"After the Genocide: Rebuilding a Civil Society”
Dates: December 13, 2009 – January 1, 2010

 

Program Director: Tracy W. Harachi
UW School of Social Work, tharachi@u.washington.edu

Between 1975 and 1979, an estimated 2 million Cambodians died due to starvation, disease, forced labor, torture and genocide. The next decade was marked by the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge, an invasion by Vietnam, the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1991, and the arrival of the United Nations Transitional Authority (UNTAC).

Cambodia continues to undergo massive reconstruction in an effort to rehabilitate and revitalize their people, culture, and economy. The country remains one of the poorest in the world and is still experiencing the multiple legacies of genocide, civil war, and colonization. It’s easy to lose sight of Cambodia’s rich heritage which dates back to early settlements over 6,000 years ago and the glory of Angkor Wat, built between 802 and 1432 and designated one of the wonders of the world.

This seminar will immerse students in the realities of a country rebuilding itself as a civil society after colonization and genocide. We will focus on the issues that social welfare workers and policy makers face in addressing past atrocities while adapting to the new challenges of today. Topics include, for example, the genocide tribunal, supporting a traumatized generation that experiences high rates of post traumatic stress disorder, the growing garment industry and Cambodia’s participation in the WTO, human trafficking, and land grabbing. Many of these themes are not unique to Cambodia, but broadly applicable to other countries developing in a global context.

The seminar is designed for students with an interest in Cambodia and who want to gain exposure to the challenges of povery and aftermath of colonialism and genocide. No language skills in Khmer or prior experience in SE Asia are required. Competitive applicants will be able to demonstrate a commitment to social justice and human rights (through coursework, volunteer activities, internships, experience) and explain why this class is well-suited to their studies, interests, and/or future plans.

The seminar is based primarily in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The course takes place through agency and organizational visits with local experts and facilitated by Prof. Harachi. Example visits include organizations encouraging micro-savings among women, educating garment workers about their rights, providing services to children and families affected by HIV, and supporting displaced urban dwellers. The course will conclude with a 4-day excursion to Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, where among other things, students will explore temples, Tonle Sap the largest freshwater lake in SE Asia, and a silk farm.

Participants will receive 5 credits in either: Social Work (SocWf 315 or 495), Comparative History of Ideas (CHID 475), or SE Asian Studies (SISSE 490). Participants should check with their academic advisors to determine how these credits apply to their major requirements. NOTE: Non-social work majors are welcome to apply.

Electronic Application Deadline: APRIL 10, 2009

To be considered for the program, please submit electronically/via email the following:

• Completed Application Form (in fillable Word form)
• Statement of Purpose: In no more than two pages, typed and double-spaced, please write a statement indicating your background and qualifications for this particular study abroad program, your reasons for choosing this program, and the projected benefits of this experience to your course of study and long-term plans. Include any other information that you feel is relevant to your application.
• Group Learning Experience: Provide a brief (less than one page) description of your past group learning experiences; also describe what you anticipate to be your biggest challenge in a group learning environment.
• Financial Statement: Please attach a brief statement (in your own words) that explains your plan for financing your foreign study experience.
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: Please submit letters of recommendation from two UW faculty or instructors who are familiar with your academic work.
• Transcripts: Please scan and submit a current UW transcript and transcripts from all other colleges or universities that you have attended.

Student Costs and Payment Schedule:

$ 1,600 Program fee
$ 250 IPE Fee

The program fees include instructional costs, housing and program activities and excursions. Additional costs include round trip travel to Cambodia, overseas health insurance/medical evacuation, visa/exit tax, meals, personal transportation, and personal expenses.  These later costs are estimated on average to be an additional $3,015 (airfare is estimated at $1,900 but may be quite different at the time of purchase).  Vaccinations are also recommended according to the CDC webpage.  Students must coordinate their air travel schedule with the director given the tight timing of the program during break time.

Upon acceptance, students will be asked to sign two contracts to confirm participation in the program. Payments will then be charged to participants’ UW student accounts and will be payable to UW Student Fiscal Services in 129 Schmitz Hall or via MyUW according to the following payment schedule:

Payment Type	Payment Amount	Payment Due Date
Non-refundable Program Fee Payment	$350	June 12, 2009
Non-refundable Program Fee Payment	$250	June 12, 2009
Program Fee Balance	$500	July 10, 2009
IPE Fee	$700	October 16, 2009
TOTAL	$1,850

 

 

Withdrawal Policy

A student withdrawing from the program by September 18, 2009 will be refunded all but the non-refundable $600 IPE Fee and program deposit. Any student withdrawing from the program after this deadline will be liable for the following:

If a withdrawal is submitted on or before:	Student must pay $250 non-refundable IPE Fee plus:
9/18/2009	$350 non-refundable program deposit.
10/16/2009	25% of total program fee, $400.
11/13/2009	50% of total program fee, $800.
12/11/2009	75% of total program fee, $1,200.
After the start of the program	100% of total program fee, $1,600.

Notice of withdrawal from the program must be made in writing to both the International Programs and Exchanges Office and the School of Social Work.

Students should be aware airlines and ticket vendors have different policies regarding refunds for cancelled tickets and students are wholly responsible for these costs when withdrawing from a program. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Undergraduate participants in this program are welcome to apply for the IPE Undergraduate Scholarship.   For application and further information, please visit www.goglobal.washington.edu and http://ipe.washington.edu.  The next IPE scholarship deadline is April 30, 2009.  Most forms of financial aid can be utilized during participation in the program.

Concurrent Enrollment and Pre-Departure Orientation

Program participants will concurrently enroll in the UW for autumn quarter 2009 and will receive credit for successful completion of the program on their autumn quarter transcripts.  In order to register for the program, students must submit concurrent enrollment forms to International Programs & Exchanges by September 1, 2009.

Insurance

The University of Washington strongly recommends that students participating in this program maintain major medical insurance coverage (that covers them internationally) while abroad (http://ipe.washington.edu/domestic/insurance.html).