If you are not currently enrolled at ASU, you must apply for admission at ASU before completing the Study Abroad online application.
June 07 to June 30, 2008
The Schools of Sustainability, Planning, and Global Studies offer this 25 day program in Thailand designed to give participants a close-up view of Thailand’s efforts to uniquely restructure its economy, urban system, and landscape based on principles of sustainability, happiness, and increased self-sufficiency. The course focuses on developmental dynamics in local areas throughout the country where strong globalization forces, associated with Thailand’s open economy, intersect with deeply embedded local cultures. Students will learn through constant interaction with Thai faculty and students from local universities. Briefings by key Thai stakeholders in government, NGOs, and the private sector constitute an important component of the program.
Enrollment period has expired.
Program Cost: $2,300
$400.00 deposit fee required for enrollment.
Tuition and fees are not included with the program cost.
Acceptable payment types include Visa and Mastercard.
Program Name: Thailand - Urban Sustainability & Planning
Credit Requirement: 6
More Information
Locations
BANGKOK: JUNE 7-14
Experts from the local, national and metropolitan governments will guide our exploration of Bangkok, one of the world’s most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities. Our exploration will start from the Chao Praya River, moving inland to explore a variety of neighborhoods from low income inner city communities being upgraded, to Bangkok’s globally known cosmopolitan neighborhoods. A key assignment will focus on Bangkok’s Central Business District, exploring the role that Rapid Transit Systems, Economic Restructuring, and Lifestyle Changes are playing in changing the core city, especially in terms of its environmental and economic sustainability. This assignment will embed students in the life of the city core, as they work at the street level, providing them with an opportunity to convey their insights to key stakeholders involved in city building.
Tourism is an important driver of the Bangkok Metropolitan Region’s economy. We will probe emerging canal-based eco-tourism in the southern peri-urban area of Bangkok. Student groups will work with local officials to develop local tourism strategies that balance environmental and economic benefits. Students will experience long-tailed boat rides along local canals and visit fruit gardens, local temples and communities.
CHIANGMAI in the North: JUNE 15-21
We will experience Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, known for its distinctive culture, and surrounding hill tribe cultures. In Chiang Mai, our explorations will focus on environmental (flooding, air pollution, and waste management) and social (migration, drug abuse, HIV-AIDs, human trafficking) issues. The environmental assignment will focus on Chiang Mai city and the nearby industrial zone in Lumphun, twin city of Chiang Mai. The social assignment will include one day with a hill tribe community in the mountainous rural area northwest of the city. Chiang Mai is an important center in Greater Mekong Sub-region, increasingly influenced by, and interacting with China and other neighboring countries. We will explore the implications of global processes on Chiang Mai’s future. How can local stakeholders deal with this new reality? PHUKET in the South: JUNE 22-29 Greater Phuket is the leading beach resort in Southeast Asia – in addition it is becoming a diversified amenity center, characterized by second residences, international consulting activities, and a venue for conventions. Hard hit by the 2004 tsunami, the economy has recovered, but scars remain, and post-tsunami planning continues. We will explore issues associated with the Region’s rapidly developing amenity-based economy, such as post-tsunami impacts, land use, indigenous architectural design, local inflation leading to high cost of living, the property boom and housing affordability, and environmental stresses. Social issues will be explored, e.g. street children, safety & security, HIV & AIDS, and rapid cultural change. A local government will be our client; we will work with the well-known Service Industry program at Prince of Songkhla University to produce the best advice possible.
Eligibility
The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, from ASU, and other Universities, who are interested in exploring Thailand’s development from the perspectives of globalization, sustainability, and urbanization.
You will be required to submit your $400 (non-refundable) deposit with the online portion of your application. Applications will continue to be accepted until the program is full.
Academic Program
Students must enroll for 6 credit hours. The course meets the internship requirements of the School of Global Studies. Consult your academic advisor. For course registration purposes, students may choose:
- PUP 485 | Urban Sustainability and Planning in Thailand (6)
- PUP 598 | Urban Sustainability and Planning in Thailand (2)
- PUP 598 | Urban Sustainability and Planning in Thailand (4)
- SGS 484 | Urban Sustainability and Planning in Thailand (6)
- SOS 494 | Urban Sustainability and Planning in Thailand (2)
- SOS 494 | Urban Sustainability and Planning in Thailand (4)
Living Accommodations
Comfortable accommodation is based on double occupancy in 3-4 star local hotels.
Cost Information
The cost of $2300 (subject to change) includes: program fees, housing, meals, and transportation in Thailand. Not included: ASU tuition and fees for 6 credits, transportation to and from the airport, passports, additional meals, books, international airfare to/from Bangkok, health insurance, and personal expenses. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.
Director(s)
Professor Douglas Webster
Program Director
School of Global Studies
Phone: (480) 727-0737
Fax: (480) 727-8292
Email: Douglas.webster@asu.edu
Professor David Pijawka
Program Co-Director
School of Planning
Phone: (480) 727-7319
Email: pijawaka@asu.edu
Support Faculty Member(s)
Dr. Chuthatip Maneepong
Program Coordinator
Center for Asian Research
Phone: (480) 965-5984
Fax: (480) 965-8317
Email: c.maneepong@asu.edu