Traveling Classroom to Myanmar 2009: Introduction

INTRODUCTION
by Jesse Earle Odum

The Traveling Classroom is a unique experience provided by the Master of Arts Program in Southeast Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. Every year, the professors and staff of the program take graduate students on a 10 day study trip to a neighboring country in Southeast Asia. The trip is a graduation requirement in addition to the 36 semester hour program. This experience is unique to this program and is an awesome experience that allows students to gain real world experiences to compliment their intense classroom studies. The program coordinates for several smaller trips to rural areas of Thailand during the semester and cumulates with the Traveling Classroom trip.
This year, the travelling classroom took students to Myanmar from April 1, 2009 until April 10, 2009. The program staff took 14 students from 8 different countries on the trip. The students come from Cambodia, China, Denmark, Laos, South Korea, Thailand, United States of America, and Vietnam. The 10 day trip was packed full of activities. The itinerary took students all over Myanmar and covered areas such as Bagan, Mandalay, Yangon, and many other surrounding cities and towns. Students traveled throughout Myanmar by airplane, boat, bus, pickup truck, taxi, and even horse drawn carriage. Students saw some of the most beautiful and breathtaking sights in the world. Students traveled to many ancient pagodas, monasteries, and temples throughout Myanmar. Students were also given the unique opportunity to see how Myanmar citizens live. By seeing the culture, history, and every day life of Myanmar citizens, students gained a better understanding of Myanmar. Each visit was further enhanced by on site lectures by knowledgeable Chulalongkorn professors and our Myanmar guide.

The trip also allowed students from 8 different countries to bond and form personal and professional relationships that may enhance understanding and future cooperation between Southeast Asian countries and the international community. Students from Southeast Asia were able to gain a greater understanding of Myanmar. These students may likely be leaders in their own country after graduation and can facilitate better future relations between Southeast Asian countries.

Dr. Sunait Chutintaranond

Director of Southeast Asian Studies Program,

Chulalongkorn University