East and Southeast Asia in a Globalizing World
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Live and study in one of the most dynamic regions of the world, one touched by both the unprecedented economic growth of the "Asian Tigers" and the uneven social changes brought on by the pressures of globalization. On this program, you will observe how the many different social, religious, and ethnic groups in Southeast Asia have responded to these pressures and gain an understanding of what is being done to combat the accompanying threats to their regional security.
Program Director: Pek Koon Heng
Academic Details
This five-week experiential program examines the impact of political development, economic modernization, and transnational issues on globalizing East and Southeast Asia. The program consists of four academic components worth 3 credits each: two seminars, an internship, and an independent study. (Seminar I is titled, "Governance, Development and Human Security in Malaysia;" Seminar II, "Security Issues and Economic Integration in East and Southeast Asia.") Students can register for the program in any combination of these four components for anywhere between 3 and 9 credits.
Site Visits
Students enjoy a week-long excursion in Kuala Lumpur and other areas of Malaysia. Past trips have included: Putra Jaya, the nation’s new administrative center; the historic city of Malacca (the site of the most powerful Islamic Sultanate in Southeast Asia before its conquest by the Portuguese in 1511), Bako National Rainforest Park, and an Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in Sarawak, East Malaysia.
2009 Program Dates:
Seminar I: June 22 - July 3
Field Trip: July 6 - July 10
Seminar II: July 13 - July 24
Internship: variable dates (5-6 weeks)
Program Costs: AU tuition plus program fee. See details on page 9 of the program guide [pdf].
Who Should Attend:
Graduate and undergraduate students in all majors and disciplines from any U.S. university may apply. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, an interest in East/Southeast Asia, and the ability to adapt to a cross-cultural environment.
Logistics:
Students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements to/from Kuala Lumpur. Students will be housed in dormitory-style accommodations for the duration of the Program.
Application and Deadlines:
Application instructions and materials are available on page 13 of the program guide. Students must read the entire program guide before applying. All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and must be received by March 16, 2009 for priority consideration.
Contact:
SIS Office of International Programs
sissum@american.edu
Find out more about the summer 2009 program by downloading the program guide [pdf]