Carmen's studying abroad trip

I have an incredible opportunity to spend three weeks in a part of the world I've never even dreamt of going.  As part of a class I'm taking at Hampshire College, called "HIV/AIDS: 30 Years Later," I have been accepted to a program called "Creative Collaborations: HIV and Sexual Health in Northern Thailand."  The program takes 6 students each summer to Thailand in order to teach Thai children about HIV/AIDS.  I am so excited to be given this opportunity, and now I just need to figure out the funds to go.  

Thailand’s history with the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been interesting. Early on, the government response was considered a progressive model for other countries, but stigma persists and the rates are now rising. Last year students in this program began the exploration into why this might be and how we can work with local organizations to reverse the trend. This year, we will pick up where they left off, meeting advocacy groups in Chiang Mai and developing educational workshops in rural northern villages.

In addition to working as part of the program, it has been my dream for years to see elephants in the wild and use my love of photography to document experiences in another country.  I would love nothing more than for my dream to become reality this summer. Ibeen working hard to raise funds and have applied for a paid internships, but I still have to raise more funds.

Anything you can give is much appreciated.  Thank you so much!