Customize a Trip to Central America
Set up a customized travel program to:
Our expertise in Central America programming
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 from 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 scientist and analysts, as well as local international journalists.
Our programs are based in the capital city of Managua but often involve travel to Matagalpa, Esteli, the Atlantic Coast, or other rural areas.
Common themes often addressed:
- 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
The Center has four program staff permanently based in Nicaragua.
Accommodations
The Center has its own study center in Managua with a small computer room, a dining room, patio, and shared rooms and baths.
Our programs are based in Guatemala City, but usually also travel to the Highlands.
Common themes often addressed:
- Human rights – indigenous rights, workers’ rights, children’s rights
- Land rights
- Globalization
- Peace Accords
- Post-war transition/reconciliation
- Eco-tourism
- Mayan history
- Mayan spirituality
- Educational system
Staff:
The Center has two program staff permanently based in Guatemala.
Accommodations:
Lodging is in modest hotels or guest houses.
Our programs are based in San Salvador and usually include trips into rural areas.
Common themes studied often addressed:
- Political parties and civil society
- Human rights
- Gender issues
- Environment
- Globalization
- Continued relevance of the martyrs of El Salvador
- Post-war mental health
- Current role of churches
- 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.
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.
Common themes studied and often addressed:
- 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 Central America locations (Nicaragua, Guatemala or El Salvador) design seminars to Honduras and accompany groups there.
Accommodations
Lodging is in modest hotels or guest houses.
One of our staff can help provide you with information to help you with your application. They can also help you to plan your theme, itinerary, and will develop brochures for your group.
Our staff can also arrange travel for you. Some groups also arrange their own travel.
To take the next step, please call our office or go to our sponsor a trip page. Dates are not guaranteed until confirmation is received from our staff in Central America.
