The work of the Center for Global Education in Central America began in 1981 with travel seminars designed to study the nature of the region’s political, economic and social upheavals. With the changes brought about by globalization, the world currently faces a development crisis with large portions of the world’s population excluded from effective participation in economic and political decision making. In this context Central America provides a unique opportunity to explore the global situation through the eyes of the “third world” and their efforts to create alternatives.

Over the years we have developed and maintained contacts with broad sectors of society holding a variety of perspectives. These include grassroots organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government ministries working on health, education, rural development, the environment, alternative economic policies, etc.

We work with social movements of women, indigenous peoples, peasants, students and community based organizations. We meet with universities, business organization, entrepreneurs, small and informal business support organizations, human rights and sexual rights groups and local churches. We have contacts with international NGOs, donor organizations, multilateral banks, alternative credit organizations and other professional development workers.

We regularly meet with various political parties as well as the U.S. Embassy, U.S.A.I.D., local political scientists and analysts, as well as local international journalists.

Central America: Country Options

Nicaragua

Our programs are based in the capital city of Managua but often involve travel to Matagalpa, Esteli, the Atlantic Coast, or other rural areas.

Possible Program Themes

• Post-revolution & democratic transition
• Civil society vs. political parties
• Health care
• Alternative development models
• Poverty reduction, economic growth and human development
• Women in post-revolutionary Nicaragua
• Role of churches
• Land tenure/agricultural issues
• Plight of street/working children
• Worker’s rights
• Fair trade products
• Micro-credit

Staff

CGE has four program staff permanently based in Nicaragua.

Accommodations

CGE has its own study center in Managua with a small computer room, a dining room, patio, and shared rooms and baths.  Some groups stay here; other groups reside in modest guest houses or hotels.

Costa Rica

Our programs to Costa Rica generally include time in the capital city of San Jose as well as a rural component, usually involving a nature reserve. We arrange for groups to go to Costa Rica as part of a travel seminar that also visits Nicaragua.

Possible Program Themes:

• Ecotourism and the Environment
• Sustainable Development
• Health and Education as a Human Right
• Migration

Staff

We do not have permanent staff based in Costa Rica. Program staff from Nicaragua design seminars to Costa Rica and accompany groups there.

Accommodations

Lodging is in modest hotels or guest houses.

Guatemala

Our programs are based in Guatemala City/Antigua, but usually also travel to the highlands.

Possible Program Themes

• Human rights – indigenous rights, workers’ rights, children’s rights
• Land rights
• Globalization
• Peace Accords
• Post-war transition/reconciliation
• Eco-tourism
• Mayan history and ancient civilization
• Mayan spirituality
• Educational system

Staff

The Center has two program staff permanently based in Guatemala.

Accommodations

Lodging is in modest hotels or guest houses.

El Salvador

Our programs are based in San Salvador and usually include trips into rural areas.

Possible Program Themes

• Political parties and civil society
• Human rights
• Gender issues
• Environment
• Globalization
• Continued relevance of the martyrs of El Salvador
• Current role of churches and liberation theology
• Post-war mental health
• Democracy and citizen participants
• Immigration and family remittances
• Natural disasters: droughts, hurricanes and earthquakes

Staff

The Center has one program staff person permanently based in El Salvador.

Accommodations

Lodging is in modest hotels or guest houses.

Honduras

Our programs to Honduras generally include time in the capital city of Tegucigalpa as well as a rural component. Many groups go to Honduras as part of a multi-country travel seminar.

Possible Program Themes

• Microcredit and microlending practices
• Logging and deforestation
• Post-Hurricane Mitch
• Export-processing zones, maquilas
• Archeology (Copan Ruins)
• Immigration and family remittances

Staff

We do not have permanent staff based in Honduras. Program staff from one of our permanent Central American locations (Nicaragua, Guatemala or El Salvador) design seminars to Honduras and accompany groups there.

Accommodations

Lodging is in modest hotels or guest houses.

Visit our Overview and How-To Page to learn more about developing a seminar in Central America with CGE, step-by-step.