Experiencing Southeast Asia’s “hidden” country
There is an Asian nation which:
- has more than 53 million people;
- has a rich cultural heritage, including Bagan, an area with over 2000 temples and pagodas built 800 years ago;
- has a wide diversity of people and cultures—from the majority population (Burmans) to Chinese, Indians and many local ethnic groups;
- has just begun to open up more widely to the world;
- offers a high degree of safety to its visitors.
Despite all of these advantages, this nation is understood and visited by very few people. Traditionally called Burma, it was re-named Myanmar by its present government. It offers the visitor—and especially any interested student of world affairs—a fascinating exploration of culture, development, ethnic diversity and important questions of economics and politics. Its military-dominated government has recently introduced many reforms and an active opposition, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, is encouraging further change.
This program allows a select group of Japanese and Taiwanese university students to do what they could not do on their own: to enter this country in a way which offers close contact with the people and the historic richness of their culture, religion and art. The schedule includes:
- A preliminary series of meetings in Bangkok, Thailand to explore Myanmar’s relations with its neighbors and look at the little-known situation of the ethnic groups which have long been in struggle with the Yangon government;
- A five-day program in Yangon, Myanmar’s capital, designed and led by local students who plan this entry into their culture. To explore social issues, we’ll talk with UNICEF staff and visit various NGOs. Japanese students will meet with diplomats at the Japanese Embassy. At the same time, Taiwanese students will explore the Chinese community in Yangon.
- An exploration of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and historic capital, and Bagan, a Buddhist historical site recognized as one of the world’s great treasures. In Mandalay, we’ll also visit two schools which offer the opportunity to meet and talk with local students.
Participants: This program requires highly-motivated, responsible students who can deal diplomatically with sensitive issues and who agree to use English in all group settings.
Dates: August 22-September 6, 2012.
Cost: ¥220,000, which includes transportation (four international flights, two domestic flights, boat and chartered buses), hotel accommodations, almost all meals, guide when necessary and staff and support services. The program cost does not include: flight taxes and fuel surcharges, Myanmar visa cost, required travel (medical) insurance, a few meals and Yangon airport tax.
Leadership: This program is led by Dwight Clark, who first began introducing Asia to university students when he was Dean of Freshmen Men at Stanford University. He founded VIA and served as its President for 40 years. In 2004 he started Learning Across Borders, a non-profit educational organization which offers international study programs such as this. He has led 30 study programs to Southeast Asia for Asian university students, including similar programs to Myanmar since 2004.
For further information and application: A video produced by 2010 group can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLUxhIq2QGk. Early applications are encouraged and are accepted at any time.
Application deadline: May 7th. Click here for the application form.
Feel free to email any questions to: learningacrossborders@gmail.com
