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Description

The Development and Globalization program is designed to help students understand the complexities concerning environmental, development, and globalization issues and the role they can play as global citizens. Students come to understand the human dimension of policies pursued by corporations and financial institutions. They learn how to work successfully in groups and gain a broad range of tools, from interviewing and research skills to learning how to write for a variety of media. They are also given public forums to showcase their work.

Academic Program
Based at Khon Kaen University since 1991, the programs focus on development was established in 1994. There is a great deal of emphasis on group process and forming an effective and responsible community. The program is committed to the dialogue and the importance of participation of all parties in the educational process. A good deal of time is given for students to organize amongst themselves and to enjoy the full potential of an educational process that challenges not just academically, but also as human beings.

Academic Culture
All courses contain extensive experiential components. The required core course combines classroom-based academics with extensive practical field experience. Students should be aware that the program is an alternative educational model in itself. Faculty from the University prepares students in the classroom, while practitioners from local NGOs provide guidance during the visits to various development projects. The program places the educational process squarely in the hands of the students as a group. Students gain skills facilitating participation and group dynamics, generating proposals, and organizing special projects.

The program's language instruction utilizes a proficiency-based approach designed to enable students to 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 - the effects of dams and mining, urban slums, people living with HIV/AIDS, organic farming, human rights, and NGOsfrom a grassroots perspective.
  
• Become involved in an authentic exchange with villagers, NGOs, and others working for social change through site visits and hands-on field work.
  
• Immerse yourself in the culture through community stays, translated exchanges, Thai student roommates, peer tutors, and intensive group work.Culture
  Cultural Activities and Field Trips
  The program seeks to bring students into authentic exchange with villagers, NGOs, and others working for social change at the grass roots level. Students can expect to spend much of their time traveling and staying in communities. Students also have a chance to meet and interact with members of the U.S. student-based group ENGAGE (Educational Exchange for Global and Grassroots Exchange). Past activities have included interviews with women from a women's weaving cooperative, conducting oral history research in a traditional fishing village, and various site visits that examine 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.

• Degree Level

  Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

• Subject Areas

  • Asian Studies
  • Development Studies
  • Environmental Studies

  • Foreign Language
  • Peace Studies
  • Sociology

  • Urban & Regional Planning

• Cost in US$:

  Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

• Cost Include Description:

  The CIEE fees for 2010-11 include 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, a comprehensive student handbook, 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

• Participants Travel to Thailand

  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