Miscellaneous Information

There have been some repeat questions.  So, I figured I would include some basic info here:

• Concerning the recent unrest in Bangkok:
• We are recommending that each student and a parent register for the State Dept's alerts.  We don't expect any serious problems over there, but this is an easy way for everyone to keep informed.
• Here is the link.
• Concerning voltage:
• To use American electronics in the countries we'll be going to, you will need to buy a plug adaptor set (including C and I)  and a voltage converter (to handle 220V).  Some plugs and devices may work as is, but generally you'll need adaptors/converter.  These can be found cheaply on amazon, or electronics stores (like Best Buy).
• Empty bottles:  
• This is on the list in case you would like to fill it with water (or a kind of gatorade powder).  You can easily buy plastic bottles of water, but some people like to use their own bottles.  
• You can also put some laundry detergent in one of these and use it to wash clothes on a daily basis.  Generally, the hotels we will be at will have access to laundry services for you.  However, if you want to wash certain garments on a daily basis, you'll need to keep some liquid detergent handy.
•  Mosquito netting:
• The mosquito sleeper refers to mosquito netting, to put around a sleeping area.  Realistically, we may not use this.  We included it to account for any eventuality that might come up.  On one of the few trips out of the big city, if something quite unexpected happens, we may make an unscheduled stay at a more "rural" hotel.  Here, the netting would be useful.  We included it for completion, but it (again) it may not be used. 

Election Protests

A front page NYTimes article on an encounter between Thai police and election protesters this morning has prompted us to post an update on the situation in Bangkok.

To begin with, Dr. Paskewich and myself, Dr. Anderson, are in communication with officers from the State Department.  The US Embassy continues to assess the situation in Thailand and deems it safe for travel for American citizens.  The conflict in Bangkok is isolated to areas outside government buildings and polling areas, places we will stay far away from.  Thus the State Department has declined to issue any travel warnings to the area.

Recent clashes are the result of a more desperate move by Suthep and his People's Democratic Reform Committee to stall elections that their backers, the Democrats, will surely lose against the popular, incumbent Pheu Thai party. The elections are scheduled for February but will most certainly be postponed at this point.  Protests have largely been peaceful, but occasional violence has occurred over the past month.  Our travel group will stay clear of all large political gatherings, keeping close to temple and tourist areas.

Any necessary changes to the itinerary will be posted to the website on site.  Dr. Paskewich and myself will be in frequent communication with Centre and student families while there, through email, phone and blog posts.

Syllabus

• Pre-departure exam (20%)
• Covers material in the Bangkok 8 and Concrete Dragon.
• Will be emailed to everyone on January 3.  Must be emailed back to both professors by 11:59pm on January 5. 
• As this is close to our January 7 departure date, make sure you plan ahead: budget enough time to run errands, to pack, and to complete the exam.  
• For Bangkok 8, these topics will provide you with some guidance:
• What do we learn about the city of Bangkok?  What is it like?
• The novel really pushes the theme of the clash of "East vs. West".  What characteristics are said to be "Thai" and what characteristics are "American"?
• What political and social problems are emphasized in the novel?  
• Be prepared to answer questions about the plot and characters.
• For Concrete Dragon, these topics will provide you with some guidance:
• What are some characteristics of the Chinese city?  How homogeneous are they?
• What are some urban issues specific to China?  
• How does a rural/urban divide affect Chinese cities?
• How does China's past influence the current state of its cities?  What economic influences affect Chinese cities?
• Make sure you understand how Campanella understands the city of Shanghai. 
• These topics will give you some guidance, but you will be asked questions beyond these.  Read Bangkok 8 and Concrete Dragon thoroughly. 
• Be ready to bring your copy of Diane Morgan's Best Guide to Eastern Religions on the trip.  You will read from it while we're abroad.  
• Journals and Group Assignments (35%)
• Bring a small journal with you.  Nearly everyday, we will give you prompts for you to write an entry.  
• Your entries will pull together the previous night's reading assignments and the site visits during that day. 
• We will have some entries based on group observation.  
• You will all also do a presentation on a particular landmark in China or Thailand that we visit. 
• Quizzes (20%)
• There will be 10 reading quizzes, each worth 2% of your grade.
• These will be given randomly throughout the course on the reading assignment that is due that day.  
• These cannot be made up if missed (and there is no reason why you should miss one).  
• Participation (10%)
• We expect you to be an active participant in the short classroom opportunities that we have throughout the course, as well as an engaged student throughout each location we visit. 
• Be prepared to ask or answer questions, and approach each location energetically and with focus.  
• Final Essay (15%)
• A final essay will be required from each of you.  You will need to email it to us a few days after you are back in the USA.  
• This essay will ask you to reflect on the readings of the course, the site visits, and the topics we discussed throughout.  

The Political Situation in Thailand

This season has been a strange one for Asia.

In North Korea, Kim Jong Un has removed his Uncle from power.  China, Japan and South Korea are wrestling over new restricted airspace.  The Philippines were devastated by typhoon Haiyan.  And political demonstrations are now popping up in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand.  Analysts say its a result of a clash with a majority-takes-all politics and the shifting of money and power with the new rising middle-class.

The US State Department is optimistic, no travel warnings or restrictions have been imposed.  But we're all keeping a close eye.  Bangkok has a couple of important English-language papers that I invite you to visit (though, keep in mind, media there is highly politicized and must be read with healthy skepticism): The Nation and The Bangkok Post.  Please feel free to visit the US Embassy in Bangkok's website as well. 

We thought we'd explain briefly what's at the heart of the protests in Thailand right now and how we will assuredly avoid them.

Thailand's oldest political party, the Democratic Party, has grown weary of losing elections.  They haven't wielded power since the early 90s, and their old Bangkok, old money, pro-market membership is disgruntled.  The party has thus taken to the streets (as they have in the past), to air their grievances.  They have formed the People's Democratic Reform Committee under Suthep Thaugsuban and are calling for the majority party, the PTP, led by Prime Minister Yingluck and her powerful family the Shinawatra, to step down. 

Suthep Thaugsuban, Leader of the PDRC (protest)

Abhisit Vejjajiva, Opposition Leader and Leader of the Democratic Party

The much younger, more rural, pro-farmer majority party, the Pheu Thai (PTP), has accommodated the demands of the PDRC and has called for reelections.  By royal decree, seats in the House will be decided upon again in early February.  Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has become caretaker premier of the government until February 2014, but she is now being asked by the opposition to step down entirely and cede power over to a make-shift, non-elected People's Council.  Analysts and academics have no faith in that proposal.       

 Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister

Jarupong Ruangsuwan, PTP Leader

The situation on the streets of Bangkok:
Currently there are political protests surrounding government buildings in Bangkok.  Brief violence did break out on November 30, but police have since retreated and allowed protestors to voice their dissent and occupy previously barricaded areas. 

Given this state of affairs, our group will steer entirely clear of government buildings and political gatherings.  If numbers and dissent continues to increase, we will divert our stay in Bangkok to some of the country's more quiet, frankly more beautiful, quarters to the north and south (Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, etc.).

For now, we are taking careful note.  The Tourism Authority of Thailand's Situation Update is a good place to stay linked into. 

What to bring

The following is a list of items we recommend you bring to Shanghai and Bangkok with you this January.  Remember, it's best to consolidate and go mobile.  Fewer items to haul in the most efficient manner is the best way to go.  Thus we suggest you bring a big, heavy-duty backpack with a simple day-pack/carry-on.  Best to veer away from luggage.  You'll be much happier hands-free winding your way through Asia.

One big hiking backpack (Northface, Berghaus, Vangon and other cheaper options here:)

Small carry-on day pack
Knife (not in carry-on or on your person)
Earplugs
Small pillow
Eye cover
One sheet
Wipes/antibacterial solution
Safety pins
String
Small first aid kit with neosporin
Ziplock bags
Empty bottles
Toiletries (especially lady things--hard to find in Asia)
Baby powder
Vaporub (it can get smelly sometimes)
Cologne
Tylenol
Tylenol PM/Cold medicine (to knock you out when needed)
Anti-diarrheal medicine
Anti-malarial pills (not absolutely necessary, a precaution)
Mosquito sleeper
Mosquito repellant
Sunblock (you will get fried in Thailand if you skimp on this)
Sunglasses
Big hat

Some snacks (pack of powerbars)
Airborne or vitamin-packs for water

Heavy jacket (for Shanghai)
Good walking shoes
Flip-flops
One nice outfit
Couple pairs of pants and long sleeves (for Shanghai and Temple visits)
Tees and shorts
Socks
Undies
Swimsuit
Towel
Light cottons and linens

Camera/tablet/phone (we discourage bulky laptops)
Cords and batteries
Card games
Guidebooks
Business cards
Small Journal & 3 Pens
Money for food and souvenirs (~$400)
Credit and debit cards (call and inform your banks first)

It's a long list but it can all comfortably fit into a 50-60liter backpack.

Visa Info and Directions

We need to beat the holiday season mail to be sure that all our visa work is completed on time.

 It is crucial that you get all the necessary forms, documents, and passport pics to Dr. Kyle Anderson (kyle.anderson@centre.edu; Crounse 466) by November 10.

Payment will be handled by the college and is included in the cost of the trip.

If you are not completing the visa form with the group on November 5, be sure to get it done and delivered to Dr. Kyle Anderson by Nov. 10.  The package will be sent off on that date.  After the 10th, you are on your own.

Here are some general instructions on how to fill out the visa application:

Go to chinesevisaexpress.com.  The homepage looks like this:

 

Click on US Citizen and you will be directed to the page of instructions below.  Make sure to follow, fill out, and provide all necessary items.  The only thing you should disregard is the direction to staple your passport picture to the application.  Do not staple your pic to the application. Best to lightly tape the back of the pic to the form.

 


Fill out the China Visa Application Form V2013A.  You will be applying for a Tourist Visa, not a Student Visa.  You will be asking for a multiple entry visa with a year-long validity (one year, multiple entry). 

The visa asks where we will be visiting and staying.  We will only be visiting Shanghai and our address will be:

Le Tour Traveler‘s Rest
No. 36 Lane 319, Jiaozhou Road
200040 Shanghai

#8621-62671912
tr@letourshanghai.com

When you print out the form, sign the bottom and deliver it to Dr. Anderson's office with your passport and picture.  If you have any questions please contact us ASAP.

Respecting Cultural Differences

When going to Asia it is very important to be sensitive to and respectful of local cultures and social codes.  In America, we pride ourselves on being strong, independent, colorful, opinionated and playful.  We like to be noticed.  In China and Thailand, it is best to tone down these attributes and assume a more calm, friendly, minimalist and respectful attitude.  The Thai and Chinese love visitors who are curious and respectful of their heritage and will go out of their way to help and protect you.  If traditions are flaunted and disrespected, though, much the opposite is the case.

Though religion doesn't always penetrate the Asian mind as much as it does in the US, protocol and reverence are perhaps demonstrated even more in sacred spaces.  It is important to speak softly, not gesture too much, wear conservative clothing, and remove shoes on holy ground.

In summary, a rule of thumb to guide your behavior: act as if your Mom and Jesus were hanging out with you for the trip.  There are places to cut loose, but the majority of our sites are not those kind of places.  Be composed and respectful as the rule.  Fun has its time and place. 

Provisional Itinerary

Here's a quick, sneak-peek at our itinerary.  It's subject to change, naturally, but the bulk of it is firm. 

Jan 7    Leave Louisville, 8am
8          Arrive in Shanghai, 4pm; Welcome dinner at Sapar Uyghur Restaurant; Bund Nightscape
9          Morning Scavenger Hunt; East (Pudong) and West (Bund) Architectural Fusion
10        Nanshi (Old City) and Temple Visits
11        The People’s Square and National Museums
12        The Boulevards: Nanjing and Huaihai Lu
13        European Satellite Cities
14        Fengjing Old Town
15        Depart for Bangkok, 945am; Welcome dinner at Hemlock; Khao San Road Nightscape
16        Temples visits—Wat Arun, Wat Mahathat, Wat Pho
17        Temples visits—Wat Saket, Wat Traimit, Wat Sutat
18        Commercial districts—Chidlom, Sukhumvit, Ratchaprasong
19        Visit to International Network for Engaged Buddhism or Wat Ambhavan
20        Ko Samet
21        Ko Samet
22        Government and national museums visits—Grand Palace, National Museum
23       Depart for Chiang Mai
24      Temple visits—Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Wat Umong, Wat Gate
25        Doi Inthanon National Park
26      Return to Bangkok
27      Depart Bangkok, 545am;  Arrive in Louisville, 415pm

Mandatory Meeting: Travel Clinic

Please remember the upcoming meeting on Tuesday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. in Weisiger Theatre.  This concerns medical safety for the January course in Thailand/China.

For your reference, below is a copy of the letter that was emailed to all of you about the travel clinic.  We refer you to the original letter emailed to you.

September 2013

Dear student,

We are thrilled that you have this opportunity to study abroad.  Congratulations!  As you prepare for your trip we encourage you to give careful consideration to medical recommendations or requirements specific to your destination.   The Center for Global Citizenship has notified you of the mandatory study abroad MD presentation scheduled for Tuesday, September 24^th, at 7:00 p.m. in Weisiger Theatre.   Dr. Brian Ellis and Dr. Jonathan Clark will present up to date information outlining recommendations and/or requirements for your trip.   Information specific to your destination will be given to you at this meeting.  You will be instructed on how and when to schedule an appointment to receive your vaccinations and prescriptions through Parsons Student Health Center if you so choose. 

If you miss the mandatory MD presentation you will not be eligible to receive your travel vaccines or prescriptions at Parsons Student Health Center.  You will be responsible for seeking travel medicine advice on your own. 

While the MD presentation is mandatory, it is not mandatory that you receive your vaccinations at Parsons Student Health Center.  Here is a link with contact information for travel clinics in Kentucky:  http://www.travmed.com/clinics/index.html?mode=st&st=KY  

We urge you to call the phone number on your health insurance card to see if any of the costs are covered by your plan.  Some health insurance plans consider travel medicine as preventive care and may cover the entire cost.  They may only cover travel medicine services at specific in-network providers’ offices.  Please note that Parsons Student Health Center does not accept insurance for payment, does no insurance billing or filing of forms, and does not have a tax ID number.  Any charges associated with travel medicine services will be your responsibility.  You may pay at the time of your appointment or you may opt to have the charges applied to your student account.  An itemized receipt will be provided or mailed to your home address.  Vaccinations are offered at or near our cost.  Please see current pricing below for the most common travel clinic costs (you will not need all of these):

Hep A (2)                                 $27         Typhoid                                                 $33(oral)/$56(shot)        

Hep B (3)`                                $34        Yellow Fever                                           $95                        

Tetanus (with Pertussis)             $38       *Japanese Encephalitis                              $245 (X2=$490)           Meningitis                                $113       *Rabies                                                    $226 (X3=$678) Influenza                                   $10         Professional Consult/Educational Session $20

Polio                                         $26         Travel Medicine Services                        $50        

                                               

*Follow a rigid administration schedule, must be completed at least 2 weeks prior to travel, and must be paid for prior to appointment time (vaccine will not be ordered until payment made)

Our goal is to provide excellent travel medicine services at a reasonable cost.  Our hope is that you will have the best study abroad experience possible without the inconvenience of a preventable, even serious, medical condition.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

We look forward to serving you,

Parsons Student Health Center staff

Centre College

                                                                                                                                (859) 238-5530

Shanghai and Bangkok Hotels

We want to give you all a sense of where we'll be staying in Shanghai and Bangkok.  As of September 2013, we're planning to spend 5 days at the well known Koala Garden House Hostel in Old Shanghai.  In Bangkok, we'll be spending the rest of our nights in one of the famous New Siam hotels right on the edge of Khao San Road, in the heart of the city's historical Banglamphu district.  Both of these hotels are at the heart of their bustling metropolises--well-located but also well-rated and economically priced.  Dr. Paskewich and I have stayed at both of these places many times and fully vouch for their services and amenities.   

Koala Garden House, Old Shanghai

 New Siam, Bangkok

Flights

Our flights from Kentucky to China and Thailand have been reserved.  The final transaction will not be completed until early December 2013, and so are subject to change.  For now, the flight numbers, dates and times are listed here below:

Multi-city round-trip Ticket Louisville-Shanghai-Bangkok-Louisville

1/7/2014		Depart	Arrive
Delta # 5730		Louisville, KY 800A	Detroit, MI 929A on 1/7/2014
Delta # 181		Detroit, MI 1205P	Shanghai Pudong, China 400P on 1/8/2014
1/27/2014		Depart	Arrive
Delta # 284		Bangkok, Thailand 545A	Tokyo, Japan 120P on 1/27/2014
Delta # 296 Delta # 2184		Tokyo, Japan 310P Atlanta, GA 255P	Atlanta, GA  130P on 1/27/2014 Louisville, KY 415P on 1/27/2014

One-way Ticket Shanghai-Bangkok

1/15/2014		Depart	Arrive
Malaysia Airlines # 387		Shanghai Pudong, China 945A	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 330P on 1/15/2014
Malaysia Airlines # 780		Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 605P	Bangkok, Thailand 710P on 1/15/2014

Required Texts

There are 3 required texts.  Here they are:

1. Bangkok 8  by John Burdett
2. Best Guide to Eastern Philosophy and Religion by Diane Morgan
3. Concrete Dragon by Thomas Campanella

Click on the book title to see the Amazon.com link to the edition we're using.  We'll have a few other articles for you to read online, and some clips for you to watch.  We'll send those out as we get closer. 

Items Needed: Passport Scans

Hey everyone,
Please scan the page of your passport that has your photo, name, etc.  Then email it to c.paskewich@centre.edu

Please do this by Friday, August 2.  It will only take a minute and we need that info for moving forward with our trip.

More information to come!

Meeting: 4/4/2013

Our next meeting is in Vahlkamp during common hour on Thursday, April 4.  We'll let you know what is next for the process and answer any questions you all might have.  See you there at 11:30am!

Scenes of Shanghai

Scenes of Bangkok