2005 Programs and Events

American Studies Takes Off in Vientiane (April 20, 2005)

American studies program in the classroom.

With the generous assistance of the Department's Office of Allowances and the cooperation of the Vientiane International School (VIS), a group of parents at Embassy Vientiane established an American Studies program. The program, which began in September 2004, consists of two classes a week – one each for embassy primary and secondary students. The classes focus on both U.S. history and geography. While VIS is a fine school, it follows essentially an international curriculum. Thus, embassy parents identified U.S. history and geography as much needed subjects for the new program.

Getting the program off the ground represented a total mission effort. Ambassador Patricia Haslach and DCM Kristen Bauer weighed in with front office support and encouragement. Management Officer Marilyn Mattke explained to parents the “ins and outs” of the program and processed the necessary paperwork. GSO Erin Sawyer and PAO Jim Warren facilitated the ordering of books and other materials.

Political officer Greg Chapman, NAS management analyst Phathanie Chapman, Consular Assiociate Naiyana Warren, RSO assistant Marcie Wise, and parent Tung Huynh contributed ideas for topics and course structure. Post was lucky to find an experienced social studies teacher, Robbi Birch, newly arrived in Vientiane, who was more than happy to take on the difficult task of selling American Studies as an after school activity (on a Friday, no less!) to a group of 10 active embassy youngsters, ranging in ages from 8 to 13. Robbi has done a great job in creating a colorful and fun classroom and bringing the subject to life.

Reaction from our children has been surprisingly positive. Reportedly, one of the kids came home from school and described the class as “cool,” not a word that we parents normally hear when we ask our kids, “So, how was school today?” Attendance and attentiveness have been good, according to Robbi.

Early topics thus far have included some basic North American geography, early explorations and settlements by the English, French, and Spanish, and the founding of the original 13 colonies. Next topics will include the French and Indian War (Quick, how many of us can remember what that war was about?), the American Revolution, and westward expansion. We're not quite sure how far we'll progress throughout the school year, but it's likely the classes will get at least as far as the American Civil War before Robbi has home leave in April and May.

The November U.S. presidential election provided an excellent framework for some living history. Robbi provided materials and explanations to the kids on the election process, including the history and mechanics of the Electoral College. (After seeing the material our kids brought home in the run up to the U.S. election, I was a bit embarrassed how much I'd forgotten). When PAS organized an election event at the Ambassador's residence, embassy children were right on top of the results, participating in the election tally on a big board that PAS had set up and coloring their U.S. maps blue and red.

While the American Studies program in Vientiane is only in its first year, the early returns are positive. Support from the Office of Allowances has enabled embassy parents to establish a program providing quality supplemental instruction for our children that will surely prove beneficial when they reenter the U.S. educational system.