| KEI Study Abroad
Update!
In this month’s issue:
Featured Program: Bangkok, Thailand Why should you study in Bangkok?The vibrant northern mountains, the anthropological mysteries of the high northeast plateau and the luxurious unspoiled beaches of the south have all helped Thailand draw more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia. Historically a migratory crossroad Thailand has developed a near perfect blend of diversity and unity, which keeps the beat of Thailand steady and the heart of Southeast Asia healthy. Bangkok, the capital, is the center of politics, culture, economics, education and spirituality in Thailand. Living and studying in Bangkok will put you at the gateway to Southeast Asia, Southeast Asian culture and the Southeast Asian experience. What can I study there? KEI offers:
In addition to academic studies students are able to participate in a variety of internships with Amnesty International, the Foreign Ministry of Thailand, Mahidol University Hospitals or many other organizations and business operating in the region. Students will also have opportunity for group travel including a week-long excursion to Northern Thailand. See here for more info: www.KEIabroad.org. News From Abroad: Thinking GreenMassive tax breaks for eco-cars latest in Thailand's efforts to promote fuel efficiency and environmental awareness in auto manufacturing "The 'Detroit of Asia' thinks green", reads the tagline for a recent story in the Economist. According to the article Thailand has begun to turn around delays in the process of pushing their auto industry toward more environmentally and socially beneficial practices. This report comes just after statistics were released showing that China has surpassed the United States as the largest single carbon dioxide polluter. Thailand, like China and many countries in Southeast Asia, has recently experienced a rapid growth in the number of drivers on the road. Despite hopes that this new effort of lowering excise taxes on eco-friendly cars to 17 percent, the average excise tax ranges from 30 to 50 percent, some are fearful environmental impacts could rise rather than decrease. With the lower tax rate prices for vehicles are expected to drop by nearly $2,000 US, which could enable more people to own vehicles and add to the already growing population of polluters. Even with improved fuel efficiency, the increase in traffic could counter any positive effects. Other opponents to the new tax incentives include some auto makers such as Ford and small truck manufacturers, as such vehicles are extremely popular in the country. Some feel the requirements laid out by the Thai government may be too lofty. Requirements for the tax breaks include vehicles getting 100km per five liters of fuel, or roughly 80 miles to the gallon, 80 percent of parts manufactured within the country and at least 100,000 such cars must be produced within five years. Read the Economist Article free at http://www.economist.com/agenda/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9370445 Featured Excursion: Chiang Mai Why visit Chiang Mai? Trudging through mountains, across streams and along the river elephants carried visitors to Chiang Mai as recent as 1920. The city became so accessible in recent years, that it was often considered a perfect home base for travelers who wanted to explore the nearby regions. Today, Chiang Mai is a destination in itself - a blend of ancient and modern rivaling some of the most beautiful cities of Southeast Asia and, indeed, the world. Nearly 700 years of isolation allowed the city and the region to develop a unique and fascinating culture that stands out among those of Southeast Asia with pride. Resting just 1,027 feet above sea level, approximately 450 miles from Bangkok and surrounded by jungles and mountains Chiang Mai is the economic, cultural, and communications hub of Northern Thailand. It is also the second largest city in Thailand. Some of the more popular sites in the city are:
Learn more about Chiang Mai at http://www.chiangmainews.com Study Abroad News: Congressional Action Legislation calling for increases in national study abroad participants introduced in the Senate In a show of bi-partisan cooperation Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) introduced SB 991, the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act of 2007. The bill, a tribute to late Senator Simon, is an effort to continue the Congressman's work in the field of international education. An identical piece of legislation, HR 1469, was passed by a non-partisan majority through the House of Representatives on June 5. According to a press release from Durbin's office the bill is meant to encourage non-traditional students, such as low-income and community college students, to study abroad during their undergrad education. Currently about 200,000 students, roughly 1 percent of all undergraduates, study abroad annually. This legislation aspires to increase those numbers to 1 million students annually within 10 years. "The international study abroad program we are introducing is based on [Senator Simon's] vision and advances his work," said Durbin, "This program will instill in the next generation of Americans a deeper understanding of the cultures and histories of other nations. This, in turn, will enhance the United States' capacity to lead in the 21st Century." Read Senator Durban's Press Release at http://www.senate.gov/~durbin/record.cfm?id=271373 International Trivia QuestionWhat gift is considered "fit for a king" in Thailand? [The first 2 people who e-mail KEI with the correct answer will win a money belt. When submitting your answer, please include your mailing address, email and telephone number. Hint: The answer can be found on KEI's website...] |
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