Chiang Mai, Thailand

Why I chose to go to Thailand: I have a deep interest in Asian culture. Although I was looking for a program in which the language of instruction would be English, I didn’t want to go to the UK. I was attracted by the chance to learn more about sustainable development, both in the classroom and through field experience. I liked this program’s reputation for being academically challenging, and I was impressed that past participants just couldn’t stop praising it.

What I identified as the greatest challenges facing me as I began my study abroad program: Learning to survive in this culture on my own. Sometimes I feel helpless, because everything is so different. Of course, overcoming the language barrier is the most essential for me, but there are so many other things — like knowing how to muddle through a trip to the bank or the post office, or even use the phone. Having just arrived, I feel like a child in this new culture, needing others to pick out my food, take me places, explain what things mean. I’m now starting on the gradual process toward becoming more independent.

My ICRP: Working for Human Rights and Transitional Justice with the Human Rights Education Institute of Burma.
HREIB’s main focus is on raising awareness and educating about various human rights issues. The organization's primary activity is leading short, learner-centered, participatory workshops which introduce and discuss various aspects of human rights: for all people; for youths; for women; and for children. They are also engaged in other projects—most notably, the Truth Project, which aims to be become a large-scale human rights abuse documentation project which will provide essential information, both now and when the people of Burma achieve democracy. I have been working full-time at HREIB, performing a variety of tasks, including transcribing documentary films so that Burmese subtitles can be added and compiling an annotated bibliography of the office's library resources. In addition, I am engaged in two of the organization's other projects, the Truth Project (mentioned above), and the Justice Project. I am compiling data about human rights organizations in other countries such as South Africa, East Timor, Argentina, etc. I am also compiling information about political prisoners who have been interrogated/tortured in Burma's various military prisons; the testimony of these people will be important in the future. Finally, I have been teaching English for 3 hours a day to 5 Burmese student interns, roughly my age. Thanks to my study abroad experience and this internship, I've become very involved with Thai and Burmese peoples. I have been moved, shaken, and angered by their problems. Working for the HREIB has been challenging, even overwhelming at times, but it has been worth every moment of hardship to get to know these people and their stories.

See contact page to arrange a speaking engagement.

Read excerpts from my letters home.