BSU Office of Study Abroad 2017 Thailand Winter Travel Course Office of Study Abroad at BSU @BSUStudyAbroad
Travel dates: December 28, 2016 - January 13, 2017 History, Religion, and Business in Thailand Application Deadline Extended: Wednesday October 12 Rolling Acceptance Applications will now be reviewed and students accepted on a rolling basis. Students will be expected to pay the $300 deposit within two weeks of notification of acceptance. Faculty Leaders Dr. Wing-kai To Dr. Chien Wen Yu Course Information 3 Undergraduate credits in HIST 455 or MGMT 357 or 3 Graduate credits in HIST 580 Program Cost Application fee: $25 BSU Students: $3,100 - $3,400 Non-BSU students: TBA plus tuition fees, if for credit Additional Costs: meals, tips & spending money Program Includes wto@bridgew.edu cyu@bridgew.edu Most meals, airfare, transportation, admissions, guides, events and accommodations. Accommodations Hotels in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Chiang Khong, NOTE : All costs and dates may be subject to change by BSU Office of Study Abroad. Course Description This 17 day travel course focuses on the development of Asian civilization in Thailand. As the center of mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand is a perfect location for the understanding of the history, religion, culture, and social issues of this region. From the flourishing of Buddhism to its magnificent architecture and arts, as well as the paradox of monarchy and modernity in this historical and thriving metropolis, Thai society is a mirror of both the past and the present. We will spend time in the northern city of Chiang Mai in one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand, Chiang Mai University. We will be guided by local professors and students through lectures and field trips to study multiple dimensions of Thai history, religion, society, business, and culture. In addition, we ll work with a local NGO to explore outdoor adventures, sustainable agriculture and Thailand s relations with highland peoples in the North. In Bangkok, we ll explore important historical sites such as the Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Chinatown in Thailand, as well as the historical park in Ayudhaya province. Historical Sites and Highlights Grand Palace, Wat Prakeaw, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Chinatown, Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures Contact Information BSU Office of Study Abroad Maxwell Library RM 330 Bridgewater, MA 02325 (Contact) 508.531.6183 www.bridgew.edu/studyabroad studyabroad@bridgew.edu
Thailand ITINERARY Day 1-2 Depart from Logan Airport, Arrival in Chiang Mai Day 3 Orientation Thai history and politics Khantok dinner Day 4 Travel to Chiang Khong, stop at Wat Rong Kun en route New Year s Eve! Day 5-6 Chiang Khong Conservation Group Day 7 Chiang Khong Conservation Group Depart to Chiang Saen Visit Golden Triangle Day 8 Visit Opium Museum Travel to Chiang Mai Day 9 Chiang Mai University: Introduction to Buddhism Visit Wat Suan Dok: lunch, Monk chat Tour temples of Chiang Mai old city
Day 10 Alms rounds Chiang Mai University: Society & Hill Peoples Sankampaent Travel to Bangkok Day 11 Bangkok City Tour Day 12 Meeting with the Network of Engaged Buddhists Meeting with Thai university students Day 13 Muay Chaiya Self Defense Workshop Day 14 Ayutthaya sites tour Depart Bangkok Day 15 Wat Yannawa DSIl meeting; Social Enterprise meeting Day 16 Klong Gang Luang Day 17 Depart Bangkok for return to Boston
Thailand Assignments Assignment In addition to orientation sessions in December and the 17 days in Thailand, students are expected to complete a paper or project after returning from the travel in Thailand. The project should concern a topic that combines feedback and observation from the travel to Thailand. The paper and project can be a write paper, a traveling blog and journals, or a multi-media project, including PowerPoint, videos, etc. Textbooks (Tentative) TBD Grading TBD