Program Dates: May 19 – June 28, 2008
The first part of the program starts in Honolulu and runs from May 18 through June 13. The second part of the program, in Ulaabaatar, Mongolia, runs from June 15 through June 28.
About the Program:
Mongolia is a country made up of the famous Gobi desert, the grassland steppes, and magestic high mountains. The home of Changis Khan and once a land of nomads, until 1990 it was a socialist state with close ties to the Soviet Union.
This six-credit Study Abroad Program will focus on political, social, cultural and foreign relation changes in post-Soviet Mongolia while providing historical background for what was once the world’s largest empire. This will be designated as Ethics Intensive, systematically directing attention to the ethical dilemmas raised in a society transitioning from a socialist-oriented system to a market-oriented system. Learn about Mongolia’s history, culture, geography, government and politics, and current social challenges.
All students will enroll in two courses, six credits total. Both courses are taught in English:
- Asian Studies 320Z—Asian Nation Studies (Mongolia: A Country In Transition)
- Asian Studies 393Z—Field Study in Asia
The Manoa portion of the Program (four weeks) will provide information that will enrich the field experience. Students will also spend two weeks in Mongolia. In Ulaanbaatar, the national capital, there will be lectures at the leading universities; a visit to the Parliament to speak with its Members; discussions with senior statespersons: excursions to various non-governmental organizations, including the Soros Open Society Forum that promotes democratic reform; and cultural events. There also will be travel outside of the city to experience the nomadic and herder lifestyle and stay in a traditional ger. The estimated cost of the program (6 UHM credits, accommodations and meals in Mongolia, Study Abroad health insurance, and airfare) is $3500. UHM financial aid is available to eligible students.
Admissions Requirements:
The minimum requirement is a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; however, students with a lower GPA may be considered in exceptional cases. Admission is selective. Immediately upon acceptance to the program, students are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $500 to ensure a place in the program. The deposit is applied toward the total cost of the program. Note that UHM students accepted to the program are required to attend three mandatory pre-departure class sessions totaling 12 hours. Failure to attend will result in students being withdrawn from the program. Students who do not reside on O‘ahu will be contacted for a telephone orientation.
Financial Aid:
UHM Students: in order to receive financial aid for summer study abroad programs, please ensure that either: a) you are receiving financial aid during the spring semester, or b) that you complete the Financial Aid application during the spring semester. See www.hawaii.edu/fas for more information.
Non-UHM Students: Those attending other colleges and universities during the regular school year must apply for financial aid at their home institutions.
Applications:
A completed Study Abroad Center summer application, $20 application fee, and two letters of recommendation must be received by the Study Abroad Center by February 19 in order to receive consideration. Non-UHM students must also submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
