Summer Programs

Descriptions and Links to Southeast Asian language summer programs, including the Southeast Asian Studies Summer Institute (SEASSI)

Southeast Asian Studies Summer Institute (SEASSI)*

SEASSI is an eight-week intensive language training program for undergraduates, graduate students and professionals. It has been held since 1983 and hosted for the last 6 years by UW-Madison. Each language course is equivalent to two semesters of study, with full academic year credit. Instruction is given in small individualized groups taught by a team consisting of a coordinator (usually a linguist specializing in Southeast Asian language pedagogy) and teachers who are native speakers of that language.

Advanced Study of Khmer Program (ASK)*

The Advanced Study of Khmer (ASK) Program is an intensive six-week advanced Khmer language-training program held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It aims to fill in a void in the academic community by providing 3rd year level students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to acquire the linguistic foundation necessary to engage in academic research, professional discourse, and cultural interaction with all segments of Cambodian society.

Advanced Study of Thai (AST)*

The Advanced Study of Thai Program (AST) is an intensive eight-week course of instruction in advanced Thai language to be conducted in Thailand with instruction provided by members of the faculty of Chiang Mai University (CMU), Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Advanced Indonesian Abroad (COTIM)*

The Consortium for the Teaching of Indonesian and Malay (COTIM) and Universitas Sam Ratulangi (UNSRAT) are now jointly planning a ten-week intensive program in advanced Indonesian designed to include three basic components: intensive language study in small groups five days a week for eight weeks, a one-week period for field work on individual research topics, and immersion in Indonesian culture through interaction with Indonesian students and residence in an Indonesian home.

Advanced Filipino Program (AFA)*

The Advanced Filipino Abroad (AFA) program is an intensive seven-week advanced Filipino language-training program held in De La Salle University, Manila. Three weeks of the program are in the De La Salle-Dasmarinas and four weeks in De La Salle-Manila. It aims to fill a void in the academic community by providing 3rd year level students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to acquire the linguistic foundation necessary to engage in academic research, professional discourse, and cultural interaction with all segments of Philippine society. An important aspect of the program is a three-week stay with Filipino families in Dasmarinas, Cavite, and two weeks in Manila. This helps immensely in enhancing cultural immersion.

Vietnamese Advanced Summer Institute (VASI)*

The Vietnamese Advanced Summer Institute is an intensive eight-week course of study in advanced Vietnamese conducted in Vietnam with instruction provided by the Hanoi Vietnamese Language Center, under the auspices of the Hanoi University of Foreign Studies, and Vietnamese Language Studies Saigon, under the aegis of the Viet Nam National Ministry of Education & Training. Funding for this program is contingent upon receipt of grant support from the U.S. Department of Education under the Fulbright-Hays Group Study Abroad program. VASI is equivalent to a full year's academic work and will be offered to approximately twelve individuals selected nationally. Candidates are chosen on the basis of their need for, and ability to absorb, advanced training in Vietnamese; their readiness to benefit from in-country experiences; and their commitment and potential to become the next generation of Vietnamese language and area-studies scholars in the U.S. The communicative/interactive teaching approach, using authentic materials and carried out by experienced instructors, is enhanced by field trips around Vietnam.

GIEU

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Student Affairs proudly present an exciting program fostering experiential field study, affiliated with the National Center for Institutional Diversity. The Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates (GIEU) Program seeks to develop new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning that place a University of Michigan education in a vibrant global context here in Ann Arbor and around the world.

Beginning in 2002, GIEU has sent small groups of undergraduates and faculty members to exciting locations in the U.S. and around the world for three to four weeks of engaging intercultural academic studies.

Field Sites 2009

Indonesia
"Democracy and Local Autonomy: Health Care, Ecology and Urban Planning"
Faculty Leader(s): Agustini
Dept/School/College: LSA, Asian Languages and Culture
Phone: 734.764.8286
E-mail(s): agustini@umich.edu
Duration: 4 weeks
Dates: May 13 - June 10, 2009
Abstract: Indonesia, one of the world's largest democracies, has embarked on a process of political decentralization. Decisions about local issues, once made centrally in Jakarta, are now much more largely controlled by regional and local elected officials. This has allowed for an increased local sense of accountability on the part of political leadership as Indonesia has engaged with what it means to be a functioning democracy. To better understand the nature of democracy in a non-Western situation, explore how neighborhoods in two Indonesian cities, Pengosekan near Ubud in Central Bali and Bantul, near Yogyakarta in Central Java, have responded to local challenges concerning health care, ecology and urban planning in a newly democratic nation.

Viet Nam
"Viet Nam Today"
Faculty Leader(s): David Smith and Thuy'Ahn Nguyen
Dept/School/College: LSA, History and Asian Languages and Culture
Phone: 734.647.9624; 647.8648
E-mail(s): davidsm@umich.edu, tanguyene@umich.edu
Duration: 4 weeks
Dates: May 4 - 30, 2009
Abstract: While many are aware of the ways in which the Viet Nam War has permeated American politics and culture, very few are cognizant of the rich cultural traditions in Viet Nam or that it is among the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia today. Study the dichotomy between tradition and modernity as Viet Nam becomes further connected to the global economy. Experience the human consequences and lasting legacies of war, while promoting a greater understanding of Viet Nam's growing importance to today's global economy.

Field Sites 2008

Philippines
"Rehabilitation in Philippine Communities"
Faculty Leader(s): Gianna Rodriguez
Dept/School/College: Medical School
Phone: 734.936.7379
E-mail(s): giannar@umich.edu
Duration: 4 weeks
Dates: June 2-30, 2008
Abstract: Worldwide there are a growing number of people with disabilities. In the Philippines, a developing country, people with disabilities are generally not active members in the home or community. Participants will lay the groundwork for Filipino-specific programs that will educate, provide rehabilitation services, and create economic opportunities for people with disabilities. They will increase awareness and educate volunteer leaders and doctors in impoverished communities while researching Philippine culture, beliefs and practice.

Viet Nam
"Viet Nam Today: From War to Economic Transformation and Globalization"
Faculty Leader(s): David R. Smith and Thuy Ahn Nguyen
Dept/School/College: LSA, History
Phone: 734.647.9624
Email(s): davidsm@umich.edu; tanguyen@umich.edu
Duration: 4 weeks
Dates: May 19 - June 15, 2008
Abstract: As one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, Viet Nam provides an opportunity for participants to examine the rapid social and economic changes associated with globalization. Directly connected to this economic change are the enormous human, social and political consequences stemming from America's involvement in the wars for Viet Nam. Participants will interact with faculty and students at Viet Nam National University in Ha Noi and will also volunteer at Kids' First Viet Nam in Quang Tri Province.