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Service-Learning in Thailand (2005-2011)
Arts for Humanity in Thailand was a study-abroad opportunity that enabled students from the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) to share their artistic gifts and abilities with at-risk children cared for by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Northern Thailand.
Arts for Humanity in Thailand annually sent up to 20 students and a professor to Mae Sai, Thailand where they provided fine arts training to NGOs. Students prepared lessons and taught classes in dance, theatre, music, art and communication to over 200 children in the K-6 range. In addition to teaching fine arts classes, COFAC students worked together to create on-site permanent art pieces. (Example: wall mural.)
Arts for Humanity in Thailand also provided students with life-changing experiences:
Over 70 UWSP students along with professors, retired professors, and professorial assistants were able to have a life-changing experience on this unique study-abroad opportunity. Most importantly, over the course of six years, over 400 stateless and impoverished children in Thailand were able to use their creativity to express themselves in new and exciting ways.
Arts for Humanity in Thailand annually sent up to 20 students and a professor to Mae Sai, Thailand where they provided fine arts training to NGOs. Students prepared lessons and taught classes in dance, theatre, music, art and communication to over 200 children in the K-6 range. In addition to teaching fine arts classes, COFAC students worked together to create on-site permanent art pieces. (Example: wall mural.)
Arts for Humanity in Thailand also provided students with life-changing experiences:
- Travel between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Mae Sai, giving students the chance to witness the economic and cultural differences pervading Thailand
- Training on human trafficking/social issues in Southeast Asia
- U.S. Consulate visit and lecture followed by a student Q&A session on diplomatic international relations
- Interactive visit to an authentic hill-tribe village in the mountains of Chiang Rai
- One-day excursion to a Thai government-funded elephant conservation camp
Over 70 UWSP students along with professors, retired professors, and professorial assistants were able to have a life-changing experience on this unique study-abroad opportunity. Most importantly, over the course of six years, over 400 stateless and impoverished children in Thailand were able to use their creativity to express themselves in new and exciting ways.
More about this program:
Arts for Humanity in Thailand
Program Booklet
Comments from student participants:
"This trip was incredible.
I am a different person than when I left!"
"It has been a life-changing experience...It is more than a study abroad program, it is an eye-opening experience and one of the best humanitarian things I've done."
"I learned a lot about myself, had an amazing time, and met people and did things that I will remember all my life."
"This program is truly amazing - one of a kind. It challenges a person in ways that make them look at the world and their life through a different lens. The Thailand trip has left a permanent mark on my life."
"This trip has by far been the best experience of my life...
I feel proud to have been a part of it."
I feel proud to have been a part of it."
