As part of the new emphasis on Asian Studies at the University of Louisville and the particular interest in Southeast Asia, the Center is initiating a program for Vietnam and Laos, starting in 2007, that aims at building skills in specific subjects, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, peace building, and conflict resolution, and in general fields, such as international relations and political science.

The first phase of the program will involve two intensive two-week workshops focusing on negotiation and conflict resolution to be taught to two groups of 25 public and private sector professionals in Hanoi and Vientiane in the spring and summer of 2007.  The participants will thereafter be invited to apply for admission to pursue a Master's degree in the Department of Political Science (DOPS) at the University of Louisville.  During the second part of the program, a total of five applicants from the two countries will be awarded scholarships to undertake studies of at least one academic year in duration.

This program will be directed by Michael Fowler, Associate Professor of Political Science.  Holly Wallace, Esq., of Dinsmore & Shohl in Louisville, an adjunct DOPS instructor and the former assistant director of the University's Muhammad Ali Institute for Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution will assist in teaching the off-site workshops.  Both have considerable experience teaching abroad, including seminars in Vietnam and Laos.