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Program Dates
June 20th through July 14th, 2008

Courses
Students in the program will receive six credits and will be required to enroll in HORT 4012: Special Topics in Horticulture (3 credits).  In addition, the students will be required to enroll in another course (3 credits) in their major such as the following:

AGEC 4700: Problems in Agricultural Economics
AGRO 3010: Research Problems in Agronomy
ANSC 3051: Animal Science Problems
ENVS 3999: Undergraduate Research in Environmental Studies
HORT 3010: Research Problems in Horticulture
FDSC 3900:  Food Science Research
RNR 4061: Problems in Natural Resource Management

How the Program Works:
The course originates in Baton Rouge, LA with lectures to expose students to the cultures and agriculture of Thailand.  After arriving in Thailand, we will be associated with the premier agriculture university in Thailand – Kasetsart University – with two campuses one in Bangken (Bangkok) and another in Kampaengsan.  Classes will be taught on campus and in the field with the assistance of English language speaking Thai professors. All classes that are taught will be in English.  A variety of lectures will provide information on agriculture and forestry enterprises in Thailand.  In addition, students we will immerse themselves in Thai culture, history, politics and culture.

Students will have the opportunity to stay in Asia and travel on their own or with others before returning to Louisiana.  Those students who would like to stay longer in Thailand in a structured program, such as an internship, will be afforded the opportunity to participate in an extended program either in the private or public sector.

You need to have a 2.5 GPA to participate.

 

Program Fee: Estimated at $2,000. LSU tuition and air fare are not included in this fee. The program fee includes accommodations in single or double occupancy rooms, all ground transportation and admission prices for all mandatory excursions, and three meals a day.

Although the program fee includes most meals, you should plan for additional expenditures, such as snacks or refreshments as well as for extra outings or excursions. You will also need to plan for costs of extra travel, shopping, or going out.

Estimated tuition and university fees for six credit hours: Residents: $1017, non-residents: $3092.

Estimated Air fare: between $ 1000 and $1200, depending on oil prices and the value of the US currency.  Students may use any carrier and frequent flyer miles if that is available to them. Students are required to be in Bangkok on June 22nd.

Financial Aid
Normally all scholarships and financial aid applicable for summer school in the United States can be used towards LSU in Thailand.  Contact the Office of Student Aid and Scholarships to check if your aid can be used for a study abroad program. After you submit your application, you also will be able to apply for special scholarships of up to $1,000 for the summer programs. The scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis and require a 3.0 GPA.

Faculty
The Faculty member and Program Director for LSU in Thailand is Dr. Carl Motsenbocker.  He is well versed in Thai agriculture and society, speaks Thai, and has had teaching experience in Thailand previously.  In addition, Kasetsart University faculty will also assist with the instruction (in English).

Please contact Dr. Carl Motsenbocker (cmots@lsu.edu; 225 578 1036) for more information. 

Deadlines
Students will be accepted into the program on a first come, first serve basis. The official deadline for applications is March 1, but we expect the program to fill before that date. The maximum number of participants will be 10.

Additional Information
Locations:
The program will start in Bangkok, the City of the Angels, a city steeped in ancient history in juxtaposition to a very modern, cosmopolitan character.  We will spend a few days getting acclimated in Bangkok while visiting such places as the Royal Palace, Floating Market, Wat Po, and the Chatuchak Weekend Market, before studying international agriculture and agricultural enterprises and projects in the central region of Thailand.  Then we will visit the northern region of the country and the charming and beautiful city of Chiang Mai.  We will visit such sites as the tranquil setting of the mountaintop temple at Doi Suthep, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, the craft village at Bo Sang as well as the Royal Agricultural Projects at Doi Angkhan and Doi Inthanon, Queen Sirikit’s Botanical Garden, and various agricultural and agrotourism projects.  After the north we are scheduled to make a trip to the southeast region (Rayong) and southwest region including and the agricultural operations and tourist sites in these distinct areas of the country.  At the end of your studies you will have truly experienced the culture and beauty of Thailand.

Safety
Thailand is considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world with world class medical facilities.  Thais are very welcoming of visitors to their country and local and we will be well received and taken care of throughout our stay.