Map of Central America.

Sustainable Development and Social Change in Central America

Fall or Spring Semester

Explore the life and culture of the peoples of Guatemala , El Salvador and Nicaragua. Improve your Spanish language skills while living with families in the Guatemalan highlands (5 weeks). Study the role of the church within the situation of political oppression and social injustice in El Salvador (4 weeks). In Nicaragua, learn about the historical context of conflict and change through the eyes of Central American women and men, and examine citizen participation in policy formulation in a globalized economy (6 weeks). Earn credit in Spanish, History, Women's Studies, Political Science, Economics, Religion and Interdisciplinary Studies. See Program Syllabi

Regional Travel:

The program includes field trips within each country, for example:
  • A four-day visit to Chichicastenango to experience crossroad Mayan spirituality and Christianity and a week-long stay in the indigenous community of Cantel in Guatemala.
  • In El Salvador, you will visit with the people of Nueva Esperanza (New Hope) in Usulután, a community of returnees with faith-based organizations working for social change.
  • In Nicaragua you will travel to the protected are of Miraflor in the coffee and tobacco region of Esteli to learn about local development initiatives and conservation in rural areas.
There are also opportunities for personal travel on weekends and during breaks.

Sample Schedule

Week 1 Orientation in Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Weeks 2-4 Language study and home stay in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Week 5 Language practicum in rural Guatemala
Weeks 6-9 REL 366 in San Salvador, El Salvador. Includes weekend home stay in Usulután
Week 10 Fall/Spring break
Weeks 11-16 POL 459 and HIS/WST 355 History courses in Managua, Nicaragua. Includes short trip to rural area in Esteli.

Credit:

The equivalent of four courses or 16 semester hours.

Requirements:

Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors at any college or university. Enrollment is limited; one previous course in Spanish (or its equivalent) is required.

Application Deadline:

Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis. Deadlines are October 15 (spring term) and April 1 (fall term). Enrollment is limited; early application is encouraged to ensure a place in the program.
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