RPCV Lora Friedrich leads students to Thailand
Lora Friedrich, professor of sociology, is one of the leaders for the Thailand trip. Friedrich actually lived in Thailand for three years while serving in the Peace Corps, and also led a student trip there in 1999.
Friedrich said that her familiarity with the country and the language, along with her on-going communication with friends and others living in Thailand, makes her feel comfortable about introducing a new group of students to the culture.
"I've worked really hard to make this trip safe, as well as a good intellectual experience for everyone," Friedrich said.
The Thailand group will spend most of their time in the north and south of the country, with a fairly short stop in Bangkok. According to Friedrich, the group is steering clear of typical "western tourist stops" in order to get a better cultural experience.
"For the most part, I feel really safe there," Friedrich said. "One of the residuals of the Vietnam War is that these people really seem to love Americans and act somewhat protective of them."
Friedrich describes Thai people as "an incredibly generous culture." Though five students dropped from the trip last Tuesday, Friedrich said she feels assured that the trip will be a valuable experience for everyone who gets to go.
"I am excited to introduce new people to this culture that I have fallen in love with," Friedrich said. Friedrich will have help from a Thai friend of hers, who plans to spend part of the trip with the Simpson group that is co-led by Nicolas Proctor, assistant professor of history.
