[Tlc] L-SAIL summer program

[justinm at ucr.edu]

FYI.
Thanks,
justin

CLS
Sabaydii Justin,

To read the blog and view pictures from our six Summer Study Abroad in Laos students (SAILers) and the program leader while they spend their summer in Laos, please visit: http://www.laostudies.org

Below are excerpts from the blog:

"I'll miss my American lifestyle, but it's going to be SO much fun these next two months in Laos."

--Eileen Sinn, 2009 SAIler

"I walked out the airplane door and was greeted by the warm heat, it felt like a warm blanket that was gently wrapped around my shoulders, and I felt comforted. I looked out and saw the country side and a feeling of such calm and peace washed over me as if I had been holding breath for the longest time and was exhaling, I was home."

--Vatsana Bilavarn, 2009 SAILer

"Here in Vientiane, I feel as good as ever. Even better actually. I can't help but smile all the time and I just have this urge to say 'Sabaydii' to everyone I pass. It feels so great to be here, I just can't believe it!" 

--Amy Bowers, 2009 SAILer

"My visit to That Luang is just one example that has proven that words and pictures is not enough, everyone has to experience Laos themselves to truly understand its magnificence. I am at a lost of words when trying to describe my feelings here, at times I find myself feeling chills or teary eyed with the realization that I am in this amazing place. Each day has been an adventure in its own. I still have so much of Laos to see and I just can't wait."

--Yaengsaeng Xayavong, 2009 SAILer

First off the Lao language is pretty hard....I love my teacher he is pretty awesome!  We learned 27 consonants and 28 vowels in 3 days....now it is up to us to practice pronouncing the words correctly.  I am learning so much this time around..because I'm not just coming to visit family friends...and touring around...I'm learning about my identity as a Lao person through the Lao-American College, students and fellow SAILers.

--Sandra Siharath, 2009 SAILer

"Today we visited our first NGO.  It was a quaint afterschool(ish) program thing for children.  They did a little performance for us and everything. It was so cute! We also met some of our future Lao language partners yesterday.  They were all really cool.  Later we are going to have a BBQ and go bowling with them."

--Bradin Versteegh, 2009 SAILer

"I am not Lao, but I know and love Laos, and guiding and watching those who have a biological connection to the country experience it has been incredible. It is thrilling for me to see those who have Lao in their blood, and who have all shared such amazing stories about their lives and why they have chosen to be a part of this program, react to and embrace a part of their history they have never known themselves."

--Samantha Miller, SAIL program leader

"The students are very excited about this opportunity as I was when I went on my study abroad program in Thailand in 1994. Back then there were no study abroad program in Laos-there has not been one since then, until the start of the SAIL program this year. Thailand was the next best thing to Laos so I signed up."

--Vinya Sysamouth, CLS executive director

______________
Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
3046 INTN
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu