As an undergraduate in Social Justice and Human Rights and a current Master's student at George Mason University's Carter School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, through exploring my education, and my first 6-credit course with Professor Al Fuertes on Human Trafficking/Smuggling, I found my passion for helping to combat Human Trafficking within the United States and abroad.

Since completing the rigorous Human Trafficking/Smuggling course, I have been dedicated to focusing my current and future education on one of the most complex organized crimes in the world.

Since 2008, George Mason's Global Education Office, in partnership with Dr. Al Fuertes, has offered a month-long study abroad opportunity in the Philippines, allowing me to earn credits towards my Master's degree while learning about the effects of Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia.

Since I will be earning credits toward my degree, financial aid will cover the majority of the program's cost ($6,650, including 6 tuition credits, housing, transportation, and 85% of food costs).

Because round-trip airfare ($1,300), required vaccinations, some meals, and personal spending are not included in the program's total cost, I am starting this GoFundMe to help cover these additional costs.

So, friends, family members, and acquaintances, I would be honored to receive any contribution, big or small, to help fund this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to continue my education on the effects of human trafficking.

(Funds will ONLY be used to help fund my study abroad experience)

If you are intrigued and interested in learning more about this study abroad program, below is more information on what I will be learning and experiencing during the program:

Component 1: Human Trafficking

Students will work and learn from victims and survivors of human trafficking while exploring the complexity of human trafficking as one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises in the world, particularly within the context of the Philippines vis-à-vis Southeast Asia. Students will visit safe houses and anti-human trafficking organizations. They will learn the causes, effects, the push and pull factors, and the various forms of human trafficking towards exploitation, particularly of children, youth, men, and women.

Component 2: Peacebuilding

Students will spend the 2nd week at the Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute (MPI) in Davao City, where they take courses in grassroots peacebuilding, environmental justice, community development, reconciliation, and trauma healing with participants and field practitioners from all over the world

Component 3: Community Engagement

Students will immerse themselves in the cultures of the people in the various local communities they visit. The experience will also give local people the opportunity to learn from students through the stories and experiences they share during these visits. Sessions on Philippine history, culture, politics, and governance will also be held throughout the trip.

Program Highlights