Bolivia: Summer 2017
Bolivia offers great diversity in cultures, geography and socio-economic groups. It is shaped by cultural roots of a large indigenous population and its diversity of landscapes. We will explore dynamics of culture, race, history, water rights and economics in both urban and small rural community settings. Students will be introduced to a few of the cultural groups, experience the contrast in socio-economic strata, and visit some of the diverse geographical regions, from the plains to the alti-plano.
Travel will take us from Santa Cruz, an economic hub which has seen extreme growth in the past 25 years, to Cochabamba, to the high plains in La Paz. Experience with host families and Spanish language classes will provide avenues to deeper cultural understanding. Coursework will explore culture, economics and political issues by engaging communities working with water conservation and indigenous rights through grass-roots efforts. Students will consider the country’s contemporary challenges to economic development, and explore the impact of US foreign policy on Bolivian society, as well as the leadership of the first indigenous president elected in the Americas, Evo Morales.
Information
Seminar Leaders: Linda Martin Burkholder, Cross-Cultural Programs, and Brian Martin Burkholder, Campus Ministries
Location: Bolivia: Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, La Paz
Dates: May 23 – June 14, 2017
Estimated Cost: $4,100
Coursework
CCSSC 201 Cross-Cultural Social Science 3 SH
Immunizations
- Typhoid – oral or injectable at least 3 weeks before travel
- Yellow Fever – Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months of age traveling to the following areas <2,300 m in elevation and east of the Andes Mountains: the entire departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija departments. Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10-year intervals if there is on-going risk. Find an authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccination clinic.
- Anti-Malarial medication: Malaria risk in Bolivia: All areas <2,500 m (8,202 ft) including Santa Cruz. None in the city of La Paz. Recommended chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or primaquine.
Immunizations and prescriptions may be obtained at EMU Health Services by appointment.
Immunizations may also be obtained from your local health department or primary care
provider.
Note: Zika outbreaks have been reported in Bolivia. Because of the risk of birth defects in babies born to women who were infected with Zika while pregnant, women who are pregnant should not travel to Bolivia. For more information, see Zika Virus in Bolivia. Text PLAN to 855-255-5606 to receive Zika updates for your destination.
