an academic and a grassroots community level and its overall effects on a developing nation.

Academic Program
Based at Khon Kaen University since 1991, the program's focus on development and the environment was established in 1994. Since 2007, the program has placed a special emphasis on using international and national human rights frameworks to understand grassroots and social justice issues.

Academic Culture
All courses contain extensive experiential components. The required core course combines classroom-based academics with extensive practical field experience. Faculty from the University and program staff prepares students in the classroom, while government officials and practitioners from local NGOs provide guidance during the visits to various development projects.

The program's language instruction utilizes a proficiency-based approach designed to help students function effectively in everyday communicative situations. Courses at all levels combine intensive classroom learning with the use of peer tutors and interactive exercises. Language classes are offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Highlights

• Engage in a unique real-world learning model and be exposed to many issues at the grassroots level - the effects of dams and mining, urban slums, people living with HIV/AIDS, organic farming, forest and land rights, human rights, and NGOs - from a social justice perspective
  
• Involve yourself in an alternative educational model focusing on personal development, group peer learning, and consensus decision making
  
• Immerse yourself in the culture through community stays, translated exchanges, Thai student roommates, and peer tutors

Past activities have included interviewing members of a women's weaving cooperative; compiling a series of community oral histories that present issues of development in the context of people's lives; preparing a photo series accompanied by background voice recordings of villagers explaining their livelihood; writing a series of nine economic, social, and cultural rights reports in cooperation with local community organizations. These NGOs examine violations of water development projects; the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers; and access to healthcare for people living with HIV/AIDS.

In addition, students participate in various site visits to explore methods and outcomes of sustainable agriculture and development in a local community.

Immersion
Peer Tutors
Program participants are paired with Khon Kaen University students for weekly one-on-one Thai language tutorials.

Community Stays
Program participants may expect to spend substantial amounts of time staying with families in rural communities.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, visa fees, transportation from Bangkok to Khon Kaen for the group pick-up, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

Overall GPA 2.75

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Home-stays
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947