Programs

Social Change in Latin America

HECUA’s Latin America programs offer an up-close perspective on community issues and social change. Three programs are available to choose from: South American Urban Semester (SAUS), Community Internships in Latin America (CILA), and Environment, Economy and Community in Latin America (EECLA). They are all interdisciplinary and experiential in their approach to learning, combining classroom seminars with real-life experiences. Homestays with both urban and rural families provide an intensive experience of local culture and language.

Programs vary by method of learning — SAUS and EECLA utilize extensive small group field projects while CILA has an internship as a key part of the program. Programs vary by theme — SAUS focuses on urbanization and development, EECLA emphasizes the environment and the impact of contrasting world views, while CILA examines the role of community participation in making social change. Programs vary by term — SAUS and CILA are offered in the fall, EECLA is offered in the spring.
Students interested in a full-year experience may choose to enroll in two Latin America programs, or consider fall term in Latin America and spring term in one of HECUA’s U.S. programs, to make the global-local connection.

South American Urban Semester (SAUS)

Fall Semester 2001 (September - December)
The South American Urban Semester explores historical and current issues related to rural-urban migration, industrialization, government policies and effects on human communities. Students compare and critique theories of developments and then explore their usefulness and limitations in understanding the region and its global context.

Students engage in dialogue with Latin American faculty and guest lecturers, activists and leaders from local communities. Learning is brought to life through small group field projects and experiences with organizations working on urban issues. Students observe, interview, and make direct contact with local citizens and organizations to better understand local conditions and efforts to bring about change.
The program is for students from all majors eager for hands-on experiences and concerned about diversity, development, participation and ethics. You will combine theory and experience to develop first-hand knowledge along with skills and self-confidence. The courses are taught as an integrated set of learning experiences rather than as separate, distinct classes.

The program provides 4 course credits (equivalent to 16 semester hours or 27 trimester credits).
All students take these four courses:

Itinerary:

Guatemala (13 weeks), Ecuador (2 weeks); urban and rural settings. All students take the first three seminar courses, and choose either an Independent Study Project or Advanced Spanish Language.

More information on SAUS

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Community Internships in Latin America (CILA)

Fall Semester 2001 (September - December)

Community Internships in Latin America (CILA) offers a semester of study and experience with a focus on community participation and social change. A hands-on internship designed to meet your own learning goals is combined with a seminar, independent project and a homestay for an intensive immersion into Latin American daily life and culture. Models of community participation, organization, development and social change are compared and contrasted. Students learn first-hand about social problems in Ecuadorian communities and explore ways in which communities are addressing these challenges.

Internships are chosen that connect with the program themes. Many opportunities are available for students from all majors. Students work in environmental programs, socio-economic development, women’s health education, child and youth outreach, and many other types of projects, contributing to the ongoing work of the agency and learning an immense amount from colleagues and community people.
Students meet weekly for internship and core seminars, are at the internship at least 20 hours a week, and conduct occasional small group projects and large group field trips. Living with a local family creates additional cultural learning.

CILA is for students from all majors interested in social change in Latin American communities and eager for practical experience as well as immersion in the Spanish language.

The CILA program is an integrated set of learning experiences. The program provides 4 course credits (equivalent to 16 semester hours or 27 trimester credits).
All students take these courses:

Itinerary:

Ecuador (15 weeks); includes 2-3 field trips outside Quito.

More Information on CILA

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Environment, Economy and Community
in Latin America (EECLA)

Spring Semester 2002 (February - May)

This program explores the impact of global development on local culture and environment and the response of indigenous communities and other affected groups. An engaging interdisciplinary approach guides students in developing a broad and interconnected understanding of current political, economic and social conditions in Guatemala. Fascinating comparative perspectives are provided through study-travel to Cuba or another Latin American country.

Students engage in dialogue with faculty, guest lecturers, activists and community leaders. Environmental and development issues are examined by looking at market and community economy models and their respective practices and ethical implications.

Students conduct a variety of field projects in small groups to learn about environmental and development efforts. Students gain hands-on experience through field placements with organizations working in the Guatemalan Highland. Students are able to explore the limits and possibilities of theories and concepts studied in class in the context of complex real-life experiences in the community.

EECLA is for students from all majors; of special interest to students in environmental studies, sociology, economics, anthropology, Latin American studies, or peace and justice studies. Successful applicants will be students eager for hands-on experiences that develop in-depth knowledge along with practical skills and self-confidence.The EECLA program provides an integrated set of learning experiences rather than separate, distinct courses. Students earn 4 course credits (equivalent to 16 semester hours or 27 trimester credits).

All students take these four inter-related courses:

Itinerary:

Guatemala, urban and rural settings (14 weeks); Cuba (1 week).All students take these four inter-related courses: More Information on EECLA

More Information on EECLA

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Destinations

Guatemala
Main program site for SAUS–Fall and EECLA–Spring
Guatemala has a diverse Mayan population and a rich Hispanic tradition. It represents a unique political arena, where a nation and a state are being created under the guiding principles of “multilingual and pluri-cultural” mandated by the recent Peace Agreements. It is also a place well known for its colorful textiles and folk art, rich ancestral ceremonies and lively local markets.

Guatemala City is undergoing a fast-paced change from small town to metropolitan area with a new public transportation system, shopping centers and growing visibility for the arts. High-quality museums give a fascinating introduction to famous sites such as Iximche, Tikal, Quiriguá and Cobán. European heritage is also found in the capital city as well as in Antigua.

By living short-term with a Mayan host family in the Lake Atitlán region, students develop a critical understanding of rural living conditions and their connection with the urban centers.

 

Ecuador
Main program site for CILA–Fall
Field-study site for SAUS–Fall

Ecuador offers an experience rich in ethnic groups, cultural diversity and natural environments. In the “sierra,” the ancestral domestic economy co-exists with the most sophisticated flower exporting industry, while globalization and trade has transformed the Quichua markets of Otavalo and Riobamba.
In the midst of change, Quito boasts an extraordinary colonial heritage of architectural wonders, narrow streets and thriving neighborhoods. Popular art and folk medicine found in the streets contrast with the fast pace of an expanding and modernizing urban environment.
Non-government organizations working for community development and social change are dynamic and diverse in Ecuador. Numerous opportunities for CILA internships are available in response to the pressing social issues in Quito and surrounding communities.

 

Cuba
Field-study site for EECLA–Spring
Students will find in Cuba fascinating comparisons and contrasts to the realities in Central America. With a dominant ideology of social well-being for the masses and successful delivery of education and health care to the majority of people, the country faces an uncertain future as it opens up to global markets. Exploring issues of participation, revolution, sustainability and social change from the point of view of common people make for an incomparable learning experience in Cuba.
Additional Travel
Students have extensive opportunity for personal travel in the region during weekends, breaks and upon completion of the program.

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Program Faculty

Each program is led by an on-site program director and involves primary faculty as well. Key people providing leadership to the Latin America programs include:

Alberto Rivera Gutiérrez, SAUS and EECLA program director – Has been on the HECUA faculty since 1982. Holds a B.A. in humanities, an M.A. in linguistics and a Ph.D. in anthropology. Project director for the Sustainable Tourism Development Program in Guatemala. Co-author of Conversations in Colombia.

Ana Cristina Bailey, EECLA faculty - Biologist, M.A. in Environmental Studies. Has conducted research on biodiversity in coffee shade forests and on cloud forests of Guatemala and has contributed to watershed management guidelines of the Polochic River. Experience in university teaching and community environmental education.

Martha Moscoso, CILA program director – Sociologist and historian, with degrees in sociology of Development and in Andean history. Professor on Human Sciences faculty at Quito’s Catholic University. Extensive teaching and research in women’s and gender history and in indigenous communities.

Maria Arboleda, CILA faculty – Holds degrees in sociology and political science; professor of graduate studies. International consultant on public policy and gender, local government and participative local planning. In addition, guest lecturers and community contacts enhance the learning experience in all programs. Resource persons include community activists, government leaders, university faculty and others.

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Program Logistics

Program Dates (2000 - 2001)
 Program dates will be updated soon. Check back for actual dates or call for information.

South American Urban Semester: September - December, 2001

Community Internships in Latin America: September - December, 2001

Environment, Economy & Community: January - May, 2001

Program dates are subject to change and will vary slightly each year.

Housing and Meals

Homestay for main portion of program; hotel or hostel during field projects and program travel. All meals are provided by homestay families or through food stipend during travel.

Transportation

Transportation to and from class sessions and field projects is primarily by local public transit.

Language

Programs provide excellent opportunity for improving your language skills, while not traditional “language programs.” Extensive immersion and experience with the language is gained through homestays, field projects or internships, course work, independent study and social life.

SAUS and EECLA: A “Spanish in the Field” course facilitates significant language learning directly related to content and field experiences across the program. In the seminars, most lectures are in Spanish, with discussions in Spanish and English. Readings are mostly in English, though many can also be found in Spanish. Group and independent projects require use of Spanish for work in the field — interviews, reading primary documents, etc. Papers may be written in English or Spanish.

CILA: All lectures are in Spanish, with discussions in Spanish and English. Readings are mostly in Spanish. Papers may be written in English or Spanish. Internships and field projects are conducted entirely in Spanish.

Students needing additional language development may arrange for outside tutorials (at their own expense).

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How To Enroll

Prerequisites

• Completion of first year college
• Equivalent of two years college-level Spanish (minimum)
• CILA: Ability to speak and understand Spanish independently
• Open to all majors

Cost

$10,100 comprehensive fee (Fall 2001 and Spring 2002 programs) with additional $500 charge for students from non-member schools. Covers tuition, room and board, and all group field study ground expenses. Excludes international airfare, local transportation, books, passport and personal expenses. Financial aid may be used for the programs, to be arranged with your financial aid or study abroad office.

To Apply

Request an application form from HECUA or your campus representative. Or download it directly from this site.

Application deadlines:

Fall programs (SAUS, CILA) – March 15
Spring program (EECLA) – November 1

Apply early, as program may fill before the deadline.
Late applications accepted on a space-available basis.

HECUA reserves the right to make any necessary program or location changes.

Copyright (c) 2001. Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs, Inc. All rights reserved.
Updated:03/22/01

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