Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok

Spring Semester 2008

January 6 – April 6, 2008

Sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, James Madison College, and the College of Social Science

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Thailand…the very name evokes images of a distant land! It is one of the unique cultures in the world. You will experience a gentle mix of modernity and tradition.

While the Bangkok region of Thailand is the principal location of this program, the focus is the study and practice of development in Southeast Asia. Poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, wildlife management, education, public health, and economic development will all be of central concern. Internships will immerse students in the work of the Bangkok offices of development organizations and agencies, and field trips to the regions of Thailand and neighboring countries will expose students to development work at the grassroots level.

This is a semester-length multidisciplinary study abroad program based at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand. This program offers unique opportunities for students to learn about professional and cultural experiences unique to the region. The focus of this program is on both classroom study and internships with international and local non-governmental organizations.

Where does it take place?

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is the premiere international institution of higher learning in the region. Its faculty and staff are drawn from various countries throughout the world, and AIT provides opportunities to interact with the various cultures of Southeast Asia.

Students will be registered at AIT; therefore, will have access to AIT facilities including medical service, library, computer labs, sports fields and other.

Students will visit the Northern provinces (Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Lampang and Lamphun, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and Tak) and the Southern provinces (Phang-Nga, Krabi, Trang, and Phuket) to observe and learn about the diversity of the natural resources and the rich cultural heritage of Thailand. Field trips may also include areas of Laos and/or Cambodia.

Potential sites for internships in Bangkok include the United Nations organizations (e.g., UN Environment Program, UNAIDS, Food and Agriculture Organization), the World Wildlife Fund regional office, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Asia Regional Office, the Population and Development Agency (PDA), the Thailand Environment Institute, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), and Thai government agencies and departments.

What can I study?

The program is designed for students from all majors who are looking for a challenging and exciting adventure. Majors in natural resources and environment, social science, international relations, and rural development will particularly benefit from the program.

Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of twelve (12) semester credits from the following courses:

AEE 475 International Studies in ANR Communications and Ag Science 1-6 cr.

ANR 475 International Studies in Agriculture and Natural Resources 2-6 cr.

PRR 493 Professional Internship in Parks, Recreation and Tourism 3-6 cr.

ESA 480 Environmental Studies Abroad 1-6 cr.

ESA 493 Environmental Internship in Resource Development 1-6 cr.

MC 399 Independent Study 1-4 cr.

MC 400 Field Experience 9 cr.

MC 401 Field Experience: Analysis and Interpretation 3 cr.

ISS 330B Asia: Social Science Perspectives 4 cr.

SSC 493  Social Science Internship 3 – 9 cr.

SSC 496 Field Study Abroad 3 – 6 cr.

In addition, students may arrange for independent study credits in other departments with approval of the appropriate faculty member.

Courses will be taught in English by AIT faculty. Resource persons from other universities and organizations in Thailand, who hold advanced degrees from U.S. and European universities, may also teach select classes.

The tentative timetable is listed below, along with locations.

Week 1 Orientation and background information - regional religions, languages, economics, politics, etc. (AIT classrooms)

Weeks 2-3 Development challenges and opportunities; and orientation to internship (AIT Classrooms & Internship Sites)

Week 4 Exploring tropical agriculture and rain forest issues (northern Thailand, Laos,

and/or Cambodia)

Weeks 5-7 Internships, including a weekly reflective seminar with AIT faculty (various locations in Bangkok area and AIT classrooms)

Week 8 Eco-system field study (southern Thailand)

Weeks 9-12 Internships, including a weekly reflective seminar with AIT faculty (various locations in Bangkok area and AIT classrooms)

Week 13 Class presentations, final exam and program evaluation (AIT classrooms)

What are the requirements?

The program is open to students from all majors who will have completed at least 56 credits of coursework by the beginning of the program.

Students must have at least sophomore status and be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Additionally, students must also submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students will be housed in air-conditioned AIT student housing during their stay in Bangkok. Meals can be purchased at AIT cafeterias.

During overnight field trips, tourist class hotels, motels or guesthouses will be provided.

Transportation arrangements will be made for those participating in the internship experience.

Daily transportation arrangements will be coordinated by AIT, and will vary depending on internship location.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Murari Suvedi
Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies
135 Natural Resources
Phone: (517) 432-0265
E-mail: suvedi@msu.edu

Rhonda Crackel
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Phone: (517) 353-8873
E-mail: crackel@msu.edu

Grant Littke
James Madison College
329 Case Hall
Phone: (517) 353-6757
E-mail: littke@msu.edu

Oumatie Marajh
College of Social Science
201C Berkey Hall
Phone: (517) 353-9202
E-mail: marajhou@msu.edu

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter other countries. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks is usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/passports.html

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/visas.html

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

Students participating in this program are strongly encouraged to receive a series of immunizations specific for travel within Asia. Students should schedule an appointment to be seen at a travel clinic at least three months before the program to inquire about the recommended and/or required vaccines to consider before departure.

For further health information and recommendations, visit the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/health.html

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $2,311 and includes the following:

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/studrec/ for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate, regardless of state of residence.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/finaid/index.html

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is October 15th for spring semester programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Social Science, and James Madison College also offer their students special study abroad scholarships. Check with Rhonda Crackel (CANR), Oumatie Marajh (CSS) or Grant Littke (JMC) for further details

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/scholarships/index.html

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form by visiting the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/applications/index.html

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for spring semester participation. We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home, can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook. You can read the Handbook online at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/abcs/index.html or you can stop by the Office of Study Abroad in 109 International to pick up a hard copy.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

What's next?
Come to a study abroad fair
Talk with a Peer Adviser
Read program evaluations
Attend an info meeting
Apply online
Additional Resources...
Office of Financial Aid	252 Student Services http://www.finaid.msu.edu
MSU Travel Clinic	East Circle Drive http://travelclinic.msu.edu
Academic Advisers	http://www.msu.edu/common/academic/units.html
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities	120 Bessey Hall http://www.rcpd.msu.edu
Area Studies Centers	International Center http://www.isp.msu.edu
MSU Global Access	Information about the world -- its regions and peoples and important international issues International Center http://www.msuglobalaccess.net/
OSA contact info:	Office of Study Abroad Michigan State University 109 International Center East Lansing, MI 48824-1035 Phone: (517) 353-8920 Fax: (517) 432-2082 Email: studyabroad@osa.msu.edu

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