Play Around the World
Referees: please read this information before completing the reference form
About Play Around the World 2012
Play Around the World (PAW) is a service learning course offered by the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation. (For some history about how PAW got started, see Background.)
The program selects and prepares up to 12 U of A students for a 3-month placement in Thailand and Cambodia, providing opportunities for play and recreation to underserved populations (people with disabilities, young offenders, orphans etc.)
A central component of the program is for U of A students to broaden their world view, as they live, learn and work in a different culture.
We would like to be able to send a full complement of students (ideally 3 teams of approximately 4 students to each of 3 cities to provide an effective combination of diversity in the student teams.
We do not think it is beneficial to the student or the program to put individuals into a challenging situation without the prerequisite skills, attitudes and experiences.
Therefore, if you are willing to have your current perspectives/ideas challenged, have an interest in learning with and from other cultures, have a background in play and recreation, and an attitude of bringing your best self to engage in group learning please attend an advertised open house, inquire further and consider applying to PAW.
PAW locations in Southeast Asia
Teams travel to these three locations:
- Pattaya - located 2 hours south of Bangkok on the Cambodian side of the Gulf of Thailand.
- Chiang Mai - located in the north of Thailand
- Phnom Penh - the capital city of Cambodia, situated at the convergence of the Tonlesap, Mekong and Bassac rivers
- All PAW location cities have good medical facilities, access to foods and services familiar to North Americans (including internet)
The composition of the teams will be decided by the leadership team and selection committee. Students will be informed of their assigned location upon acceptance to PAW.
More information about Thailand and Cambodia from Lonely Planet.
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Academic aspects
Registering for PAW - academic considerations for students (PDF)
- Students must register for the two Play Around the World courses (PERLS 440 and PERLS 441) or as a practicum through practicum advisor Dave Mitsui in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation.
- We recommend that students enroll in the Play Leadership course (PERLS 497) offered as a “special topics” course (and taught by Jane Vallentyne) in alternating years (next offering in winter 2012).
- In addition to attending classes January – April, students do a presentation, journaling, reflection papers, and a major project. All course work is to be completed by the end of September.
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Cost
- Approximately $5,500 per student. Includes flight, accommodation, and a per diem to offset costs of meals and daily transportation.
- In the past, the team has been able to fund raise 95 – 100 percent of these costs. Should the total amount not be raised, the per diem amounts will be reduced, and will be the responsibility of the student (approximately $1,000.)
- Passports, immunizations and tuition are additional costs that are not reimbursed. Typically students take an additional $1,000 to participate in additional activities in their leisure time (scuba diving, treks, shopping, etc.).
Application for Play Around the World 2012
- Deadine for applications: November 9, 2011
- Interviews will be held in November 2011 for short-listed students
- Application forms are available on line or may be picked up at the Student Services office - E4-66, Van Vliet Centre