UWSP Study Abroad: Destinations! Thailand

Destinations! Thailand

Arts for Humanity in Thailand
WINTER: December 27, 2009 – January 20, 2010

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Arts for Humanity in Thailand is an incredible study abroad opportunity that enables students from the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) to share their artistic gifts and abilities with at-risk children cared for by the Development Education Program for Daughters and Communities (DEPDC). www.DEPDC.org

DEPDC is a non-profit, community based, non-governmental organization (NGO) located in Mae Sai, Thailand. DEPDC works to prevent the problems of human trafficking, child prostitution, and other exploitative child-labor situations. It offers free non-formal education, vocational training, and full time accommodation for children and young adults ages 4-25.

Arts for Humanity in Thailand sends 15 students and a professor from COFAC to Mae Sai, Thailand where they serve as DEPDC’s exclusive fine arts resource. COFAC students prepare lessons and teach classes in dance, theatre, music, art and communication to over 200 children (K-6). In addition to teaching fine arts classes, COFAC students work together to create an on-site permanent art piece (example: painted wall mural).

Arts for Humanity in Thailand also provides students with life-changing experiences:

• Lectures presented by two-time Noble Peace Prize nominee and founder of DEPDC: Sompop Jantraka

• Travel between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Mae Sai, witnessing the economic and cultural differences throughout Thailand

• Training on human trafficking/social issues in Southeast Asia

• U.S. Consulate visit and lecture followed by a student Q&A session on diplomatic international relations

• Interactive visit to an authentic hill-tribe village in the mountains of Chiang Rai

• One-day excursion to a Thai government funded elephant conservation camp

APPLICATION & ENROLLMENT: To ensure your spot, please apply early. Request an application form from the UWSP International Programs office. Return the form to International Programs with a $250 deposit – if you are not accepted, this money will be returned to you. The group is limited to no-more-than 15 total participants. Current preference is for full COFAC representation: 3 dance students, 3 theater students, 3

music students, 3 communication students, and 3 art students. Applications are processed in the order they are received. Acceptance of applicants is subject to approval by the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, or his designee

Go to the Applications page to find out how to get an application.

DEADLINE: September 18th, 2009 for guaranteed consideration. Contact UWSP International Programs to see if there are available spots after the 18th.

Eligibility

This program is open to students in the College of Fine Arts in good standing, as well as all those who share an interest in arts and/or Thai culture.

Academic Credits

All COFAC students earn 3 credits toward their specific major/degree. Appropriate placement of credit is determined by each individual COFAC department. An audit option is available at full cost. Graduate credit can also be arranged at an extra cost and requires participants to create a research project related to their discipline after the trip. Art 340, Communication 499, Dance 399, Music 499, Theater 399, & other credit options available

Academic Leader

Professor: Elizabeth Fakazis, Ph.D., lfakazis@uwsp.edu, CAC 327, 715-346-2238

Information on the Thailand Project can be found at: http://www.TheThailandProject.org

Costs

Approximately $3,450 - $3,950
Estimation based on a MINIMUM of 14 participants

Cost Includes:

Round-trip airfare (Chicago-Chiang Mai-Chicago)
3 credits UWSP Wisconsin resident undergraduate tuition, and lectures
Accommodation, most meals
In-country transportation

There is a surcharge for other nonresidents of only $250. Minnesota residents qualify for reciprocity.

Withdrawal

Up to ten weeks before the start of the program, all fees except the initial $250 deposit will be refunded. After the time, tuition, airline, tour costs and housing charges are assessed. If the program would be cancelled, all fees will be refunded. Because exchange rates and airline prices fluctuate, International Programs reserves the right to cancel, surcharge, or to alter the program.

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