"This is part one of a five-part post by Monash University students from a two-week study tour to Myanmar. Editor?s Note: In July this year, nineteen Criminology students from Monash University travelled to Myanmar on a two-week study tour, sponsored by the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant. This was the first Monash study tour to Myanmar and the first study tour to Myanmar with a focus on crime and criminal justice. Students engaged with a number of representatives from government, non-government, INGOs, universities and other agencies, as well as individuals including young activists and journalists, all working within Myanmar?s law enforcement and criminal justice sector. Through this learning experience, students developed and deepened their knowledge and understanding of the complexities behind Myanmar?s human rights, political, diplomatic, education agendas and how they intersect. Myanmar?s newly evolving democracy is limited by a lack of open debate and free discussion. Contributing to this is the education system, which encourages rote learning without challenge and promotes teacher ascendancy through the teacher-centred approach to learning. The previous military regime exploited the education curriculum as a political tool to prohibit open dissent and challenge to their authority, by instigating a state-wide attitude that disapproves of independent thinking. Consequently, the education system is resistant to reforms intending to introduce critical thinking..."