Peace and Reconciliation After Conflict: A
Guatemalan Perspective
Dates: July 26-August 4, 2008
Location: Guatemala
Application deadline: Friday, March 28, 2008
Cost:
$825 for faculty/staff
$625 for students
The purpose of this seminar is to introduce participants to the process of
peace and reconciliation by learning about Guatemala’s history of conflict. To
learn about these issues participants will meet with an ex-guerilla member now
working in politics, a Congressman of the ruling party, and talk with a pastor
who works with Widows in Community among other activities.
To begin to understand the conflict and the Guatemala of today, it is
important to also learn about the indigenous communities of Guatemala.
Participants will learn about Mayan spirituality by talking with shamans and
participating in a Mayan ceremony. Visits around Guatemala City and the rural
communities provide a broad view of how people live.
This program also aims to develop a strong learning community among the
Augsburg student, staff, and faculty participants. Pre-departure orientation
will introduce the group to each other. Living and learning together abroad will
strengthen the bonds. Finally, upon return to campus, the participants will
continue to build community around their common experience by sharing it with
the larger Augsburg community.
The Center for Global Education (CGE) at Augsburg College challenges and
enlightens participants who witness another people’s hopes, sorrows and joys.
Through firsthand encounters, participants have a unique opportunity to examine
the root causes of poverty and oppression, explore the dynamics of development,
and discover the spirit of hope lived out by people working for social change.
CGE travel seminars emphasize life stories of people and communities. The
seminars are designed to acquaint you with the realities of another society,
connect you with local people, and assist you in learning about the issues they
face, so that you begin to see the world through another's eyes. The style of a
travel seminar is intensive—stimulating for the seasoned traveler, yet
accessible to those who have never experienced life in another country.
Below is Augsburg College's practice for staff participation
in the Hoversten program:
"If selected to participate, the College will grant paid
work time to Staff during the one-week program. To receive this support, Staff
must first obtain their supervisor's written permission to be away from work
prior to applying to the program, and if approved and selected, the time away
must be reported on the timesheet or absence report. Participants may be asked
to make a presentation(s) to share with the Augsburg community about their key
learnings from the experience. "
