Indigenous Politics, Community Development, and Service
Title: Indigenous Politics, Community Development, and Service
Location: Bolivia, full semester spring 2009
Credits: 15 credits: 6 political science, 6 Spanish, and 3 history through West Virginia University
Overview
Spend a semester living with a family in Cochabamba, Bolivia (third largest city, encircled by the breathtaking Andes Mountains); study Spanish and contemporary Latin American history and politics; serve 12+ hours per week for a local nonprofit organization; and explore the country and culture through field trips and community events.
Academic Courses
Bolivia semester students enroll in five courses worth three credits each, to earn a total of fifteen credits during the term. Six credits are dedicated to Spanish language courses, and students will be accommodated at all levels of language learning, from introductory to advanced. The remaining three courses are International Development and Global Service-Learning (political science credits), and Contemporary Latin American History. Together, these courses are designed to provide theoretical and historical perspectives on international and regional political and ethical concerns, with a particular focus on the role of indigenous politics in the region today. The Global Service-Learning course focuses on the relationship between individual ethics, local social service efforts, and international dilemmas. Courses will be taught in English by local and US instructors.
Integrated Community Service
You will have a number of service options and opportunities in human needs or environmental services. Amizade has long-term relations with several organizations that work with children, disabled youth, and the elderly. Recently, Amizade has developed opportunities with organizations working in sustainable development and environmental advocacy. You will be placed with the organization of your choice taking into account your experience and the needs of the organizations.
Location
Amizade has maintained partnerships with community organizations in Cochabamba, Bolivia formore than ten years. Cochabamba is located in a highland plateau and boasts of a perfect climate with a daytime seasonal average of 72 F with no humidity. Cochabamba is a bustling city of 400,000 people, home to many beautiful plazas, fountains, churches, and the largest open-air market in the Americas. Despite the beautiful scenery and perfect climate, Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in all of the Americas and faces a variety of social and economic challenges.
As a Bolivia semester student, you will have opportunities to experience both the urban and rural aspects of the region with field trips and excursions to regional cities, Inca ruins, and local festivals. Home stay accommodations with local families allow for deeper language learning and understanding about local life and culture. Cochabamba is famously pleasant and sunny; residents regularly gather under palms to discuss politics and life in plazas ringed by sixteenth century Spanish buildings.
Program Fee: $8950 Apply Now
Program Tuition Includes:
- 15 undergraduate academic credits through West Virginia University
- Arranged home stay with a local family and housing during field trips
- Two meals per day at home stay families & three meals per day during field trips
- Three field trips during semester and scheduled educational, cultural and service activities
- Comprehensive travel insurance
Additional Program Related Expenses:
- Airfare to Cochabamba, Bolivia and travel related expenses such as visas and immunizations
- Course textbooks, course packet and materials
- Supplemental meals
- Personal spending money
