Summer Study Abroad in Laos (SAIL)

Location: Laos: Vientiane

Term: Summer

Dates: July 1-31

Center for Lao Studies

65 Ninth Street San Francisco, CA 94103 United States

Description

Interested to know more about the Lao language, Lao history, and Lao culture? What better way to do it than to spend your summer fully immersed in Lao society in Laos!

The Center for Lao Studies (CLS) is dedicated to promoting and advancing the field of Lao Studies. It is sponsoring its annual Summer Study Abroad in Laos program (SAIL) this summer. During the month-long program, students will partake in language and cultural lessons at the Lao-American College (LAC), the first private college and the only school founded by an American citizen in the Lao PDR. The students will also have the opportunity to study Lao history and culture, augment their academics with cultural trips throughout the area, and experience volunteering with an international nongovernmental organization (NGO).

Laos, once known as Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, has had both a prosperous and turbulent past. A thriving royal history for many centuries, the kingdom became a part of French Indochina in the late 1800s. In the 1960s and early 1970s, civil war broke out between the Royal government and the Pathet Lao, which led to U.S. intervention and an unprecedented bombing campaign by the American CIA as part of its "Secret War." Today Laos is finally experiencing peace and stability, and is focusing on its economic and social development.

Geographically, Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia and is bordered by China, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Laos boasts a varied landscape with primary tropical rain-forests, abundant rice fields, rare wildlife and one of the most ethnically diverse populations in Southeast Asia. The country has increasingly become a popular tourist destination for its rugged beauty, rich culture, and some of the friendliest, most welcoming people in Asia. Throughout the program, SAIL participants will be introduced to the unique characteristics of the country itself, its growing role in the global arena, and the history that has made it what it is today.

Highlights

SAIL students will be participating in a Lao language program tailored specifically to the group's needs at one of the country's most acclaimed (and popular) language institutions - the Lao-American College. Located in the heart of Vientiane, Lao-American College offers a unique instructional and service program in the effective teaching of Lao. Intensive courses combined with individual language tutorials, diversified field trips, and an experienced on-site staff, make Lao-American an incredible place to study Lao and learn cross-cultural skills.

SAIL participants spend three to four hours a day in classroom training and pair up with Lao students to further improve their speaking and listening comprehension. Classroom time is split between language lessons and an elective course (in English) on a Lao-specific topic such as Lao history and culture, the environment, philosophy, or world cultures.

College Credits
SAIL students who have successfully completed their Lao language, history and culture courses may be able to earn up to 3 academic credits. The Lao-American College will issue a transcript to students; and SAIL will offer the student a certificate upon program completion. Credit transfers are subject to prior approval from the student's home institution. Please check with your advisor, professors, and the study abroad program department at your college or university first.

Lao Language Training
Lao Language Class (1-3 semesters of course credit): Language classes are held five times a week for 2.5 hours. Classroom trainings are taught by teachers from the Lao-American College or the National University of Laos and include lessons in reading and writing Lao as well as speaking and listening comprehension. Based on the language placement test, SAIL students are enrolled in beginning, intermediate, or advanced (heritage) class. A heritage class is designated for Lao Americans and those who already know how to speak Lao. Aside from classroom trainings, students may also request a private lesson with LAC teachers.

Language Partner: Each SAIL participant is matched with a Lao partner who can assist them in resolving any problems they encounter while studying Lao. It is a wonderful opportunity to practice conversational Lao, to help the Lao student improve their English skills, and to make new friends. You and your partner will have the flexibility to determine your own meeting schedules.

Elective Courses: SAIL students will choose one elective course in which to participate three times a week for two hours. This includes:

* Lao History & Cultures: Religion, literature, lifestyle, and ethnic groups in past and present-day Laos

All courses will be taught in English. Students may also take other classes offered by the LAC, but will need to arrange with CLS and LAC ahead of time.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$:

USD3,250

Cost Includes:

Cost Include Description:

* Roundtrip air transportation between San Francisco and Vientiane. SAIL will pay up to USD1,300 for airfares
* Hotel stay in San Francisco (during SAIL orientation)
* Hotel stay en route to Laos
* Transportation to and from the airport to accommodations
* Occupancy at a hotel, guesthouse, or homestay
* Selected excursions and activities
* Tuition at Lao-American College
* Academic and cultural program, including language classes, workshops, lectures and cultural tours
* Pre-departure and on-site orientations
* Services of CLS SAIL program

Price does not Include:
* Domestic flights to and from San Francisco
* Personal expenses, passport and visa fees, and anything not listed above
* Optional weekend tours not specified above
* Single accommodations are an additional cost of approximately USD150 per month
* Wi-fi internet access at the Lao-American College (USD8/month if students wish to purchase)
* School uniforms or sports uniforms (if students wish to join a sports team at the LAC)
* Meals
* Additional travel and medical insurance

Credit Available

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Guest House

Participants Travel to Laos

in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • Essay
  • Letters of Reference
  • Resume
  • Transcript
  • Written Application
Post Services Include
  • Alumni Network
Center for Lao Studies's Mission Statement

The mission of the Center for Lao Studies is to advance knowledge and engagement in the field of Lao Studies through research, education and information sharing.

Year Founded

2006

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