Date

Session

Activity

Focus

Objective

2 May

morning

meet at EMU library circle for 11:30 packing and noon departure; leave Dulles at 4:55 p.m. on United 5408 to NYC, then Cathay Pacific 889 to Hong Kong, then Cathay Pacific 767 to HCMC

Tom Sawin will be carrying his cell phone while in USA. 620 217 4668

4 May

morning

arrival at TSN airport ~ 10:20 a.m. on CX 767

adjust for jet lag (and heat)

afternoon

settle at guesthouse à tour

Bao Chau Hotel, 256 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, HCMC (84-8-930-3772)

layout of HCMC

appreciate teeming activity of a developing country

evening

group meal and orientation

rest

adjust for jet lag (and heat)

5 May

morning

walking tour to two museums – the War Crimes Museum and the former Presidential Palace

American/Vietnamese history of conflict à post-war rebuilding

grasp the immensity of the war’s effect on history

afternoon

group lunch and reflection

marketplace frenzy and variety

observe Vietnam’s resilient pace of post-war rebuilding and identity

evening

group meal

rest

adjust for jet lag (and heat)

6 May

morning

bus trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

from colonial to present times, the tunnels present an ingenious, costly response to foreign occupation

demonstration of the nation’s self-determination to be independent

afternoon

group lunch followed by free time

rest

adjust for jet lag (and heat)

evening

dinner on your own

wonder and get some more rest

get a sense of a country and people in transition à “We have changed more in the last 10 years than the prior 1,000 years”

7 May

morning

early departure to Long Xuyen

AGU bus to meet the EMU group at Bao Chau Hotel, 256 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, HCMC (84-8-930-3772)

viewing the Delta and arriving at An Giang University

rural-urban differentials; imagine the expanse of the rice-bearing delta; greet your colleagues at AGU

afternoon

settle into and eat at the old AGU guesthouse; greet Ms. Nga (cook and hostess) and Ms. Thuy (seamstress); address: An Giang University, 25 Vo Thi Sau Street, Long Xuyen; c/o Rector Vo Tong Xuan (84-76-842596; vtxuan@fpt.vn; v.xuan@cgiar.org) and c/o MCCer Jon Moyer (0908.887604; jonathanmoyer@yahoo.com).

campus tour and meeting up with colleagues, hostess, and ao dai seamstress

settle in and know your surroundings; get acquainted with breakfast places (cards); practice ordering your food and greeting others; tour the market near Vo Thi Sau street; begin the sewing of your ao dai

evening

xyclo around Long Xuyen à silk street and dinner à cafes

rest

know the diversity and vibrancy of this delta city; submitjournal reflection

8 May

morning

rest

rest

adjust for jet lag (and heat)

afternoon

preparation for the workshop

preparation for the workshop

preparation for the workshop

evening

cooking class at Lang Toi

learn among friends at Lang Toi

appreciate the culinary secrets of Vietnam

9 May

morning

workshop

introduction to IC3; history of this project (explaining SEED); formation of participant pods for the workshop; Asian uses of English; and objectives and timeline of the workshop and IC3 project overall; initial “impressions of IC3” posted to website

continue forming a collective understanding of this IC3 learning enterprise; value one another’s identity and participation in this workshop

afternoon

direction of local, regional, and global learning through language, IT, and development coursework – IC3; selection of “identity” materials from Pre-University and University Level I chapters to augment pod formation and relations

appreciate the unique nature of this undertaking: inter-cultural, inter-campus, and inter-departmental on each campus

evening

Night Market – tons of noodles and fragrances

tour the market stalls

vibrancy of Long Xuyen night activities

10 May

morning

workshop

integration of listening/speaking, reading, writing, and development subjects of inquiry – primary health topics of helmets, smoking, and avian flu. Focus on Pre-University level of IC3 curriculum with references to how this integrates into the University Level I materials

using multi-media equipment in the conference room, provide an overview of how the lessons of each chapter and level of study integrate

afternoon

role-playing online through pod work à eventual use of computers at the library by the end of the afternoon

evening

goat restaurant – great curry and soups!

get used to karaoke

vibrancy of Long Xuyen night activities

11 May

morning

workshop

open with review of what was posted by the pods on the prior afternoon; integration of listening/speaking, reading, writing, and development subjects of inquiry – food and water security. Focus on University Level I of IC3 curriculum with references to how this builds on the learning at Pre-University level

continued demonstration of how the lessons of each chapter and level of study integrate, emphasizing the linkage from pre-university level to university level I studies

afternoon

role-playing online through pods à eventual use of computers at the library by the end of the afternoon

evening

dinner on your own (you’ll have cards, addresses, and a bit of money to negotiate xyclo fares and ordering your food – enjoy the challenge!)

A Dream in Hanoi – you’ve seen this once at EMU, participated already in one round of dialogue, and now have a chance to live and demonstrate a deeper level of dialogue with Vietnamese colleagues

build your confidence of learning of this new culture on your own; engage Eric, Jon, Julie, and Jack à learn from your peers who have been in Long Xuyen for 1 – 3 years; be mindful of the next morning’s commitments in the workshop

12 May

morning

workshop

open with review of what was posted by the pods on the prior afternoon; IC3 panel comprised of CTU, AGU, and EMU student and instructor commentators on the virtual courses this past year, pod work, and free discussion/questioning regarding this approach to inter-cultural, inter-lingual, IT, inter-disciplinary, and development studies; celebration of Jon’s book

demonstrate successes from this past year’s virtual coursework between AGU, Can Tho University, EMU, CTP students (from 12 countries), and our Iranian classmates; invite Jack, Julie, and Jon to share with their AGU colleagues the importance of their teaching/learning experience together

afternoon

discuss the film from the prior evening and examine what can come of the FFS online dialogue à how to use this in listening/speaking, reading, and writing class work

role-playing online through pods à eventual use of computers at the library by the end of the afternoon

evening

dinner on your own

free evening

continue exploring on your own, but be mindful of the next morning’s commitments in the workshop

13 May

morning

workshop

open with review of what was posted by the pods on the prior afternoon; going to SCALE with this IC3 approach, materials, and commitment to extensive communities of learning; introduction of workplan needs; video of the Four Great Rivers project for food and water security stretching from Tibet to the Mekong Delta; fifth day “impressions of IC3”

demonstrate other successful examples of going to scale; situate our curriculum project in the context of other learning endeavors; discuss a strategy for our co-learning

afternoon

role-playing online through pods

evening

dinner on your own

free evening

perhaps travel around with colleagues from the workshop

14 May

morning

workshop and closing luncheon

review of initial and fifth day impressions; development of IC3 workplan and role reallocation for the coming school year; questions, further critique, and refinement of IC3 template and goals

implementation with control and pilot classrooms on several campuses; role reallocation and strategy for IC3 curriculum

afternoon

free afternoon

perhaps travel around or hand out on campus with colleagues

evening

group meal and reflection

back to our friends at Lang Toi

rest and reflect; submitjournal reflection

15 May

all day

bike ride around Tiger Island

visit Bac Ton temple, museum, and ancestral home; tour ba sa and rice farms; enjoy rural and river life; explore the riverfront marketplace after returning from Tiger Island; head back to campus on your own

appreciate the history, culture, scenery, and hard work of the people of the delta

evening

dinner on your own

rest and reflect

rest and reflect

16 May

all day

Tra Su crane preserve, Chau Doc town and Cham weaving cooperative on the island

observe unique ecological site and predicament

study the balance of development and conservation

evening

group meal/reflection - Kim Phat

game night at the guesthouse

rest and reflect

17 May

all day

thorough xyclo and/or bus tour of Long Xuyen and experiments being conducted on the AGU campus

visit and meet with colleagues at the Cao Dai temple (Professor Nang), tour the cathedral grounds, explore certain cooperatives (embroidery, joss sticks, and other), tour around the provincial buildings

appreciate the spirituality and industry of the people of the delta

evening

group meal along the riverfront

bumper cars at the carnival?

enjoy yourselves

18 May

morning

institutional TOEFL exam administered

prepare for evening performances and farewell; travel around with colleagues

enjoy yourselves

evening

reception at the guesthouse for our colleagues

farewell meal, reception, musical and other performances, fashion show, presentations, and karaoke on campus – all are invited to wear ao dai or favorite dress

enjoy yourselves and offer whatever symbol/token you wish to express something about what you’ve learned

19 May

morning

early departure from AGU for TSN airport; depart on Thai Airways 681 at 12:30 p.m. for Bangkok, then on Thai 923 at 3:25 for Chiang Mai, arriving at Chiang Mai at 4:35 p.m. Address: Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture, Crystal Spring House, Payap University, c/o Mark Tamthai (66-053-304-805; email: marktamthai@yahoo.com)

on to Thailand; flight departs TSN at 12:30 p.m.

we reach Chiang Mai at 4:35 p.m., and will then settle into the dorms at the Crystal Springs Campus of Payap University à our Thai program begins with dinner and an evening presentation; submitjournal reflection

evening

introductions to the ISRC; dinner at CSH; and beginning lectures at ISCR

introduction to Thai religion; slide presentation on northern Thai culture and religion

students will begin to compare and contrast the cultures, economics, development patterns, religiosity, and politics of Thailand with neighboring Southeast Asian states – Hong Kong, China and Vietnam

20 May

morning

breakfast at CSH; introduction to the life of Buddha at ISRC and teachings of Buddhism

inter-religious understanding

begin to comprehend the history of Christian and Buddhist understanding and collaboration in Thai society

afternoon

lunch at CSH and bus trip to Doi Suthep Temple on the outskirts of Chiang Mai; visit the Orchid Jade Factory

evening

dinner at CSH and group reflection

21 May

morning

breakfast at CSH à ISCR; further coursework on Buddhist teachings and practice

from teachings to practice

further comprehend and observe Christian and Buddhist collaboration in Thai society

afternoon

lunch at CSH and silor ride Mahachula Buddhist University, including lecture from monks on the life and role of Thai Buddhist monks; visit Wat Umong

evening

dinner at CSH followed by introductory lecture on the Protestant Church in northern Thailand

22 May

morning

breakfast at CSH à ISCR; worship at Siriwattana Church

Joining the congregation for worship, communion, discussion, and introduction to the city

further comprehend and observe Christian and Buddhist collaboration in Thai society

afternoon

lunch at Siriwattana Church with the youth of this Protestant congregation; bus tour of Chiang Mai, including important religious sites and the Otop Market

evening

dinner at Hong Thaew Restaurant; return to CSH; group reflection; free evening

23 May

morning

breakfast at CSH à ISCR; comparative lectures of the Buddhist perspective on Christianity and the Christian perspective on Buddhism

comparative analysis and introduction to service learning concepts and practices in northern Thailand

comparative summary of how these two religions regard one another and seek collaboration in service

afternoon

Lunch at CSH; service learning lecture and visit of project sites

evening

return to CSH and dinner on your own

24 May

morning

breakfast at CSH à departure for the Chiang Dao elephant camp à yes, elephant riding and bamboo rafting

enjoy the countryside and extraordinary Thai ecology

relax and process

afternoon

lunch at Orchid Farm Restaurant

evening

Return to CSH and dinner at Riverside Boat local restaurant

25 May

morning

breakfast at CSH à ISCR; lecture on Thai cultural foundations and political developments à consideration of peacemaking in this societal-political milieu

engage discussions on Thailand’s current challenges with several outstanding representatives of local development organizations; compare to earlier considerations of SEED-SCALE just and lasting change within a country

direct correspondence with development personnel from Thailand and abroad; begin to process your own understanding of an agenda for just and lasting development; and submit journal reflection

afternoon

lunch at ISCR; followed by lecture on the changing context of current social challenges in northern Thailand

evening

dinner on own

26 May

morning

breakfast at CSH à visit CCT project sites

further exploration and understanding of service learning in northern Thai and IC3 context à workplan for the coming school year: how might Payap, AGU, and EMU work and study together?

Soak in the graciousness of Thai culture; imagine and identify next steps for IC3 collaboration among our institutions (simultaneous with our visit to Payap, the leadership of Payap will be at EMU meeting with our professors, staff, and administration)

afternoon

lunch at Khao Soi (northern noodles); free afternoon

evening

return to CSH; depart at 4:00 by silor for Seub Chadha (Life Prolonging Ceremony) and farewell dinner à yes, you do get to offer some musical performances as your hosts will be doing the same; the dinner and cultural show will be presented by Payap University students

27 May

morning

breakfast at CSH; closing discussion with Mark Tamthai; expression of thanks to our hosts; depart on Thai Airways 922 at 10:15 a.m. for Bangkok; with all of our airport time, we will likely take some group time for reflection

closure at CSH and transit to our final pilgrimage site; short orientation and settling in at TFS; we will probably have had plenty to eat on the airline flights

try to relax and process during a long day of transit

afternoon

depart at 4:05 p.m. on Cathay Pacific 712 for Hong Kong

evening

arrive at 7:50 p.m., meet Rev. John LeMond, and bus to Tao Fong Shan pilgrimage site; address: 33 Tao Fong Shan Road, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong (852-2694-4028, 2691-1485, 6255-5704; email lemond@netvigator.com)

28 May

all day

all meals at TFS; retreat guided by John LeMond; perhaps a trip down the hill to the Hong Kong heritage Museum and Tea Shop

Tao Fong Shan is an important pilgrimage site in Hong Kong; established in the 1930s, it has long served as a retreat and site for ecumenical, inter-religious communion; John LeMond will guide our group in a spiritual meditation and retreat, as well as introduce us to current challenges and opportunities in the lives of Hong Kong citizens

meditate upon your month-long immersion in IC3 and Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese contexts; submit your final journal reflection on the 31 st – this final submission is a deeper consideration of your earlier submitted reflections, my questions, and our several group discussions

29 May

all day

all meals at TFS and worship services in Chinese and international contexts, both on-site and in the Hong Kong community

30 May

all day

all meals at TFS; retreat guided by John LeMond; perhaps a trip down the hill to the Hong Kong heritage Museum and Tea Shop

31 May

all day

breakfast and dinner (likely) at TFS, but sightseeing in Hong Kong

1 June

morning

early breakfast; depart for Cathay Pacific 830 at 10:15 a.m. for NYC, then United 5459 at 4:40 p.m. for Dulles; arrive in D.C. at 6:09 p.m.; meet EMU van at 6:30 p.m. by United baggage claim and return to campus, arriving home around 9:00 p.m.

continue to consider the ways in which you may integrate this cross-cultural study tour, service-learning, and IC3 launch into your studies and post-graduation life; EMU folks: Tom Sawin will carry his cell phone (620-217-4668) while in USA