Study Abroad Center

Description

This course introduces you to Thai society and culture. Globalization has been transforming local social relations, institutions and way of lives. Thailand is no exception. Trafficking in women and children for sex work in Thailand has become a pressing issue as Thailand has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for sex tourism. Children are trafficked domestically and internationally from Myanmar every day. On the other hand, Thailand still retains uniquely Thai customs, values/beliefs and social institutions. 

The course therefore examines first Thai history and cultural traditions and next the impact of globalization on Thailand through documentary films, academic articles, popular magazines and internet sources.

Right after this semester, students will visit Thailand for approximately two weeks to directly observe interactions of Thai people, experience Thai life style and meet people who tirelessly work to reduce human trafficking and provide normal life to the victims of such trafficking. Students are expected to stay in Thailand as a college student ethnographer and share their observations and thoughts during evening meetings. Class assignments of gathering information on Thai society and culture and a trip to Thailand will promote cross cultural competency and global perspectives.

The Thailand Travel Seminar satisfies the Core 21 Global Perspectives requirement.  Global Studies majors can also receive credit toward the Global Governance section of the major.

The application for the Thailand Travel Seminar is now available in the Study Abroad Center.  It is due Friday, May 4, so stop by the office to pick it up. 

Students can apply for a Travel Seminar scholarship through the CLU Study Abroad Center at the following link: Scholarship Application

The scholarship application deadline is Friday, May 4. 

Itinerary

The trip itinerary is tentative, but below are a list of possible activities and sites that the group will visit:
 

Human Trafficking Education

Night Light, a jewelry factory in which young women rescued from brothels work

Mirror Foundation to learn about child exploitation and trafficking

Children’s Village built by the UNICEF and Not For Sale for young Burmese kids freed from slavery

Cultural Immersion

Walking Tour of Bangkok and Grand Palace

Kanchana Buri and Canal Tour to see village life along the canal

Hill Tribes to get to know the ups and downs of rural life in Thailand

Ayutaya – an ancient city and civilization in the 13^th to 15^th centuries

Elephant Riding

Info Sessions

To learn more about the Thailand Travel Seminar, you can attend an information session and hear about the course from the faculty leader.  We will be discussing the course in more detail, in-country itinerary, as well as the approximate cost.  Applications will also be available at this time.

Dates are as follows:

Tuesday, March 6

5:00-6:00pm

Humanities 111



Wednesday, April 18
5:00-6:00pm
Humanities 111