Center for Lao Studies to Hold First Summer Study Abroad in Laos
By Vannasone Keodara 20/11/2008
Center for Lao Studies' SAIL poster
Many Laotian-Americans of the younger generation,
who still love their motherland, Laos, long to see it moving to the right
direction for the betterment of its people. For this reason, the Center for Lao
Studies was established. Dr. Vinya Saysamouth along with several Laotian-Americans
founded the Center in 2005 in San Francisco, California. The CLS is dedicated to promote, advance and broaden the
field of Lao Studies in many areas. The Center opened its first international
conference in May 2005 at Northtern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL; followed by the
second at Arizona State University. Thailand’s Khon Kean University will host
the
Dr. Vinya and CLS's Board Members
third international Lao Studies conference in Thailand in 2010.
In addition to their regular international conferences which are held every three years, the CLS will have its first “Summer Study
Abroad in Laos” (SAIL) from mid-Jun to August 2009. This eight-week intensive summer
program is meant to provide an opportunity for Lao-American and American
participants to live closely with the people of Laos and to learn firsthand
about their way of life. Dr. Vinya
discussed the Summer Study Abroad in Laos with VOA.
“The program is designed to allow interested Laotian-American
and Americans to really experience firsthand with the local people, to learn to
speak the Lao language, learn about the culture and traditions. Many young
Laotian-Americans who were born here speak very little Lao or not at all. They
will learn how to speak Lao and learn about the Lao culture
Dr. Vinya transferred the International Lao Studies Conference flag to
a representative of Khon Kaen University that will host the third
conference in 2010.
and traditions, so
that once they are back in the States they will have a better understanding and
appreciation of their roots and heritage.” Dr. Vinya said that there will be an advisor traveling
with students to answer any questions they may have and to address any safety
concerns. The students will be studying at the Lao American College in Vientiane
and will be registered as its students. Upon
arrival, they will have an orientation and get to meet US Embassy staffs who will go over the rules and regulations on
what to do and not to do in Laos.
Dr. Vinya added that the Center for Lao Studies is
the first and only organization so far that will have this kind of program in
Laos. For this first tour, CLS would like to make it a small and manageable and
plan to accept
Lao American College, Laos
only 15 students.
For those Laotian-Americans who want to learn about their
motherland’s language and culture, this Summer Study Abroad in Laos would be the
best option to explore. For additional information, please go to www.laostudies.org
Listen to our Lao Diaspora report for more details.