Location:

Bogota, Colombia

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

The 2011 International Summer Course with the Centro de Educación para el Desarrollo (CED, Education Center for Development) of UNIMINUTO University is a unique international exchange opportunity in Bogotá, Colombia for college students or graduates that have at least intermediate Spanish skills. This course runs from June 17 through July 15, 2011, and applications will be accepted through May 8, 2011. This course supports North-South solidarity, promotes equality and development, and provides opportunities to exchange resources and tools on development. Students who participate in our International Summer Course will be inspired to become citizens who are more socially responsible and focused on an international development that is culturally pluralistic, socially just, and ecologically sustainable.

Module One: Social Realities Recognition of a diverse array of social realities which allow critical reflection about the dynamics that generate or aggravate poverty, social exclusion, social inequality, violence, gender inequality, and environmental concerns from both a local and global perspective. Module Two: Alternative Perspectives Critical analysis of possible alternatives or solutions to social problems from the perspective of the government and the corporate, social, and civic sectors. Module Three: Citizen Social Responsibility Purposeful analysis of citizen responsibility with regard to social issues, through the design of a proposal for social action that allows its creator to positively transform a particular social reality in either a local or international context.

Benefits to the student: ?Increase understanding of social responsibility as it pertains to Colombia and a globalized world ?Immerse in the Spanish language ?Enjoy the cultural exchange of living with a Colombian host family ?Interact with Colombian professors, students and volunteers ?Participate in and learn about the vulnerable communities in Bogotá ?Receive relevant academic materials ?Obtain a certificate of completion from UNIMINUTO Requirements: ?Current college student or graduate ?3 semesters of college level Spanish, or its equivalent ?Current passport ?International health insurance Program Fee: $930 USD(Includes housing, academic registration, field trips, school supplies, refreshments.) DOES NOT INCLUDE PLANE TICKETS, MEALS, LOCAL TRANSPORTATION, or HEALTH INSURANCE.

Setting Description:

At the Centro de Educación para el Desarrollo (CED) students become familiar with the Colombian social context and that of Bogotá. The Summer Course deals with themes in international development and cooperation, including Environment, Gender, Child Development, Education, Peace and Conflict, Inequality, Social Exclusion, and Fair Trade, among others. Not only do students expand knowledge on these issues in Colombia and Latin America through classroom and field experience, they also connect them with their community and relevant social context.