Study Abroad Study in Vietnam: Supporting Children and Families with Disabilities

 

Dr. Jenny Manders Institute on Human Development and Disability River's Crossing 850 College Station Road 706-542-0254

Description of program: The purpose of this program is to provide students from the University of Georgia the opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the country that is so closely linked with our own, and, as future professionals, participate of the very promising social and economic future for citizens of Vietnam.  In addition, students will participate in a service learning component designed to support the efforts of the Vietnamese Ministry of Education to fully include children with disabilities in classrooms with their friends and peers without disabilities, and to actively engage parents and grandparents in the educational process.  This experience will increase their capacity to educate or serve Vietnamese Americans with a deeper sense of cultural awareness and appreciation.

While studying in Vietnam, students will:

• Gain in-depth knowledge of the history, culture, and future of Vietnam
• Develop an understanding of the history between Vietnam and the United States, and how that history has impacted, and continues to effect, both countries
• Interact with children with disabilities, their families, and extended family networks in order to develop an understanding of the structure and functioning of Vietnamese families and the Vietnamese perspectives on disability
• Increase their capacity to educate or serve Vietnamese American children and families
• Provide support to the students, teachers, and families of Xa Dan School in Ha Noi, an elementary school educating children with and without disabilities together in inclusive classrooms, through the development of Take A Look At Me portfolios for selected students

Application Deadline: January 16, 2009 by 3:00 p.m.
Approximate Cost: $2,500-$3,500
Dates: Maymester (approximate)
Courses Offered: Most study abroad programs count as a major elective (under the course number 5710 and 3010)
Spaces Available For 2008: 10
Information Session Dates/Location: TBA
Scholarship Application Link: International Study Awards Application

For more information please contact Dr. Manders or Nicki Sauls in 210 Dawson Hall