Two academic, for-credit hybrid courses (taught online, on-site and in the classroom) will be enhanced by additional lectures by local academics, government officials, business leaders, NGO activists, and other guest speakers. They will provide fresh perspectives on the real reasons there are serious threats to human security, and why men, women and children are trafficked internally in Thailand or to other countries.

Click to check out and/or download the program poster!

Students can take one or both of the following courses during this program (for a maxiumum of 6 credits): 

GOVT-496/696, The Politics of Human Trafficking: Theory and Power (3 credits)*

Associate Professor Alan Levine

A multifaceted exploration of the politics of human trafficking, coupling analysis of the theoretical debate on the morality of “owning” human beings with on-the-ground investigation in Thailand, a world hub of human trafficking. We read great philosophers, such as Hobbes, Locke, Marx, Nietzsche, and Foucault, meet Thai politicians, activists, and sex workers, and learn from in-country experts. The highest morality and the ugliest reality will all be considered.

 JLS-496-696, Justice and Human Trafficking: Current Issues with a Global Perspective (3 credits)*

Associate Professor Lynn Addington

Explores issues of "justice" in the context of human trafficking. While we will use the US to provide a common foundation to frame our discussions, we will take a global perspective to examine human trafficking with a particular focus on Thailand. Readings and assignments will be coupled with in-country, on-site visits and guest speakers to provide an understanding of the problem, policy, responses and challenges to addressing human trafficking.

*Special fees will be charged for these courses in Thailand.

 Apply now with PHT!

Prevent Human Trafficking Institute (PHT) is a DC based non-profit organization working to build a bridge between South East Asia and the United States to prevent human trafficking. PHT empowers individuals, organizations and governments to tackle the root causes of human trafficking through direct support and technical assistance. PHT uses its expertise and networks to promote best practice and inspire sustainable solutions in the movement to prevent human trafficking.

Prevent Human Trafficking’s summer study program, running since 1999, offers unique access to some of Southeast Asia’s pre-eminent scholars, activists, organizers and government officials working at the forefront of the global anti-trafficking movement. 

Participants in the study program will gain vital first hand knowledge of anti-trafficking strategy and unwritten “best practices” and a deeper understanding of systemic causes of trafficking along with an appreciation of challenges in the anti-trafficking movement. Special lectures by local academics, government officials, business leaders, NGO activists, and other guest speakers will provide fresh perspectives on the real reasons there are serious threats to human security, and why men, women and children are trafficked internally in Thailand or to other countries.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience academic seminars in Thailand’s pre-eminent institutions, to examine the real implications of US foreign policies in anti-trafficking, and to travel extensively to gain local insights and perspectives on effective strategies, while benefiting from direct exposure to the surroundings which often promote trafficking. Participants will also explore connections between   human trafficking and a host of other issues with leading researchers in the field, and hear from the organizers themselves about alternative economic models for trafficked persons in recovery, and those at risk.

Program Details:

July 23 - August 8 (in Thailand)

Program fee includes:

➢    Accommodations in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai OR Chiang Rai.
Participants will stay in guest houses and apartments in each of these cities. Accommodations are based on double occupancy (single occupancy can be arranged for individuals who are willing to pay the $500 difference in cost).

➢    Transportation in Thailand
Participants will use a variety of means to travel within Thailand. All are safe and efficient. They include taxi, sky train, van, bus, and airplane.

➢    Meals
Continental breakfast and lunch will be included from Monday to Friday, and a few group dinners.

➢    Entertainment
Two to three cultural events will be organized for the group and will be optional.

Travel to Thailand
Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel to Thailand. THE COST OF TRAVEL TO AND FROM THAILAND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM FEE. No visa is required for U.S. citizens staying in Thailand under 30 days. If you plan to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days and you are a U.S. citizen, you are responsible for arranging your own visa.

No more than 20 students will be selected to attend this study program in Thailand. For full details of the 2010 Summer Study program, please download a copy of the program itinerary.*

*Available on this page after May 15, 2010.

Topics Explored
•    Human Trafficking (sex vs. labor trafficking)
•    Globalization and Human Security (impact on trafficking) 
•    The Politics of International Migration
•    Related Issues of Human Security: Minorities at Risk and Lack of Citizenship
•    Impact of Foreign Policy of the “North” on the global “South”
•    NGO’s as pivotal civil society builders
•    HIV/AIDS and trafficking
•    Changing Norms in addressing human rights and human security
•    Politics of Tourism
•    Sustainable NGO development
•    Globalization and the Environment, sustainable development and the plight of indigenous peoples

Sample Selected Site Visits
•    Population and Community Development Association of Thailand (PDA)
•    Center for Child Protection and Development - CPDC (formerly, the Pattaya Home for Street Children)
•    International Organization for Migration (IOM)
•    Development Education Programme for Daughters and Communities (DEPDC)
•    Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs
•    US Embassy in Bangkok

Guest Speakers
In addition to discussions and site visits, guest lectures by numerous practitioners, academics and policy makers provide participants with essential insights. Guest speakers may include, but are not limited to:
•    US Ambassador to Thailand
•    Director General,  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand
•    Mechai Viravaidya, Former Thai Senator and Chairman of PDA
•    Sudarat Sereewat, Secretary-General of Fight Against Child Exploitation (FACE)
•    Lance Bonneau, Senior Program Development Officer, (IOM)
•    Usa Lerd, Director of Foundation for Women (FFW)
•    Supakon Noja, Director of Center for Child Protection and Development (CPDC )
•    David Feingold, Anthropologist & filmmaker, UNESCO
•    Nicolas Lainez,  Anthropologist and Photo Journalist

Please note:
Attendance and Participation
Students are expected to be engaged and alert at all times during the organized classes and site visits. Students are expected to ask questions of the people visited during field trips and engage the professor and guest lecturers.

Become an Advocate!
This study program is more than just a two week experience. Many of our students have returned to become active advocates for the anti-trafficking movement. We offer students a number of different opportunities to become involved on their return, from starting club chapters, holding speaker events, raising funds and interning with PHT in Washington, DC.

Apply Now!
The 2010 summer study program offers unprecedented access to the very latest in trafficking prevention expertise.  To be eligible to take part in the program, applicants must:

➢    Be either a current upper level undergraduate or graduate student OR practitioner;
➢    Have a demonstrated interest in human trafficking prevention and human rights issues; 

➢    Be flexible and adaptable to the challenges presented by traveling outside the US;
➢    Demonstrate sensitivity in interacting with different cultures;
➢    Be able to work individually and as part of a team;
➢    Be willing to follow directions closely for the sake of the group and personal safety;
➢    Be drug free.

Everyone interested in participating in the PHT summer study program must fill out summer program application.

Click here to apply:
The closing date for applications is May 30, 2010. Interviews will be scheduled between May 15 - 30. Successful applicants will be notified no later than by June 1, 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the summer program start?
The Thailand summer study program runs from July 23 - August 8, 2010.

How many people can take part in the program?
The number of participants in the Thailand trip is limited to 20 students.

Are there scholarships available for the tour to Thailand?
A limited number of scholarships are available to enable students from less advantaged backgrounds to take up the opportunity to travel to Thailand. Applications for the scholarship may be completed online:   and submitted no later than May 15, 2010. Please note that 500 word essay will be required in addition to standard application requirements in order to be eligible to compete for a scholarship. For more information, please contact: preventhumantraffickingATgmail.com

Space is limited, so  Apply ONLINE TODAY!