This course aims to introduce students to the practical aspects of life and work in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam by assigning them to be a volunteer participant for six weeks in a professional institution or organisation in that country. Before departure, students attend briefing sessions which will cover such aspects as introduction to current in-country situation and basic skills of cross-cultural communication, and basic skills of writing correspondence and of data collection. Before departure they also select a topic for their essay in consultation with the coordinator. While participating in the organisation they will collect material for their topic and may begin writing it. After their return, students attend a session to consult with the coordinator on the final writing- up of the essay.

By the end of the program, students are expected to be able to

(a) gain significant experience and make an academic observations on a professional organization in Indonesia as demonstrated in his/her correspondence and journal

(b) write in the target language a descriptive and reflective essay on the organization and its activities in which s/he participates during the program;

(c) obtain basic skills of cross-cultural communication and correspondence for working in a different cultural and social settings.

Assessment will be based on:

Daily Journal - 2,000 words (50%) in target language

Essay - 2,000 words (50%) in target language

(Link = http://studyat.anu.edu.au/courses/ASIA3007;details.html

Six weeks participation in an approved professional organisation in Indonesia or Thailand or Vietnam. Placements will be subject to availability and security assessment.

Attendance at one or more briefing sessions on campus during the semester before departure (number of sessions may vary depending on nature of host organisations and size of participant group). 

Permission of coordinator (based on Distinction (or above) in a second year Asian language course (or equivalent) or completion of any relevant third year language course.

May be taken at any time after completion of second year language courses (or equivalent) with prior approval of the coordinator.

None

Eldridge, P. J., Non-Government Organisations and Democratic Participation in Indonesia, OUP 1995, or
Visit Thai Website: http://www.nectec.or.th/directories/org.html#Non

Ability to finance travel to and from destination and pay for a visa and living expenses for the period of participation in the organisation. Students will not receive remuneration for their participation in the organisation.