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 course descriptions) 

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

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. Application packet.

Cost: 

The comprehensive fee for the program is $16,375 (2008-09 academic year). This includes tuition, room and board, medical/emergency insurance, travel within Central America, and in-country costs. Students are responsible for their travel to Guatemala and home from Nicaragua at the end of the term, books and personal expenses. Contact the Center for Global Education with questions or for information about our scholarships for students from historically disadvantaged groups (e-mail: globaled@augsburg.edu or 800-299-8889).