About Central America and The Caribbean
Life-changing cultural and education experiences await students and other travelers in Cuba, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.
The region is home to many indigenous and ethnic communities with a cultural heritage rich and creativity and political resistances. These countries have different histories but common struggles shared by diverse populations. Program and seminar participants meet and talk with people working for social change and alternative development in these countries
Cuba
Cuba has one of the most compelling histories in Latin America. Significant people and events have shaped the country's political, social, and cultural landscape. The Spanish conquest and Batista regime, contrasted with the thoughts of Jose Marti and the happenings of the Cuba revolution, offer numerous possibilities for deep exploration. The contemporary history is marked by political contradictions and profound advances in health and education. Our programming in Cuba takes place in Havana, the cultural center of the country, known for its unique architecture, public squares, ballet, and art.Guatemala
Guatemala is, according to one guidebook, “Central America in an exaggerated form.” The volcanoes are the highest and the most active; the Mayan ruins are the most impressive; its population is the largest; and it is home to the largest indigenous population, about 65%. In Guatemala, the division between Maya and Spanish descent (ladino) is fairly strict and has been the source of conflict since the Conquest.
While indigenous populations are concentrated in the highlands, you will see people wearing traditional indigenous clothing in the capital, Guatemala City, as well. In the highland villages, people continue practicing many Mayan traditions with regard to food, religion, and family life.
Home to approximately three million people, Guatemala City sprawls across a range of flattened mountains and deep ravines. Guatemala City became the capital of Guatemala in the late 1700s after a powerful earthquake destroyed much of Antigua, the former capital. The city is divided into zones (zonas). Zona 1 is where you’ll find the Plaza Major, the National Palace, the central market, and the Casa San José guest house, where you will be staying. One of Guatemala’s largest cities, but one that has maintained its provincial charm is Quetzaltenango. This city is better known as Xelajú or just Xela (Shêla). It is located in the highland department of Quetzaltenango at about 7,500ft/2,300m and enjoys a cool climate year around. The indigenous population of Quetzaltenango is comprised predominantly of Quiché Maya.
El Salvador
El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. It is approximately the size of Massachusetts, with about 6,122,515 million people. The capital city, San Salvador, has a population of about two million people and is the country’s industrial, government, and education center.
El Salvador’s geography is one of rolling hills and green valleys, and beautiful sandy beaches along the coast. You nearly always will be within the sight of a volcano—San Salvador, San Vicente, San Miguel, and Santa Ana. Each has a town of the same name at its base. The rich, volcanic soil makes it ideal for agricultural use. The pressure for high agricultural productivity combined with demands of an increasingly dense population has made land and its use a critical issue for El Salvador. Peace accords were signed in 1992 marking the end of a 12-year civil war which left the country socially, politically, and economically torn.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua has three distinct geographic regions: the Pacific lowlands (where Managua is located), the north-central mountains, and the Atlantic Coast. These regions have distinct geographic, cultural, racial, ethnic, and religious zones. The population of Nicaragua is approximately five million. The population of the capital city, Managua, is estimated at 1.5 million. The few indigenous groups that exist in Nicaragua today are found on the Atlantic Coast.
Accommodations
Cuba
Semester students live in homestays; short-term seminar participants stay at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center.
Guatemala and El Salvador
While in Guatemala City and in San Salvador, participants will stay in guest houses or modest hotels. Bedrooms and bathrooms will be shared between 2-4 people. Some short-term seminars, along with the summer and semester programs, include homestay opportunities in both rural and urban areas.
Nicaragua
The Center for Global Education maintains study center and house in Managua. The Center's house is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood with bus or taxi access to other parts of the city. You will have common living space for meetings, meals, and leisure time. Meals will be prepared on the premises by Center staff. Family stays are an option while in Nicaragua.
Diversity
To find out more about how peple with similar personal identities have experienced Central America, please visit our diversity pages.
