Location:

Davao, Philippines; Dumaguete, Philippines; Manila, Philippines

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

Mabuhay! Known as the Pearl of the Orient, the Philippines has 7,107 islands and nearly 90 languages and dialects. This summer study abroad program will offer students direct contact with world issues like human trafficking, poverty, resiliency, grassroots initiatives towards environmental change within the context of Filipino life and culture.  This global education program in the Philippines will expose students to the dynamic interplay between human population and socio-economic, political, and environmental issues affecting the country.
Students will explore the complexity of human trafficking as one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world, particularly within the context of the Philippines vis-à-vis Southeast Asia. Students will learn the causes, effects, (the) push and pull factors, and the various forms/models of human trafficking towards exploitation particularly of children, youth, men, and women. Students will visit four of the world’s largest landfills such as the Smoky Mountain, Hapilan, BASECO, and Payatas. They will interact with local population and grassroots community development workers. In Mindanao, students will have the opportunity to visit local communities that are being affected by aerial spraying conducted by DOLE (banana and pineapple plantations) plantation company and do actual rice planting. They will also visit NGOs that promote organic and sustainable agriculture and diversified farming. Sessions on Philippine history, culture, politics and governance will be conducted during the entire trip.The trip spans four major cities: Manila, Davao, Tagbilaran and Dumaguete.

Program Details

Seeking Approval for the Following:

Undergraduate:

• Integrative Studies (INTS 399): Study Abroad
• Conflict Analysis (CONF) 385: International Field Experience
• Conflict Analysis (CONF) 399: Special Topics in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Geography and Geoinformation Science (GGS) 333: Issues in Regional Geography
• Geography and Geoinformation Science (GGS) 399: Selected Topics in Global Change
• Global Affairs (GLOA) 480: Study Abroad

Graduate:

• Conflict Analysis (CONF) 695: Selected Topics

Eligibility

This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students including students who do not attend George Mason University

Housing

Hotels and Homestays

Cost:

Program Cost (Summer 2017): $5,090. (NEW PRICE) Included: Tuition (6 credits) Welcome and Farewell meals Housing Most meals Transportation between sites in the Philippines Guided tours and field excursions Pre-Departure Orientation Post-trip meeting International Emergency Insurance Not Included: Round-trip airfare Other transportation Some meals Personal spending

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes