Our First Week of Class

I feel as though I've been here for a long time, yet, it is only 12 days that I've been in Thailand. Already I know my way around the campus, how to get to places on the BTS (Bangkok's overhead train system), where to go for a good Thai massage, to shop for groceries, to get my laundry done, and I am gradually getting used to the bed, which feels like I'm sleeping on a board. The Thai massage ranges between pure euphoria and pure torture--especially when the masseuse finds every sore spot in your body and digs her elbow into it. But I am a glutten for punishment, as I plan on getting this massage at least once a week--the cost is around $13 for 2 hours, a cost you cannot beat.

Overall, it has been a very stimulating first week of classroom study. The lecturers we had this week were Tom Woodhouse (one of the authors of Contempory Conflict Resolution, a seminal work in the area of peace and conflict resolution studies) and Irene Santiago, who provided us with an overview of how gender should be part of the analysis and practical application of peace efforts.  While we were all exhausted after a full week of class (7 hours a day, 5 days a week), we all came away stimulated and actively engaged in discussions outside of class.  This week we were introduced to theory and concepts, as well as participated in simulations realted to the negotiation process, had group work with case studies on peace making efforts, and analyzed our own style of conflict management. 

Presentation on My Individual Conflict Project

Of course, the week also included a number of social activities that helped us relax and enjoy the area here in Bangkok.  One very unique outing we had was to a restaurant called Cabbages and Condoms.  Yes, condoms.  It is run by an NGO that supports HIV-AIDS prevention efforts.  Indeed, it was an experience to behold.  The decorations included numerous artistic items, all made from multi-colored condoms.  The picture below shows me next to Combat Condom Guy. 

Joyce and Combat Condom Guy

That's all for this week...I'm sure our next week in class also be exciting.  We have lots of reading to complete and must prepare ourselves to write our first paper, which is an analysis of our individual conflict project.

Week 1 in Bangkok

Our first week as a Rotary Peace Fellow is over.  We had several days of orientation by Jenn, the Deputy Director  of the Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University.  I'm happy to say that the orienation was very informative, not only about Thai culture and history, but as well, it provided us an overview of the course of studies we will be completing.  As well, we had plenty of opportunity for all of us, as fellows, to get to know each other.  We have already bonded and enjoyed plenty of "outside of class" activities together.

On Saturday the Rotary Center of Thailand had a day-long orienation, which included introductions of all the Rotarian host and co-host counselors, as well as an overview of Rotary.  The keynote speaker, Bhichai Rattakul, a Past Rotary International President, was the founder of the program at Chulalongkorn University.  He was a remarkable man and very inspirational in his talk.  The one point he made, which is important for all of us to remember is: "If you can only solve one problem [when you return home], it will be worthwhile." 

Below I have added some photos from my first week as a Rotary Peace Fellow. The first two are from the Rotary Club of Bangkapi, which I attended with my host and co-host counselors and another fellow on February 14, 2012.

The next picture is me with Bhichai, who handed out our Rotary Peace Fellow alumni pins during our orientation on Feb. 18, 2012.

 This picture has a majority of the fellows and Peace Center staff, while we were at the Rotary Orientation on February 19, 2012.

And, finally, a few of us needed to unwind after the long week.  We found a place in Bangkok along Sukhumvit Blvd., where I'm sure we'll end up many a weekend nights for some fun and relaxation.

The Rotary Peace Fellowship--Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

“Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice.”

                                                                                                               Baruch Spinoza (1632 - 1677)

As I prepare to leave my hometown, Erie, PA to travel to Bangkok, Thailand to begin my adventure as as Rotary Peace Fellow, I wanted to introduce everyone to this amazing program offered through the Rotary Foundation.  I am, indeed, honored, to have been selected as a Rotary Peace Fellow and am sure that the learning opportunities will be many,

The Rotary Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution were established by the Rotary Foundation one year after the terrorists attacks of 9/11, with a mission to train fellows to build peace in their communities and nations, as well as across international lines.  On this 10^th anniversary of the Rotary Peace Centers, over 590 fellows that have participated in the Rotary Peace Fellowship program.  

Each year, The Rotary Foundation offers on a world-competitive basis up to 60 Rotary Peace Fellowships for master’s degree study and up to 50 Rotary Peace Fellowships for a professional development certificate for study at the seven Rotary Peace Centers. Rotary Peace Fellows obtain a master’s degree in international relations, peace studies, conflict resolution, and related areas, or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict studies. Through their unique and diverse interdisciplinary programs, the seven Rotary Peace Centers provide academic and practical training to better equip peace fellows for leadership roles in solving the many problems that contribute to conflict around the world.

The Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University, established in 2004, offers a three- month, professional development certificate program twice annually to individuals currently working in related fields. Sessions run from January-April and June-August each year with a maximum of 25 Rotary Peace Fellows in each session.

Rotary Peace Fellows are chosen from countries and cultures around the globe based on their ability to have a significant, positive impact on world peace and conflict resolution during their careers. Fellows are leaders promoting national and international cooperation, peace, and the successful resolution of conflict throughout their lives, in their careers, and through service activities.

The following videos on the Rotary International website offer an overview of the Rotary Peace Centers, as well as the program at Chulalongkorn University.

Building Peace : takes a look at The Rotary Foundation’s Rotary Peace Centers View
Rotary Center at Chulalongkorn University : Strengthening Peacemakers Around the World View