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 HIV/AIDS and human trafficking 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.

Details
July 10 – 24, 2008
$2,700 2 week program cost includes:

➢    Accommodations in Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Mai Sai
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 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 plane.

➢    Meals
Continental breakfast and lunch will be included from Monday to Friday. Dinner is not included, except for a few group dinners.

➢    Entertainment
Two to three cultural events will be organized for the group and will be optional. The price of attending the events is not included in the program fee.

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. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you are responsible for contacting the Thai Embassy to determine if you need a visa to enter Thailand, and arranging your own visa.

No more than 15 students will be selected to attend this study program in Thailand. For full details of the 2008 Summer Study program, please download a copy of the program itinerary. Available after May 30, 2008.

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)
•    Pattaya Home for Street Children
•    UNESCO Bangkok
•    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:
•    Ralph “Skip” Boyce, US Ambassador to Thailand
•    Nongnuth Phetcharatana, 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,
      International Organization for Migration (IOM)
•    Heather Peters, Anthropologist, UNESCO
•    Supakon Noja, Director of the Pattaya Home for Street Children
•    David Feingold, Anthropologist & filmmaker, UNESCO
•    EMPOWER
•    Dr. Pierre Le Roux, Anthropologist
•    Thomas Steinfatt, Professor of Communications, University of Miami
•    Nicolas Lainez, Photo Journalist and Anthropologist



Students who wish to receive credit for participation in the program will be required to complete the following assignments:

Assignment 1: Class Journal
The Class Journal provides students with an opportunity to make a record of his/her learning process.  The journal should reflect the expectations and preconceptions at the beginning of the time in Thailand, and their opinions and reflections at the conclusion of the course. What the student writes is up to him/her, as long as it satisfies three requirements:  (1) a response to daily field trips and interactions with people with whom they meet and others during their stay; (2) reference specifically the readings and/or to class discussion; (3) students must write everyday, and the entry should be at least a half page in length.

Assignment 2: Final Short Paper (10-12 pages)
The Final Short Paper should incorporate both theoretical and empirical knowledge, as well as personal perspectives of the students’ Thailand experience. Students may focus on any issue that has most deeply engaged their interest during their time in Thailand, e.g. human security, gender, trafficking, aftercare programs, development, environmental pressures, and family debt, etc.

This paper should incorporate information gleaned during field visits, readings, lectures, class discussions and any research done on the Internet. The paper must utilize a proper citation format and bibliography, and demonstrate original thought and good paper-writing skills (i.e., present a thesis in a topic paragraph, explore the thesis in an organized and rigorous manner, and end with a conclusion). 

Assignment 3: Essay
Each student is required to write one 500 word essay. The essays will be posted online for their classmates to read and comment on. Each student is responsible for providing positive and constructive feedback to other students’ essays, and the assignment will be graded on the thoughtfulness of the essays and the comments to others’ writings.

Attendance and Participation
Students are expected to be engaged and alert at all times during the organized classes and field trips. 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 2008 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 graduate or undergraduate student majoring in the social sciences;
➢    Have a demonstrated interest in human trafficking prevention and human rights issues;
➢    Be flexible and adaptable and able to cope with 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;
➢    Consume alcohol responsibly;
➢    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 15, 2008.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the summer program start?
The Thailand summer study program runs from July 10, 2008 to July 24, 2008. Final coursework is required to be handed in by August 7, 2008.

How many people can take part in the program?
The number of participants in the Thailand trip is limited to 15 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 10, 2008. Please note that 2-page 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: preventhumantraffic@gmail.com

Space is limited, so apply online today!