List of Upcoming Short-term Travel Seminar Opportunities

The Center for Global Education at Augsburg College is offering the following travel opportunities open to the general public. The seminars are listed chronologically by region. Click to download a brochure or for more information on any trip, call us at 800-299-8889 or send an e-mail to globaled@augsburg.edu.

   

Mexico
Migration: A Mexican Perspective
January 5–15, 2010

This group will investigate why many Mexicans are willing to leave their home, their family and all that is familiar to them, sometimes to their great peril, to take up residence in a country where they may not know the language or the culture? In addition to answering this question, this travel seminar will introduce participants to the cultures and history of Mexico, as well as to the contemporary social, political, and economic issues within Mexico.  The diversity of Mexico will be seen from different points of view and a variety of voices within many different socio-economic classes.  This seminar will offer cultural excursions, group discussion, lectures, reflections, and other activities. Seminar participants will have an opportunity to improve Spanish language skills through three hours of intensive, small group language study at the Universal Language School.  Sponsored by William Jewell College. Price $1,695.  The cost of this seminar does not include international airfare. Application deadline has been extended until November 25, 2009. TRIP CODE: HJR   Download Brochure

 

Nicaragua
Microfinance
January 30 –February 6, 2010

Join us to explore how microfinance is transforming the lives of women and men in one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere. We will meet with local microfinance leaders who are making a difference in their communities and visit with micro-entrepreneurs who have used these small loans to create new livelihoods to support their families. We will also get the chance to explore the country’s culture and natural beauty with two days of tourist excursions. Sponsored by Social Impact Adventures. Price: $2,980. The cost of this seminar does not include international airfare. Application deadline has been extended until November 25, 2009. TRIP CODE: HJI  Download Brochure 

 

Nicaragua
Poetry & Politics: A Literary Tour Exploring the
Power of Imagination and Poetic Tools for Change
February 16-24, 2010

Everyone is a poet until proven otherwise; it is often said in Nicaragua. We invite you to travel to a place where poetry is cherished. Meet with Nicaraguan writers of all ages and learn how poetry and literature have historically provided a language of resistance, empowerment, hope and a voice for social and political change. For a few days you will also be able to join visitors from around the world attending the Sixth Annual International Poetry Festival in the city of Granada. Come and explore the hard questions of how the nation's literary traditions are challenged today as people and poetry struggle to survive in the second poorest nation in our hemisphere. Sponsored by The Center for Global Education in partnership with Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul, the Loft Literary Center, Project Minnesota León and Curbstone Press.  Price $1,355. The cost of this seminar will not include international airfare. Application deadline has been extended until November 25, 2009.  Trip Code: HIY  Download Brochure

 

Guatemala
Art & Resistance
March 5-14, 2010

Study human rights and indigenous culture in this nine-day excursion to the Mayan highlands of Guatemala. Learn about Guatemalan weaving, painting, pottery, and architecture in the context of the country's tumultuous political and social history. Discover the role art plays in a society that recently came out of nearly four decades of civil war. Examine the vast legacy of the Maya, including their 500 year struggle to defend their land and culture. Appreciate the function of art in an economic reality where half the population lives in poverty. Sponsored by Colorado Mountain College. Price: $2990. The cost of this seminar does include international airfare. Application deadline is December 11, 2009.  TRIP CODE: HJF  Download Brochure

 

Nicaragua
A Fragile Relationship: Birds, People and Tropical Environment
March 13 - 27, 2010
 

Join us for an Eco-Tour to Nicaragua focusing on Birding, Community Development and Faith. This two-week trip to communities and wildlife areas of Nicaragua emphasizes conversation with local community organizers and economic developers with special interest in environmentally sustainable development, balanced with observations of both indigenous and migratory bird species in a variety of neo-tropical habitats. This travel seminar is open both to first-time visitors to Nicaragua and to previous seminar members. The cost of the travel seminar is $3,575.  This price includes all program expenses, meals and lodging, and all internal transportation. International airfare to Managua, Nicaragua is additional. Group size is limited, so early application is suggested. Applications are due by December 14, 2009.  Final payment is due February 1, 2010. TRIP CODE: HJT   Download Brochure

 

El Salvador
Romero: Thirty Years a Martyr
March 19-28, 2010

In his day, Archbishop Oscar Romero courageously used his position to further the cause of human rights and peace in El Salvador. On March 24, 1980, Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass. Thirty years later his vision for a peaceful and just El Salvador lives on. Join this travel seminar and take an in-depth look at the life, martyrdom, and continuing influence of Monsignor Romero as well as the current realities of El Salvador. You will join thousands of others in attending activities commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of Romero’s martyrdom. You will meet with various leaders and Salvadoran organizations to discuss the continuing impact of Romero’s life and work on the social fabric of El Salvador.  Price $1180. The cost of this seminar will not include international airfare. Application deadline is December 14, 2009.  Trip Code: HHV  Download Brochure

 

Guatemala
Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development:
Views from Latin America
May 23-June 6, 2010

What does it mean to prioritize land conservation in a region where the gap between rich and poor is worsening? What challenges do international trade agreements present those who seek national policies of sustainable development? What are the relationships between deforestation, water pollution and indigenous peoples? This seminar will explore these and other questions by engaging in dialogue with Guatemalan individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds and worldviews concerned with sustainable development and environmental justice. Sponsored by The Davidson Honors College and the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Montana.  Price: $2075. The cost of this seminar will not include international airfare. Application deadline is February 12, 2010. Preference will be given to University of Montana students through January 31, 2010.  Trip Code: HHW  Download Brochure

 

Guatemala
Education for Decolonization:
A Professional Development Seminar
July 10-18, 2010

Designed for faculty from a variety of disciplines, this faculty development travel seminar will probe the enduring legacy of colonialism. You will examine your responsibility as educators to understand the colonial dynamics and the strategies being employed in indigenous communities to decolonize and to reconstruct more just communities. Special emphasis will be placed on learning about Maya history, culture, human rights and resistance to assimilation. In addition, you will focus on the challenges to building peace, democracy and autonomy for the Maya majority in Guatemala. This seminar will also explore the role that international organizations and committed individuals have played in addressing systems of domination and defending the rights of Indigenous peoples in Guatemala.  Price $1480. The cost of this seminar will not include international airfare. Application deadline is March 22, 2010. Apply by February 22, 2010 for an early bird discount of $100.  Trip Code: HHY  Download Brochure

 

Bolivia
When Indigenous People Lead
July 24-August 1, 2010

Bolivia is the only country in the Americas under indigenous presidential leadership. This leadership has brought sweeping reforms and greater governmental inclusively to the majority indigenous population. On this trip you will examine both the dynamics of the colonial legacy as well as the strategies being employed in indigenous communities to decolonize and to work for justice. Special emphasis will be placed on learning about Aymara and Quechua history, culture, human rights and resistance to assimilation. In addition, you will focus on the challenges to building peace, democracy and autonomy for the indigenous majority in Bolivia. Led by Fidel Xinico, a Guatemalan citizen of the Cakchiquel Maya ethnic group and by Roxanne Gould whose tribal affiliations are with the Grand Traverse and Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa and Ojibwe.  Price $3155. The cost of this seminar does include international airfare, but visa costs are additional ($135). Application deadline is March 22, 2010. Apply by February 22, 2010 for an early bird discount of $100.  Trip Code: QZ  Download Brochure

 

El Salvador and Guatemala
Central America for Educators:  Exploring Past and Present
August 1 – 8, 2010

Designed for teachers from a variety of disciplines, this professional development seminar to El Salvador and Guatemala focuses on learning about the culture, the history and the current situation of Mayan peoples. As a participant, you will study current events and the recent histories that impact Guatemala and El Salvador. You will also gain a better understanding about immigrant students and the forces that caused their families to emigrate, and find out about teaching methods in both countries. Led by Debra Delavan of Montgomery County Public Schools in conjunction with expert Center for Global Education staff. The cost of this travel seminar is $1585. Two graduate credits for this course available from Augsburg College at an additional cost of $700. Extra academic work will be required.  These prices do not include international airfare. Application deadline is May 26, 2010. Apply by April 19, 2010 for an early bird discount of $100.  Until January 18, 2010, only applications from teachers and administrators from Maryland’s Montgomery County Public Schools system will be considered. Admission to the program by the general public will open January 19, provided there is space still available. Trip Code: HJS Download Brochure

South Africa and Namibia   

None at this time.


Other Locations   

None at this time.

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