By Jamie Kania

Students seeking adventure, growth and international exposure can look to the new Cambodia field experience offered by Buffalo State College.

Starting in the summer of 2006, the geography and planning department will be offering a field course in which students will have the opportunity to study in Bangkok, Thailandhttp://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/th.htmland Phnom Penh, Cambodia. http://www.visit-mekong.com/cambodia/maps/  The course will run for three weeks in June.

Kim Irvine, chair of the geography and planning department said, the world is becoming an increasingly global society. Since the Asian population makes up half of the world’s population, the Western mindset is limited.

“It is important for U.S. students to gain an appreciation for other cultures and communities,” he said. 

In the 2004-05 academic year, 113 BSC students participated in study abroad programs.

Lee Ann Grace, assistant dean of international and exchange programs, said that participating in programs such as this is beneficial for students because it enhances their credentials. 

Students who participate in this program will:

• gain first-hand experience in the Cambodian lifestyle
• participate in outreach efforts
• explore the Kulen Mountain National Park  www.hiddencambodia.com/1daytour.htm  
• tour the killing fields and genocide museum
• visit palaces and temples
• learn how Buddhism shapes Cambodian development
• contrast rural life in Cambodia with city life in Thailand

Students will also have the opportunity to do a research project with college students from the Royal University of Phnom Penh focusing on sustainable development issues within the context of a developing country.

This field experience is open to all majors, both graduate and undergraduate students.  The only requirement is that interested students take the course, Geography of Asia, GEG 360, before the trip.

“There is almost something for everyone,” said Irvine

Some of the areas that will be covered:

• history
• schools
• culture
• language
• economic development
• transportation
• architecture

There is not an official deadline yet, but those students who may be interested should contact:

Kim Irvine: irvinekn@buffalostate.edu

Stephen Vermette: vermetsj@buffalostate.edu

Tao Tang: tangt@buffalostate.edu

Or visit the geography and planning department, rooms A210, A211 and A213 in the Classroom Building. http://www.buffalostate.edu/pdf/3dcampusmap.pdf

International education office in South Wing 410

Jamie Kania can be contacted at:

kanijm00@buffalostate.edu