Arts for Humanity in Thailand
WINTER: December 27, 2010 – January 20, 2011

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Arts for Humanity in Thailand enables students 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 UWSP students and a professor  to Mae Sai where they prepare lessons and teach classes in dance, theatre, music, art and communication to over 200 children (K-6).

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  Chiang Mai, and Mae Sai, witnessing the economic and cultural differences throughout Thailand.

• Presentations on human trafficking/social issues in Southeast Asia.

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

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

APPLICATION & ENROLLMENT: To ensure your spot, please apply early.  Download an application at our web site or request an application form from the UWSP International Programs office (108 CCC). Return the form to International Programs with a $250 deposit.  The group is limited to 15 total participants.  

DEADLINE:  Extended to September 27th, 2010.  Contact  UWSP International Programs to see if there are available spots after that.

Eligibility

This program is open to UWSP students in good standing with a minimum cumulative 2.25 GPA who are willing to share their talents in the arts and who want to learn about Thai culture.  Current preference is for students from each major in the College of Fine Arts & Communication, though there are usually several open spots for students from across the university.  Note, however, that the key objective of the program is to engage in teaching informal arts courses to children at DEPDC. 

Three Academic Credits

All participants must be enrolled in a 3 credit course as a condition of participation.  COFAC  students earn credit toward their specific major, subject to approval of the appropriate department: Art 340, Comm 499, Dnce 399, Thea 399.  Other students will be enrolled in INTL 391.  Other credit options may be possible.  Please consult with the International Programs Director.

Academic Leader

Professor:  Susan Bender, Department of Music

Office: 323 NFAC

Email:  sbender@uwsp.edu

Campus Phone:  (715) 346 4048

See her university web page at http://www.uwsp.edu/music/people/faculty/sbender.aspx.

Costs

Approximately $5200-5600
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 that 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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