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Central America : Sustainable Development and Social Change
Guatemala is a country gathering its wits after 30 years of insane civil war. Budget-challenged travelers have been drawn to the country throughout this period of turmoil because it offers Central America in concentrate form: its volcanoes are the highest and most active, its Mayan ruins the most impressive, its earthquakes the most devastating, and its history of repression on a scale any Latin American government could be proud of.
Unlike its neighbors, El Salvador is not geared to independent travelers. What it does offer is a whole new experience of watching a country strive to redefine itself. Organizations from the U.S., Europe and Australia are helping to rebuild El Salvador through programs devoted to education, agricultural reform, reforestation, human rights, and health care. Participating in these developments and talking to the locals about their experiences and hopes is one of the most productive ways to visit.
Nicaragua is best known not for its landscape or cultural treasures, but for the 1979 Sandinista revolution and subsequent Contra war, in which the country rose up in hope only to be let down by U.S. interference. The Sandinistas are no longer in power and the prevailing economic ideology, dictated by the likes of the World Bank and the IMF, involves massive privatization and deregulation. Nicaragua is a fascinating destination for those travellers who shun seeing "sights," have an awareness of history, and enjoy getting to know a country on a grassroots level.
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 (4 weeks). Study the role of the church within the situation of political oppression and social injustice in El Salvador (4 weeks). Examine the theory and practice of economic development and the impact of social change movements in Nicaragua (6 weeks). Earn credit in Spanish, economics, religion and interdisciplinary studies.
| Language: |
One semester of Spanish is required. |
| Housing: |
Varies |
| Academics: |
4 course credits |
| Term: |
Fall Term or Winter Term |
Expenses: |
Typically somewhat higher than Wartburg. This fee covers tuition, room and board, travel within Central America, and all other program costs. Students are responsible for airfare and personal expenses. |
Contact: |
Kathy Traetow ext. 8427 |
