Category: Asia

Hello DU Study Abroad Blog,

This week, we received our final lectures on Human Rights & International Development. This week also included a visit to a foundation that works with people with disabilities and a workshop on consent that empowers people to say “no”. This week wasn’t as content-heavy as other weeks because we had to prepare to present our second Independent Field Research Project. We presented them to our peers and it was really interesting to hear everyone’s interests considering we were split into different sects of International Development. I presented on the accountability tactics used within Indigenous communities to maintain order among their members. I wondered what the communities’ relationship was with the police and if they had more collectivist practices to avoid getting the law involved. This was the end of our second course in the program so we received a 10-day break that started on Friday. My mother shall be joining me in Thailand and we shall be traveling to Southern Thailand. Because of our visas, students can’t leave the country or else they will have to reapply for a visa. This is different from students who study abroad in Europe. I hope my experience gives you the tips necessary for deciding your program.

Best,

Namugga Nakayiza

This was journaled while I was abroad but due to limited internet access, I couldn’t post them at the exact moment. Recorded on 10/20/23.

Hello DU Study Abroad Blog,

This week, we have started taking our courses specific to our sects of interest. As I mentioned last week, I am interested in Human Rights and how it connects to International Development. We have received an introduction to Human Rights and how it is viewed internationally, especially through the United Nations. We have also visited a governmental organization that is working to consider the Land Rights of Indigenous People. We visited a photographer’s studio to learn about the conflict in the neighboring country of Myanmar. Hearing about the conflict helped us see how Human Rights can be violated on a daily basis without any consideration of humanity and with the drive of imperialism. Currently, we are in the most northern part of Thailand at the Thai/Myanmar border. It feels surreal considering the issues that run rampant in the neighboring country. Before we got to the border, we visited an indigenous migrant community and learned about how they work with the government to sustain their culture while observing the national government’s policies. It has been a tough week because of all the heavy information we’ve been absorbing. We are working through it though. It’s extremely fascinating. 

Best,

Namugga Nakayiza

This was journaled while I was abroad but due to limited internet access, I couldn’t post them at the exact moment. Recorded on 10/13/23.