Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Lao Americans Discover Homeland

It is always a good idea to know where we came from. - - Donna Poisl

By Written by AsianWeek Staff Report

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – “Throughout my school years I was trying to learn about my Lao heritage, which has always been a push and pull of understanding my parents and their values,” says Sandra Siharath. “I have taken courses in Africana Studies, Raza Studies, Native American Studies, Asian American Studies, hoping to piece together my identity as an Asian American, but I was never able to truly capture being Lao in America.”

Now Siharath and other young Lao Americans will have the unique opportunity to learn about their cultural heritage first hand through the Summer Study Abroad in Loas program (SAIL). The first U.S. based study abroad program of its kind will offer participants total cultural immersion through language lessons, country-specific course offerings, travel, social and volunteer opportunities. Sponsored by the Center for Lao Studies the program will be held at the Lao American College in Vientiane, Laos.

Those interested in learning about Southeast Asian culture are also encouraged to apply; the application deadline is March 15.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.

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