Cambodia Study Abroad Course

"After the Genocide: Rebuilding a Civil Society”

Dates: December 11, 2008 – January 1, 2009

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, and 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 growing numbers of orphans with HIV. 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 (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. Examples of these visits include organizations focused on documenting the genocide, encouraging micro-savings among women, educating 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.

Application Deadline: APRIL 25, 2008 DEADLINE EXTENDED

To be considered for the program, please submit the following to the Department of Social Work (Insert Location) in one complete packet:

• Application Form (in fillable Word form)
• Application Form (in PDF)
• 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
$ 200 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 $2,400 (airfare is estimated at $1,500 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 with the director. Upon acceptance, students will be asked to sign a contract 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	May 30, 2008
Program Fee Payment	$500	June 30, 2008
Program Fee Balance	$750	October 1, 2008
IPE Fee	$200	October 12, 2008
TOTAL	$1800

Program fees are paid in dollars; most program expenses are paid also in U.S. dollars. The Social Work in Cambodia Program reserves the right to modify the program fee based upon dollar devaluation or severe inflation. If such a change occurs, students will be notified of the increase and an adjustment will be made to the final program payment.

Withdrawal Policy

A student withdrawing from the program by June 30, 2008 will be refunded all but the non-refundable $350 program deposit.  Any student withdrawing from the program after this deadline will be liable for any non-recoverable payments already made or committed on behalf of the participant, which could range up to the entire program fee.  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.

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 http://ipe.washington.edu.   Note IPE Scholarship Applications due April 15, 2008.

Most forms of financial aid can be utilized during participation in the program. Participants who are on financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office to verify that their awards will apply. Students interested in applying for increased financial aid during their quarter of study abroad should obtain a revision request from the Financial Aid office, and a budget of student expenses from the IPE office, and submit both to the Financial Aid office in Schmitz Hall.

Concurrent Enrollment and Pre-Departure Orientation

Program participants will concurrently enroll in the UW for autumn quarter 2008 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, 2008.

Students will required to attend a half day Saturday program meeting during Fall quarter and another evening orientation by the program.  A study abroad orientation from IPE is available on-line and is also mandatory and you will not be concurrently enrolled until it is completed.   The on-line orientation is available on-line at http://ipe.washington.edu/domestic/online_orientation.html.

Insurance

The University of Washington strongly recommends that students participating in this program maintain major medical insurance coverage (that covers them internationally) while abroad.  The UW additionally recommends the purchase of International Student Identity Card or another form of emergency medical evacuation insurance. 

Students who wish to utilize the UW Accident & Sickness Insurance plan during their period of study abroad should purchase this insurance for Autumn quarter 2007 via the regular MyUW system.    

More information about insurance can be found on the IPE website or on the Insurance Resources handout, available at IPE.  

Printable Brochure (PDF)