The mission of SEAA is to promote cultural awareness of Southeast Asian countries and foster a solid relationship among students from the region and worldwide. The aim of the club is not to limit the club to only to GWU, but to develop presence of Southeast Asian culture here on campus and then expand to other schools by encouraging their students to open chapters there. Then SEAA will provide them with the sufficient resources they need. 

Positions available on the SEAA Executive Board include SECRETARY, TREASURER, PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR/ASA REPRESENTATIVE, MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR, HISTORIAN/WEBMASTER (2 positions available). The application DEADLINE is MARCH 31ST. 

SEAA will be particpating in the upcoming Class Council International Day which takes place on April 6.

Please contact Beam Jiaravanon Muangsook,Founder and President of GWU Southeast Asian Alliance (SEAA), at (202)-286-9596 or gwuseaa@gmail.com for furthur information and eboard application forms. 

The South Asia program at Stimson offers fall, summer, and spring internships to highly motivated and talented individuals prepared to apply their skills to a broad range of topics. The programs work under the direction of Michael Krepon, co-founder of Stimson, and a leading expert in South Asian regional issues, nuclear nonproliferation, and space security.

This internship provides an excellent opportunity for individuals with a demonstrated interest in these topics to enhance their understanding of the issues and build on their experiences. This internship is suitable for those with some background in South Asian regional studies or nonproliferation but little work experience. The intern will have the unique opportunity to work on a variety of topics during the term. The intern will be primarily associated with the South Asia program, but may have limited duties with the Space Security program.

The South Asia program works on strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime in general while advancing confidence building and nuclear risk-reduction measures between India and Pakistan. The program also addresses some non-nuclear South Asian security issues.

The Space Security Program works to develop a code of conduct for responsible space-faring nations, increase awareness of the dangers of deploying space weapons, and offer alternatives to space weapons. The program also provides policy-makers with the information needed to make wise choices on space security.

The vast majority of the intern's time would be spent working on issues related to India-Pakistan strategic stability and crisis management, as well as on projects related to the integrety of the global nonproliferation system.

In addition to working on these issues, the intern will engage in life at Stimson. The intern will gain from interacting with other staff, meeting fellow interns, and participating in Stimson's events. Located in the heart of Washington, the intern will have the opportunity to attend events that feature some of the best experts on South Asia and nonproliferation issues.

Responsibilities for an intern may include:

• Reading and analyzing research documents
• Conducting substantive research projects
• Assisting the project director and research staff in research and writing
• Organizing and taking notes in meetings
• Representing project staff at meetings and events at think tanks, NGOs, and Capitol Hill
• Keeping pace with developments in the field
• Minimal administrative support

Generally, strong candidates for this position will have the following qualifications:

• Strong interest in South Asia or non-proliferation
• Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills
• A record of academic excellence
• Precise editing skills
• The ability to work independently
• Full-time interns are preferred
• Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply

Applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week. Preference may be given to those available 30+ hours per week.

Apply Online Here: http://www.stimson.org/about/employment/south-asia-and-space-internship/

Legacies of War is a DC-based NGO dedicated to removing landmines in Laos. The organization is currently seeking interns for Fall/Winter 2012. 

The available positions are:
- Advocacy Intern
- Communications Intern
- Program Intern

The internships are unpaid and require a minimum of 15 hours a week. Work-study arrangements can be discussed, and start and end dates are negotiable. Please send resume and cover letter by September 5, 2012 to Ms. Channapha Khamvongsa, Executive Director, Legacies of War at channapha@legaciesofwar.org.

For more information about Legacies of War and specific details about the positions, please visit: http://legaciesofwar.org/news/fallwinter-internship-announcement/

Title: Research Associate, Southeast Asia 
Salary: Based upon education and experience


The Council's Studies Program is one of the country's largest foreign policy think tanks with a widely respected and influential research staff. The Studies Program's aim is to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.
The Council also publishes Independent Task Force reports. Task Forces are convened to examine issues of current and critical importance toU.S.foreign policy. Chaired by prominent Americans, and diverse in backgrounds and perspectives, Task Forces aim to reach a meaningful consensus on policy through private and non-partisan deliberations. Task Force reports provide policymakers with a coherent framework for thinking about an issue, and a set of concrete judgments and recommendations.

The Research Associate will primarily support a fellow whose work examines U.S.policy toward Southeast Asia, in addition to CFR's Task Force Program.

The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):

• Providing administrative support to senior staff, including answering telephones, handling correspondence, filing, and responding to requests for information, and helping with media requests.
• Coordinating events, including roundtables and high-level Task Force meetings, by arranging mailings, preparing invitations, making travel arrangements, scheduling, corresponding with speakers, helping to prepare background papers and materials for distribution, and providing other logistical support.
• Researching specific areas as requested.
  • Assisting with the drafting, proofreading and editing of articles, book chapters, Task Force reports, and other written material, as requested by the fellows and Task Force project directors.
  • Tracking news and data sources on major issues related to Southeast Asia. .
  • Managing budgets, including preparing budgets and tracking monthly statements, monitoring grant information and writing reports and requests, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement.
  • Assisting fellow with social media outreach, including publishing a blog, website, video, and/or using social media applications such as Twitter, Google+, etc., as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• BA degree in International Relations or a related field, with high academic credentials and coursework in Southeast Asia (preferred), Human Rights, Democratization, Development, or Economics.
• 1+ years related administrative and/or internship experience
• Travel or work experience in Asia, particularlySoutheast Asia
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong research, proofreading, and editing skills
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Email, including advanced functions such as mail merge

Qualified candidates should email, fax, or mail a resume and cover letter to the Human Resources department at the above address. PLEASE INCLUDE THE POSITION NAME IN THE SUBJECT OF YOUR EMAIL. The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.


Council on Foreign Relations
Human Resources Office
1777 F St. NW, Washington DC,20006
FAX +1 202.509.8490
humanresources@cfr.org
www.cfr.org

For more information, please visit http://www.cfr.org/about/career_opportunities/openings.html#1009

Human Rights Researcher

A human rights organization affiliated with Midwestern State University is seeking the services of a student/faculty member to assist in gathering, analyzing, and arriving at a report on the human rights situation of certain minority groups in Malaysia.

The ideal candidate must:

• be a US citizen
• be able to spend approximately three months or more in Malaysia
• have some experience in the skills mentioned above
• be hardworking, patient, and able to interview political leaders, administrators, members of the public and oppressed individuals
• have a feel for human rights and sensitive to the feeling of oppressed people
• arrive at an analytical, comprehensive report and probably be able to formally publish the work as part of his/her institution's publication.

All research and work-related expenses will paid by the hiring institution. Accommodation will be provided. In addition to this, the candidate will receive a modest allowance as well.

For more information and to apply, please send an e-mail to: sugumaran.narayanan@mwsu.edu.
If the applicant is a student, only MA and PhD students will be considered for the position.

Are you interested studying in Singapore?

The Rajaratnam School of International Students at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore might be of interest to you.

The Elliott School is pleased to offer a new exchange program. This new exchange is ideal for students in security studies, Asian studies, and political economy. RSIS and NTU are among the most prestigious academic institutions in Asia. Applications are due March 15, 2012 for the fall semester abroad (Trimester 1 at RSIS, July to October). For information on this exciting new opportunity, please visit this link.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is one of the most prestigious academic institutions in Asia. The NTU S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) was established in 2006 as an autonomous graduate institution of NTU, with the renowned Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies as a key component.

RSIS is a community of scholars and policy analysts at the forefront of Asia-Pacific security studies and international affairs. Its three core functions are research, graduate teaching and networking activities in the Asia-Pacific region. It produces cutting-edge security related research in Asia-Pacific Security, Conflict and Non-Traditional Security, International Political Economy, and Country and Area Studies. RSIS offers coursework in International Relations, International Political Economy, Asian Studies, and Strategic Studies.

Curriculum: Elliott School graduate students can enroll in courses within the NTU S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
This program offers courses such as:

• Politics and Foreign Policy of Singapore
• Non-traditional Security and Global Governance
• Accounting for Decision-making and Control
• Regional Integration in the World Economy
• Critical Security Study
• Foreign Policy and Security Issues in Southeast Asia

Students should plan to take a minimum of 3 courses per Trimester.
Transfer of Credit: Students must earn the equivalent of a B grade or higher in a given course to be eligible for transfer credit. Students may earn up to 10 transfer credits from the partner for the Elliott School M.A. program.
» More information on Receiving Credit

Grade B at NTU = Grade B at GW
1 course at NTU = 3 credits at GW
Academic Calendar: Trimester 1: late July – late October
Trimester 2: early November – late February (with one month break)
Trimester 3: early March – early June
Given the differences in academic calendar at RSIS, Elliott School students are advised to study abroad during Trimester 1 or 3.

Depending on the courses selected, the class timings are morning (9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.) or afternoon (2.00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.).

Applications are due March 15, 2012 for the fall semester abroad (Trimester 1 at RSIS, July to October). For information on this exciting new opportunity, please visit http://elliott.gwu.edu/academics/grad/studyabroad/ntu-rsis.cfm

Do you want to learn the Lao language, Lao history, and Lao culture? What better way to do it than to spend your summer fully immersed in Lao society in Laos!

The Center for Lao Studies (CLS), dedicated to promoting and advancing the field of Lao Studies, is sponsoring its annual year Summer Study Abroad in Laos program (SAIL) in the summer of 2012. During the eight-week program, students will partake in language and cultural lessons at the Lao-American College (LAC), the first private college and the only school founded by an American citizen in the Lao PDR. The students will also have the opportunity to study Lao history and culture, augment their academics with cultural trips throughout the area, and experience volunteering with an international nongovernmental organization (NGO).

SAIL students will be participating in a Lao language program tailored specifically to the group’s needs at one of the country’s most acclaimed (and popular) language institutions – the Lao-American College (http://www.lac.edu.la/). Located in the heart of Vientiane, Lao-American College offers a unique instructional and service program in the effective teaching of Lao. Intensive courses combined with individual language tutorials, diversified field trips, and an experienced on-site staff, make Lao-American an incredible place to study Lao and learn cross-cultural skills. SAIL participants spend three to four hours a day in classroom training and pair up with Lao students to further improve their speaking and listening comprehension. Classroom time is split between language lessons and an elective course (in English) on a Lao-specific topic such as Lao history and culture, the environment, philosophy, or world cultures.

For more information, including program costs, a week-by-week itinerary, as well as how to apply, please visit the SAIL website at: http://laostudies.org/sail. Scholarships are available.

Interested in gaining international volunteer experience in Asia?

VIA (formerly Volunteers in Asia) is a private, non-profit, non-religious organization dedicated to increasing understanding between the United States and Asia through service and education. Since 1963, Via has provided U.S. Residents with an opportunity to work and live within an Asian culture while meeting the needs of Asian host institutions. It currently offer long-term and summer programs in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam of issues in education, environment, gender, health, anti-trafficking, and rural development.


The deadline is January 15, 2012.

Please click here for applications.

DEPDC/GMS is now hiring an International Volunteer Coordinator! This position is based at our headquarters in Mae Sai, Thailand. DEPDC/GMS is a non-profit, community-based NGO working in human trafficking prevention in northern Thailand on the border of Myanmar (Burma). DEPDC/GMS works to prevent human trafficking through education, protection, outreach and youth leadership. The International Volunteer Coordinator position requires a minimum one-year contract. This position is paid monthly. The International Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the following duties:

• Volunteer recruitment: Short-term, unpaid volunteers, interns and fellows volunteer with DEPDC/GMS on a routine basis. The International Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for receiving, screening, and processing all volunteer applications to ensure the applicants are appropriate candidates to work in human trafficking prevention. This process involves reviewing CVs/resumes, contacting references, interviewing candidates online, making individual assessments and presenting your conclusions to the International Department for a final decision.
• Volunteer induction: Once an applicant has been accepted, the International Volunteer Coordinator assists them with all arrangements including guidance on flights, visas, language courses, initial arrival to Mae Sai and accommodation upon arrival. The International Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for helping each volunteer settle into Mae Sai and DEPDC/GMS and assists the volunteer in finding accommodation, arranging transportation, giving a tour of headquarters and providing information and training about DEPDC/GMS by introducing them to the work we do, the target groups we serve, and the duties the volunteer with be responsible for. The International Volunteer Coordinator continues to be a general advisor the to the volunteer for the entirety of their placement offering assistance when needed.
• Volunteer supervision: Once the volunteer, intern or fellow has settled into DEPDC/GMS, the International Volunteer Coordinator will supervise the work of the volunteer ensuring each individual has what they need to work effectively. The International Volunteer Coordinator will offer advice and guidance where appropriate in aim of making the volunteer’s placement efficient, effective, rewarding and fun!
• Additional responsibilities: The International Department is a team-work environment. The International Volunteer Coordinator will be expected to take on additional responsibilities as necessary including writing blog posts, deejaying a community-based radio programme, attending donor meetings, coordinating visitors, and writing articles for the NGO’s quarterly newsletter. Additional responsibilities are dependent on time availability and skill set.

Qualifications of the International Volunteer Coordinator:

• Must possess effective communication skills, follow-through, and an ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Must have previous work experience in management or volunteer coordination, ideally with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
• Must possess strong organizational skills, an ability to problem solve, and an ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Must possess effective computer skills, an ability to work flexible hours and an ability to conduct one’s self in a calm and professional manner when dealing with difficult situations and a Thai work culture.
• Must demonstrate an ability to manage a wide array of tasks, projects and responsibilities.
• Ideally has previous travel experience in Southeast Asia or elsewhere.
• Ideally has basic Thai language skills.

If you are interested in the International Volunteer Coordinator position and would like to apply, please send a CV or resume along with a cover letter to Jamie Houston at jamie_depdc(at)hotmail.com. DEPDC/GMS is looking to fill this position as soon as possible!

Deadline: April 11, 2012

The Center for Khmer Studies (CKS) is offering 5 American undergraduates an exciting opportunity to join Cambodian and French students on a 6 week Summer Junior Resident Fellowship Program in Cambodia. The program provides a unique experience allowing students to live and study alongside others from different backgrounds and cultures while learning about the history and society of today's Cambodia. During their residency students will be based at the CKS campus in Siem Reap, which is situated in the beautiful grounds of Wat Damnak, one of the town's largest Buddhist pagodas, only minutes away from the famous Angkor World Heritage Site with its enigmatic temples. It has a full range of study and research facilities, including the largest publicly accessible research library outside of Phnom Penh with over 12,000 books, journals and other reading materials in English French and Khmer, study carrels for up to twenty fellows, a spacious seminar room and conference hall. Resident!
fellows will also spend time studying in Cambodia's capital city Phnom Penh.

What to expect?

CKS has been running a Summer Junior Resident Fellowship Programs in Cambodia since 2004. The program is intended for those individuals who have a genuine interest in Cambodia and Southeast Asia, and who may be considering graduate studies or careers in the region. With this in mind the focus is on striking a balance between academic rigor and extra curricula activities and field visits designed to give students a better understanding of contemporary Cambodian society. Cambodian history and culture cannot be fully understood without considering the influence of powerful regional neighbors such and Thailand, Vietnam and China, and international powers, like France, the United States, and more recently the United Nations. The program, therefore, will also focus on Cambodia's past and present relationships with its neighbors and its place within the region.

How is the Program structured?

The program is led by a qualified instructor who has extensive teaching and research experience in Cambodian and Southeast Asian Studies. It is structured around interactive classroom sessions from Monday-Friday (2 hours in length) held in the CKS conference and seminar facilities in Siem Reap, and classroom in Phnom Penh. Select field trips will include visits to historical and cultural sites in and around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and interactions with national and international NGOs. Classroom sessions will begin by briefly covering Cambodia's ancient past before examining major social, political, economic and cultural change since the country gained independence form France in the early 1950s. Particular attention will be paid to how Cambodia has come to terms with the horrors of its more recent past after the Khmer Rouge, and the ways it is re-engaging with regional and international communities. Outside of the classroom, in Siem and Phnom Penh fellows will the have opportunity to go on field trips and interact with organizations working in the areas of development, education, democracy promotion, human rights and Journalism. Total contact time is 45 hours, this does not include time spent on field trips.

Language

The language of instruction is English. All fellows are expected to have sufficient English language skills to be able to participate in classroom discussions. The American and French fellows will also receive instruction in the Khmer Language, and the Cambodian fellows will be required, if necessary, to attend English language reading writing and speaking skills seminars.

Program Requirements

Fellows are required to attend all classes, including language, all field trips and participate in classroom discussions. They will also conduct a short research project of (10-15 pages) on a related topic of their choice, which they will present at the end of the program (15 mins, max).

Application and Eligibility and Requirements:

Candidates must be registered as undergraduate students in a United States university at the time of application and must hold United States citizenship. Graduating seniors are eligible.

Applicants should provide the following, preferably electronically:

1. Application form (download)

2. Two page statement of research topic and research plan.

3. Scanned university transcripts with cumulative GPA (scale 1- 4) (Because of limited internet service please ensure your transcripts are sent using the smallest files available).

4. Two (2) recommendations from professors (these can be submitted electronically directly from professor from university/professional email address)

Costs

CKS covers the costs of tuition, accommodation (bed and breakfast), local transportation whilst taking part in program activities, books and study materials, and some field trip expenses such as entrance fees to historical and cultural sites. CKS has also made available small program grants, worth up to $800, to help with international air fares, visas, and medical insurance. All other living and personal expenses will be incurred by the individual fellows.

For further information or to submit an application, please email The Center for Khmer Studies Summer Fellowship Program, Tith Srey Pich, at fellowships@khmerstudies.org or write to PO Box 9380 - Wat Damnak Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Website: www.khmerstudies.org

Winter 2012 Student Exposure Trip to Thai-Burma Border

Date of Trip: January 2, 2012 – January 12, 2012

WHY GO TO THE THAILAND-BURMA BORDER?
Have you been hearing/reading/thinking about Burma but want to go and see for yourself what is happening? Every year US Campaign for Burma brings a group of young activists to the Thai-Burma border to help them build a stronger personal relationship with the struggle for freedom and human rights in Burma. Those who participate will visit Dr. Cynthia’s well-regarded Mae Tao Clinic, refugee camps, as well as meet a variety of individuals who risk their lives to help their country.

If you have been interested or involved in Burma’s epic freedom struggle, this trip will provide you with the knowledge and legitimacy beneficial to elevating your efforts to help the people of Burma at an effective level. You will leave Thailand with unique knowledge and experience of the crisis and ways to assist the people of Burma. This is more than just an exposure tour where you learn about what is happening; by the end of this trip, you are expected to take the knowledge and be a strong leader in pushing for Burma action in your local area.

HOW DOES THIS TRIP WORK?
The group (consisting of 8-10 people) will meet up in Bangkok, Thailand and then travel to other key sites on the Thai-Burma border for 10 days. An experienced USCB staff member will lead the trip.

CAN I APPLY?
In order to apply to participate in this trip, you must be in good medical condition and be able to pay for the costs of your own travel and trip coordination. The cost will be between $1400-1500 for the 10-day trip, but will vary for each individual participant. All trip participants must arrange their own roundtrip travel to Bangkok, Thailand on January 2nd.

Trip itineraries will remain confidential because of the sensitive nature of the organizations’ work. While every precaution will be taken by the trip coordinator to ensure complete safety of the group, all trip participants will need to sign a waiver in order to participate.

Applications are due on October 31, 2011 . If interested, please contact Thelma Young at thelma@uscampaignforburma.org. Download the application by clicking here.

For more information, please go to:  http://uscampaignforburma.org/winter-2012-student-exposure-trip-to-thai-burma-border

GW President Steven Knapp welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, The Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, to campus Sept. 18.

The Crown Prince of Brunei and President Knapp met in Duquès Hall to discuss potential partnerships with George Washington for faculty research and student exchanges.

The meeting also included His Royal Highness Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi; The Honorable Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; His Excellency Dato Paduka Haji Yusoff Haji Abd Hami, the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the United States of America, and Muhammad Lutfi bin Abdullah, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office.

With GW's new state-of-the-art Science and Engineering Hall in progress, GW officials are hopeful that one of the outcomes of this historic meeting will be student exchanges with Brunei in engineering and sciences.

Brunei Darussalam is a Southeast Asian nation on the island of Borneo, and its constitutional sultanate has its roots in the 14th century. The geography of Brunei is known for its dense forests and swamps, and perhaps with a future partnership, GW can work with this nation to preserve its rich biodiversity and natural lands.

Click the link to read more about the Prince's visit to GW:
http://gwtoday.gwu.edu/aroundcampus/gwbruneiexplorepartnerships?utm_source=gwtodayemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=gwtodayemail092211

The Multi-Country Research Fellowship Program is a wonderful opportunity for U.S. doctoral candidates and scholars who have already earned their Ph.D. to do advanced regional or trans-regional research in humanities, social sciences, or allied natural sciences abroad. Approximately nine awards of up to $12,000 each will be given in the doctoral candidate/post-doctoral scholar competition hosted by the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) . The CAORC is a private not-for-proft federation of independent overseas research centers that promote advanced research, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, with the focus on the conservation and recording of cultural heritage and the understanding and interpretation of modern societies.

The deadline for application submission is Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

Eligibility Guidelines:

• Must be a U.S. citizen. Proof of citizenship (photocopy of passport) must be shown upon award notification.
• Must have a Ph.D. or be a doctoral candidate who has completed all Ph.D. requirements with the exception of the dissertation.
• Must be engaged in the study of and research in the humanities, social sciences, and allied natural sciences.
• Must wish to conduct research of regional or trans-regional significance in two or more countries outside the United States, one of which must host a participating American overseas research center (ORC). These include:
• American Center for Mongolian Studies
• American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies
• American Institute of Bangladesh Studies
• American Institute of Indian Studies
• American Institute of Pakistan Studies
• Center for Khmer Studies

Preference will be given to candidates examining comparative and/or cross-regional research. Applicants are eligible to apply as individuals or in teams.

Please note that fellowships for Master's level students will not be available for the 2011-2012 cycle.

In addition to their stories, I'll remember the hugs the most. In my many meetings I had with Alezandra Russell, the founder of Urban Light, before I left to spend a month at that organization this summer, she had cautioned me that it takes many months or even years for her clients to develop a sense of trust with anyone -- let alone a farang (foreign) man. I therefore should be neither hurt nor surprised when I leave after my month there and the young men barely acknowledge my departure. The reason for this is simple: I'm a farang man -- literally the face of the type of people that have exploited many of these young men for years. Instead of a casual or indifferent wave of the hand on my last day, however, I received hugs, many of them. One of them wouldn't let me go. It was an unexpected and emotional way to end my four weeks in northern Thailand.

With the generous support of the Sigur Center, I left DC on July 19 to spend a month in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand's largest city, at an organization called Urban Light. UL serves as a drop-in and resource center for young men who work in the bars of Chiang Mai's night bazaar, a major tourist attraction. Most of them do not have formal jobs at the bars such as waiters or bartenders. Instead, they primarily just hang out in the bars with their friends, play snooker, drink, and chat with customers. The customers -- about 80 percent farang and 20 percent Thai -- according to my interviews with the young men, do not come for the ambiance. Beyond a couple requisite rainbow flags, the poster of a shirtless Andy Roddick, and a few photos of good looking Asian men in their underwear, these bars are not any different than many others in Chiang Mai. The customers come for neither the atmosphere nor the drinks here: they come for the boys.

Both from numerous observations at the bars and from interviewing the young men who work there, when a customer enters and takes a seat, one of the young men will usually take a break from snooker or hanging out with his friends and go sit next to the customer. They'll chat and the customer will usually flirt with and start touching the young man. The latter will encourage the customer to buy cocktails instead of a beer because he gets a 20 baht (66 US cents) commission for each one he sells. Depending on the mood of each party, after a few drinks and groping by the customer, he may leave. Sometimes he will tip the young man 100-200B ($3-6) for spending time with him. If he wants more, though, he will proceed with negotiating the price and details of what he wants sexually from the young man. In Thai, this is called the Off fee or going Off. From the 12 interviews I conducted with young male bar workers age 18-25, they told me the Off fee is usually between 500B-2,000B ($16-$66) at these bars in Chiang Mai.

At this point I should make two important notes. First, there are many young men under the age of 18 who both do this work in the bars and attend Urban Light's programming and activities. The customers who purchase sex from these minors are de jure committing trafficking in persons (TIP) under both Thailand's 2003 law against human trafficking and the 2000 UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, the primary instrument of international law that deals with TIP. Thailand has signed but not yet ratified this protocol and thus it is non-binding in the Kingdom. Thailand's domestic law does carry legal force, however. Both laws specify engaging in commercial sex with an individual under the age of 18 as one of the "worst forms" of human trafficking. But of course the real world, in this case the bars of Chiang Mai's night bazaar, are far from the halls of power in Bangkok and Rome where the two aforementioned laws were promulgated.

The second critical note is that few, if any, of the young men I interviewed and the dozens of others who go to Urban Light during the day and/or work in the bars at night are gay or bisexual. These young men are members of the MSM category, Men Who Have Sex With Men, which is a crucial to the discourse and literature in many disciplines, public health in particular. The young men of Chiang Mai's night bazaar engage in this work for money. There are not emotional attachments to the customers who often are old enough to be their fathers -- or even their grandfathers (one of my interviewees told me that "many old, old, old men, often with canes" come in to Off the young men). I asked each one of the 12 I interviewed if he thought this was a good job. They all said no. I asked each one if they would recommend this work to someone they knew who needed a job. They all said no. Many expressed shame and embarrassment when talking about their work -- which brings me back to the hugs.

I went to the Thailand with a straightforward assumption and a simple objective. The assumption was that few people or organizations (with the notable exception of Urban Light) has ever paid much attention to these societal throwaways or ever listened to their stories. Most people in Thailand and elsewhere just assume these young men do this work because they like it. After all, what straight 18-year-old man wouldn't want to have sex with a man 50 years his senior for $20? Therefore, my most basic objective was to simply listen to their story and then help them share it, if the interviewee so desired. Nearly every one of the Urban Light participants 18 or older (I chose not to interview any minors given the particular sensitivities of interviewing children about such difficult topics) agreed to speak with my wonderful interpreter, Neung, and I. Each one shared his story and I was constantly amazed with how open they were with us. They told us details I never imagined they would entrust us with, and I was honored and humbled by their decision to share so much. Once a few of them got started, they delved into graphic detail about sex and labor abuse and exploitation to which they were subjected, often as children. It quickly seemed to became apparent that having a sympathetic ear with which to share these stories was perhaps helpful, or maybe even a bit cathartic. This brings me to my last day at Urban Light.

Before I left, I sat all the young men down and spoke to them about how appreciative, honored, and humbled I was that they had shared so much of their stories and lives with me. I told them of my apprehensions about doing this research - namely that they would understandably not really trust what I was doing there. I told them how much I respected them and had learned from them and that I was truly sad to be leaving Chiang Mai and all of them. I expected a smile and a friendly "goodye" but instead, one of them came up to me and asked Neung to ask me if he could hug me. Taken aback, I said "of course" and outstretched my arms. He squeezed me tight and after a few seconds I started to loosen my grip but instead he pulled me closer and hugged me harder and wouldn't let me go. My eyes watered because I realized then that I had made an unexpectedly profound connection. As he pulled away and walked off to the side, I saw that almost all of the UL guys had lined up behind him to hug me. After each one hugged me and bade me goodbye, I was shaken and had a much harder time walking out of that center than I ever would have imagined. It is extremely difficult to know that I will probably never see most of those guys ever again. As I rounded the bend on the side street on which UL is located, I glanced over my shoulder to take one more look at the young men who had made such an impact on my life and my academic perception of sex work and exploitation. They were climbing on their motos and driving off toward the bars.

Matt Grieger
MA candidate, Asian Studies
2011 Sigur Center Summer Field Research Fellow

Reports to: Manager, Outreach Based in: Washington, DC

Role Summary:

Internship Dates: Fall semester (approximately August 29 through December 9) Role: Membership Assistant/Intern.

The Membership Assistant will assist the Outreach Manager in providing world-class and forward-looking services to the Council's 100+ member U.S. companies, which include Google, ExxonMobil, The Coca- Cola Company, Microsoft, Boeing, and Harley Davidson.

The Assistant will work out a schedule with the Outreach Manager and may help on some or all of the following: * Manage and draft reports on Council outreach to members (weekly); * Create and manage a report on changes in legislation affecting doing business in ASEAN for distribution to members;

* Assist with research for membership meetings and on potential members; * Develop talking points for meetings; * Participate in weekly conference calls to build a summary of membership activities in the United States and in ASEAN nations; * Assist with sponsorship activities and events; * Attend events with visiting delegations and take notes for members;

*Assist managers on the preparation and running of Council events * Provide administrative support responding to membership activities to include mailings, preparation for events, and special projects.

Qualified candidates will have attention to detail, interest in the region and learning, superb writing and editing skills (mandatory) and exemplify professionalism. A confidentiality contract on proprietary information will be required.

This is an opportunity to build experience in membership services and knowledge of political, economic and trade issues in Southeast Asia. The Council will work with college programs to obtain credit where possible. The position is unpaid but will be an excellent educational experience and

includes monthly Smart Trip benefits. Please email resume and interest to the US-ASEAN Business Council's Outreach Manager, Mads Stockwell at mstockwell@usasean.org

Southeast Asia is unlikely to see an Egyptian-style popular protest leading to regime change in the near future, though it still offers lessons to the current wave of uprisings taking place across the Middle East and North Africa, said Southeast Asia expert Catharin Dalpinoat a public lecture organized by the Sigur Center for Asian Studies at George Washington University.

Catharin Dalpino, who is also an Adjunct Professor at the Elliott School of International Affairs at GWU, outlined five main reasons that the recent experience of Tunisia and Egypt will not be replicated in Southeast Asia:

• The region is not prone to contagion effects. Historical experience shows that political disturbances in one country have had limited impact beyond borders. Even during the Vietnam War, the ripple effect extended only to Cambodia and Laos, despite what the domino theory of the time had predicted.

• Southeast Asian countries have little in common. Whereas the Middle Eastern and North African countries generally share an anti-Western sentiment, there is no such “regional angst” in Southeast Asia, said Dalpino. In contrast, Southeast Asia is “more at peace with itself and the outside world than ever before.” However, it is possible that anti-China sentiments are brewing in the region, as seen by recent tensions over China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, or reactions to China’s economic maneuvers throughout the region.

• Most of the tenured political leaders have already left office, and thus there is no longer an individual in Southeast Asia whose prolonged rule would provide a focal point for a popular uprising, as did Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s 30 years in office. Even in Southeast Asian countries where the political system remains authoritarian, there has already been some transition of power. Instead, what now characterizes the political landscape is the dominance of dynasties and oligarchies of power, yet “people don’t seem too bothered” by this persistence of “inherited power,” said Dalpino. The only current leader who is more akin to Mubarak would be Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, but Hun Sen’s leadership is one that has endured several political shifts and coalitions.

• Socioeconomic conditions have improved. Whereas a high rate of unemployment has been cited as one of the factors that sparked the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, the socioeconomic conditions in Southeast Asia are generally better than that in the Middle East and North Africa. Although many people are still poor, most of them have seen enough improvement economically over the recent years.

• Political Islam is integrated into mainstream politics. On the question of political participation of Islamist groups, Southeast Asia’s response has been to “let them into the tent,” said Dalpino. In Malaysia, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party has been a serious contender in elections. On the other hand, Indonesia’s approach has been to marginalize the radical Islamist parties, while incorporating some of their platforms into the mainstream parties.

Dalpino further pointed out that many of the revolts in Southeast Asia have been organized around elections, whereas the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt were not timed with an electoral cycle. She said this suggests that semi-authoritarian countries with dominant party regimes might be more vulnerable than strictly authoritarian or more democratic ones. In other words, it is the people’s “dashed expectations” that are the spark of popular discontent and mass reactions. In this context, Dalpino identified Myanmar as a plausible candidate for further uprisings, as it remains to be seen how much power-sharing will be allowed in light of the country’s recent elections and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Finally, the wave of popular uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa could draw a lesson from Southeast Asia. Citing the examples of Thailand and the Philippines, both of which have seen repeated mass movements challenging the ruling regime, Dalpino warned that “people power revolts can be habit-forming” but do not necessarily lead to substantive change. “People power can open the door to reform, but doesn’t constitute reform,” she concluded.

Catharin Dalpino is currently the Joan M. Warburg Professor of International Relations at Simmons College; Visiting Scholar in Southeast Asian Studies, John Hopkins/SAIS; Adjunct Professor, Elliott School of International Affairs, The George Washington University; and Nonresident Senior Fellow, The Atlantic Council of the United States. A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, she has also been a Fellow at the Brookings Institution; a Resident Associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; and a career officer with The Asia Foundation. She specializes in political development and security in Southeast Asia, and is a frequent media commentator and editor of several articles and op-eds on US policy in Southeast Asia.

-- Written by Amy Hsieh via the Rising Powers Initiative Blog

Seven Columbian College freshmen shared an intense yearlong learning experience with their peers from half-way across the globe at the National University of Singapore. The students were participants in the Dean’s Scholars in Globalization program, a highly competitive cohort experience that combines coursework with the opportunity to perform research with students at universities outside of the United States.

Information sharing is a cornerstone of the program. In addition to traveling to the host countries, participants establish a virtual relationship via teleconferences, webchats, blogs, and webcams to study significant issues in a global context. The level of collaboration between students and faculty is intense.

In addition to traveling to Singapore, participants made stops in Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur and Indonesia’s Yogyakarta and Surabaya. They worked side-by-side with their counterparts, interviewing scholars, students, journalists, business people, and representatives from human rights organizations. The topics researched ranged from Facebook use in Islamic boarding schools to the nuances of modesty between men and women in Islamic society. Many of the interviews were arranged through Steele and Kuipers’ extensive regional contacts.

“I have to say that never in my 24 years of teaching have I had quite this kind of experience in which we fostered the development of a community of young scholars who were all working on research projects related to a single interdisciplinary theme, in this case ‘Media and Education in Islamic Southeast Asia,” said School of Media and Public Affairs Professor Janet Steele, who led the cohort last year with Professor of Anthropology Joel Kuipers.

To read more about this visit the GWU Columbian College Arts and Sciences Magazine:

http://magazine.columbian.gwu.edu/?p=79