Thailand, Khon Kaen
http://ciee.org
Apply early. Students are accepted on a first come first serve basis.
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 this program 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.
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.
Students are required to take The Human Perspective on Development and the Environment, Directed Research Field Study/Practicum, Social Research Methods, and one Thai language course at their level.
Located in the center of the Northeast province of Isaan, Khon Kaen is Thailand’s fourth largest city with a population of over 200,000. About 300 miles north of Bangkok, it is the educational and government center of the Northeast as well as the headquarters for most development organizations working in the region. Compared to other parts of Thailand, the Northeast has retained many traditional Thai customs as well as Lao and Khmer influences.
Khon Kaen University (KKU), the major educational institution in the Northeast, is located four kilometers north of the city on 2,500 acres of partially wooded land. Founded in 1 64, KKU has 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 20,000 students study at KKU. There are approximately 1,500 full-time faculty members and 4,000 part-time faculty and staff.
While not on community visits and staying with host families, students live in off-campus rental units with a Thai roommate. Meals are not included and are the responsibility of the student. Students can take meals at the University cafeteria or local restaurants.
Full-time Northeastern student, 3.0 GPA, and middler (third) year or above.
Applications are available at OISP, 10 BV.
$21,400 per Semester for the 2009/2010 academic year. Includes: tuition, housing, orientation, and round-trip airfare via Boston.
