Thailand Year Abroad Program

Native Studies Thailand Year Abroad Program

We welcome applications from students from other universities

Description:

Undergraduate and graduate students from Trent University and other universities may spend an academic year abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand in conjunction with the Native Studies program. Students are required to take five Native Studies courses, including an intensive Thai language course, as well as having an opportunity to gain research and work experience in a four month work - practicum placement. This program will give the students valuable work experience along with a full credit academic program.

Location:

Thailand is located in South East Asia, with Burma and Lao to the north, and Cambodia and Malaysia to the south of the country. Thailand is nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Thailand. The city of Chiang Mai. is in the northern province of Chiang Mai and is approximately 600 km's from Bangkok, the capital. Chiang Mai is the original seat of culture in Thailand, and the area was formally known as the kingdom of Lanna. Much of the ancient culture remains and is reflected today in the art and architecture of the area. Chiang Mai is also close enough to it's northern neighbours to reflect the diverse culture of Lao, Burma and the southern province of China, Yunan. Thailand

University:

Chiang Mai University is situated in the city of Chiang. The mountain, Doi Suthep, is within view and there is easy access to the University through public transportation. The University was founded in 1965, the same year as Trent, and offers a variety of arts and sciences degrees at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Chiang Mai University offers Trent Students a unique opportunity for study, as the Tribal Research Council is located at the University and the library offers many texts in English on the Hill Tribe people in the area.

Eligibility:

Applicant must have an academic standing of 70% or more and must be willing to study full time in Thailand. Preference will be given to Native Studies majors, however students enrolled in other majors may apply. The previous Thailand Year Abroad Program included students from many disciplines.

Academic System Structure:

The academic year for Native Studies Thailand Year Abroad Program is divided into two sections; a four month formal classroom session and a four month work-research field placement. The first session includes an intensive Thai language course, as well as, two other Native Studies courses. The second session involves a placement within a Hill Tribe community or a non-governmental development agency. This placement will give students valuable opportunity for combining work experience and study within a new cultural setting. The year in Thailand will commence the first week of September and conclude the last week of April

Courses:

Students undertaking a study year abroad program in Thailand are expected to complete there intensive language course in Thai, as well as, the two other Native Studies courses offered in Thailand. There are currently two third year and two fourth year courses being offered during the Thailand year abroad: one third year and one fourth year are concened with community development, while the other two courses study the Hill Tribe societies inThailand. As well the students will be expected to complete specific tasks during thier field placement from January to April. The field placement component is designed as a two credit course and students will be expected to carry out a minimum of assignments and reports and receive full credit for the courses.

Teaching Methods:

All Native Stuides courses taught at Chiang Mai will be taught by a Native Studies Professor from Trent. The courses will include some guest lectures from the University of Chiang Mai, however the core of the material will be taught by the Trent Professor. The Thai language course will be taught in conjunction with Chiang Mai University; the language faculty beign comprised of Chiang Mai staff. Second term students will be independent in thier field placements with periodical visits from the Trent professor and/or the field placement coordinator.

Finances:

Students are expected to pay regular Trent University tuiton, as well as, a program fee. The cost of a return airfare must also be met by the student and basic living expenses in Thailand. Due to lower cost of living in Thailand the extra costs of the year abroad program are lowed enough to help offset the extra costs of the program. Students who receive funding from OSAP may apply the funding to the Thailand program. At present the exact program fees are not secured, however students participating can expect to pay over $2650 above tuiton plus airfare.

Application Deadline:

Applications for the Trent University Native Studies Thailand Year Abroad Program must be received no later than February 11, 2002. Apply on-line here

Contact Information:
Don McCaskill, Director
Brenda O'Toole, Administrative Assistant
Native Studies Department
Otonabee College
Peterborough, Ontario K9L-1Z8

Voice: (705) 748-1011 ex.1466

This page is maintained by: Native Studies Department, Trent University .

Modified: 9-JAN-2001.