S.E. Asia Wintermester
Service Learning in Southeast Asia
Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam
Estimated dates: December 26, 2018 - January 19, 2019
BIT 3954
Three credit hours
Application Deadline: October 1, 2018
- Jay Teets
- 2076 Pamplin Hall
- 540-231-2654
- jayt@vt.edu
- Linda Tanko
- 1046 Pamplin Hall
- 540-231-3562
- ltanko@vt.edu
The Program has two parts: service learning and culture/history.
The service learning piece is managed by Peacework, a Blacksburg company. The program includes service learning with farmers, cooperatives, students and families in Can Tho, Vietnam located in the Mekong River delta. Cultural and historic activities included in the course take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Mihn City (Siagon), Vietnam; Siem Reap, Cambodia (Angkor War Temple); and Phuket, Thailand. The three contries of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are referred to as SE Asia in the program documents.
A Virginia Tech-Can Tho University partnership with farming cooperatives and biogas digester buildings will open numerous opportunities for cross cultural collaboration which exposes students on both sides to a new language and culture. Virginia Tech students will gain a deeper understanding of the cooperative structure in Vietnam as well as alternative sources of clean energy. On a deeper level, students will understand new ways to be ingenious and efficiently utilize the skills and resources availale to them. Bringing each of these pieces together sets up a platform for leadership growth and unique problem solving
The Program has the following components:
- Service learning work with farmers in Can Tho, Vietnam
- Computer education with rice co-op managers
- Bio-gas system construction
- Cultural and historic visits in Saigo, Can Tho, Hanoi, Siem Reap and Phuket
- Working with students from Can Tho university on service learning work
After completion of the program, you should be able to:
- Speak key Vietnamese phrases
- Teach computer skills to local people
- Work with Can Tho University students to perform project tasks
- Describe rice growing and processing
- Explain how bio-digesters work and are constructed
- Describe the historic and cultural sites we visit
Brochure: Click here!
Undergraduates will receive credit for BIT 3954 and graduate students for BIT 5954 Study Abroad. This course can also be substituted for the Area 7 requirement. These credits count as elective credits and help to complete the requirements of Pamplin’s International Business Minor.
Students must keep a journal and record their observations on cultural differences, exchange rates, and other items you find to be of interest. While there will be considerable flexibility in the journal reuirements, they must reflect significant detail and professional writing. Students must write a 5-page reflection paper on their experiences after the trip. Participation in all activities of the program is required.
Preparing
Each student must have a valid passport from their home country. You can apply for a passport in Squires Student Center.
Check with your family physician or country health department to see if you need vaccinations.
These sites have additional information:
- Passports
- General Information from the U.S. State Department
- International Travel from the U.S. State Department
- Students Abroad – U.S. State Department
- Customs Information
- CDC Medical Information
- CIA Factbook (A great place for information on the countries we visit.)
- State Department Travel Alerts & Warnings
Packing
Do not try to take your entire wardrobe with you. You may bring a 22” (carry-on size) suitcase or medium-size backpack. This is the standard size bag for short study abroad programs. You will check the bag for the flight. The airlines limit the weight of your luggage so pack light. The suggested packing list will help you choose what to take.
Travel: Tentative Itnerary
This itinerary is subject to change. This schedule allows the flexibility of adding cultural exursion trips on the front and back end of the project. Below is a proposal of the section of the program that Peacework would manage.
| Day 1 | Flight form Hanoi to Can Tho Airport. Airport pickup and transportation to accommodations Peacework Orientation |
| Day 2-3 | Onsite Project Preparation Project Orientation and introduction to College of Rural Development Orientation to local community, culture, language, and project site Team-building activity with Can Tho University studnet volunteers Lectures and visits to learn about agricultural production and cooperative models in Vietnam and Mekong Delta |
| Day 4 | Biogas Project Visit/Lecture to learn aboout biogas-digester system Biogas-digester building for local farmer families |
| Day 5 | Information Management Project Meeting with local cooperative managers to examine their information management needs Team meeting to design customizable Excel master worksheets that can be modified for each individual organization |
| Day 6-7 | Exursion Activities in Can Tho City Visti to Cai Rang floating market Amazing Race activities to explore the city Cultural exchange activities with local English club |
| Days 8-12 | Information Management Project Training activities for local cooperative leaders on how to use the Excel worksheets to manage information effectively Cultural Exchange activities with College of Rural Development students: Vietnamese classes, sport games, Vietnamese cooking classes, bonfire etc.
|
| Day 13 | Project Conclusion and Departure for Excursions |
Program fees are $5,200. Virginia Tech tuition, fees, and other costs are noted below. A non-refundable deposit of $500, payable online, is due after acceptance into program, with the balance of program fees due October 10th. Application deadline is October 1st.
| Cost Summary (estimated) | ||
| Pre-trip Personal Costs: | In-State | Out-of-State |
| Passport | $ 135.00 | $ 135.00 |
| Pamplin billing: | $ 5,200.00 | $ 5,200.00 |
| Airfare | Included | Included |
| Lodging | Included | Included |
| Required group travel | Included | Included |
| Medical Insurance | Included | Included |
| VT tuition: | $ 1,206.00 | $ 2,998.00 |
| Funds required during program: | ||
| Personal Expenses | $ 500.00 | $ 500.00 |
| Total Estimated Costs | $ 7,041.00 | $ 8,833.00 |
Note
Virginia Tech reserves the right to make cancellations, date and cost adjustments, and other necessary changes in the program. Prices may change due to global economic conditions.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Your financial aid eligibility can apply to this program. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the University Financial Aid Office.
In addition, you must submit the study abroad cost documentation form to the Global Education Office at the International Affairs building, 526 Prices Fork Road, room 131. The form can be found on the Global Education Financial Aid page.
Due to prepayment on items such as air and lodging, billing may not be in sync with financial aid payouts. Please be prepared to pay costs in advance, and be reimbursed with any payouts later.
Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis once all paperwork is completed. Go to the VT Global Education site for the program and complete the application process. The link can be reached here. Click the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions.
ELIGIBILITY
- Open to all VT students!
- Minimum GPA: 2.3
Non-business students and graduate business students are also welcome to participate, and will receive 3 credits. Preference will be given to Pamplin students who register prior to Sept. 1.
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