Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Bleeyen Dootha Ang (Be the Change)

As my time in Thailand is quickly approaching an end (at least for this trip) I am sad to leave, but at the same time I am ready to take what I have learned during my time abroad and apply it to my life back in the States. My semester abroad in Thailand really helped to clarify many of the questions that I struggle(d) with about what it means to be a global citizen, how to live a sustainable and balanced lifestyle, and what I am passionate about pursuing after graduation.

None of these experiences, however, would have been possible without the financial support of the Ohio University Cutler Scholars Program, the Gilman International Scholarship Program (federal scholarship), the Ohio University Daniel K.C. Shao Study Abroad Scholarship and the Ohio University Honors Tutorial College Dean's Discretionary Grants.

For students interested in studying abroad I strongly encourage you to apply for a Gilman International Scholarship. The Gilman Scholarship Program offers grants of up to US$5000 to undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant Funding for a study abroad program of your choice. For more information on the Gilman Scholarship go to:

http://www.iie.org//Content/NavigationMenu/Programs7/Gilman_Awards/Home8/Home.htm

For information about other Study Abroad scholarships offered by Ohio University, Nationally Competitive International Scholarships, Civic Organizations, Foundations and other Institutions (so scholarships offered to OU students as well as students from other universities) go to:

http://www.ohio.edu/educationabroad/students/Scholarship.cfm

If you found my blog posts on agriculture and food systems interesting below is a list of resources and reading materials to help you make safe, local and environmentally-sound food choices.

Localharvest.org

Search by zip code, city, or state for farmers’ markets and CSAs in your area


USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/farmersmarkets

Includes a list of farmers’ markets across the U.S., searchable by name of the market, state, city, county, and/or zip code, provided by our very own Department of Agriculture.


Realfoodchallenge.org

Join the student movement working to bring local/community-based, fair, ecologically sound, and humane food into campus dining halls. Up to start the challenge at your school?


Eatwellguide.org

An online directory of sustainably-raised meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs


Slowfoodusa.org

“Slow Food USA envisions a world in which all people can eat food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it and good for the planet.” Good, Clean, Fair.


Recommended Readings and Movies:


The Omnivore’s Dilemma

Michael Pollan


Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

Barbara Kingsolver


In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto

Michael Pollan


Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health

Marian Nestle


The Violence of the Green Revolution

Vandana Shiva


Confessions of an Economic Hitman

John Perkins

Food Inc.
View the movie trailor at http://www.foodincmovie.com/


1 comment:

  1. Hi,

    My name is KC Owens; I’m a college student who loves to travel! While cruising the Internet, I found your site and really enjoyed reading your posts. Personally, I think traveling is a necessary part of life as you’re exposed to all sorts of new cultures and experiences. While enjoying time abroad, I've found it's crucial to fully understand the dangers that you might encounter along the way. These mishaps are part of life and certainly part of travel but it’s always a great idea to take preventive measures to help ensure your safety while abroad.

    I was hoping that you would allow me to write a post for your site to share my travel safety tips with your readers? I put a lot of time and passion into my traveling and I would love to help others by offering safety advice as a result of the mistakes and triumphs I've had. I look forward to hearing from you!

    Best,

    KC Owens

    ReplyDelete