Field Visits NGO and other field-based learning activities. Experiential learning is at the core of the Sustainable Development Studies program--going outside of the classroom to talk and work with non-governmental development organizations (NGOs) involved in working out local level responses to globalization. This method of study will give students a chance to see village life, the work of NGOs, and local activities and traditions within the context of development.

Measuring test-plots in an upland agroforestry project working with Palong tribal people.

NGOs are "Non-Governmental development Organizations"--such as the Red Cross or Habitat for Humanity. In addition to large international organizations, there are many smaller community based NGOs. A typical semester will include visits with many different NGOs. Some of the field studies with NGOs may include:

The Foundation for Education and Development of Rural Areas (FEDRA), an NGO working on integrated organic farming, education, buffalo/rice banks, and community forestry.

Northern Network for Rural Development (NorthNet), an NGO which works in a variety of areas, including forestry, rural development, and organic farming as an alternative to the chemical intensive farming common in Thailand.

The Health Project for Tribal People, an indigenous tribal NGO, devlopes culturally and linguistically appropriate media for teaching tribal people about HIV/AIDS, including posters, tapes, books and videos.

Images Asia, an NGO which documents human rights abuses in Burma, produces media (videos, human rights reports, etc.) used in the struggle for human rights and democracy in Burma.

Duang Prateep Foundation, an NGO working in the Khlong Tuey slums in Bangkok on childhood education, the rights of slum dwellers, AIDS and other issues.

Women Against AIDS, a Thai NGO working with people affected by HIV/AIDS, including older people, children and adults.

The Project for Ecological Recovery, an NGO working on environmental issues in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

The Friends of Youth, a project working with street kids at the Chiang Mai night bazzar and elsewhere in the city.