Guatemala - Spring 2022
Program Details
- Language study and service-learning in Guatemala
- Peace-building, development and religious expressions
Participants in this semester intercultural program will experience a window into the world of Guatemala and its diversity of peoples, religion, cultures, and economics. Students will live with host families, study Spanish intensively, and learn through service experiences.
Borders or Boundless? We will explore the meaning, purposes, and impacts of borders and grapple with what it might mean to see and experience the world without borders, a place of boundless opportunity for peaceful human relationships and flourishing for all. We will focus on “learning from the stranger” (D.I. Smith) through language and culture learning and examination of religious and societal issues (i.e., colonialism, violence, migration, corruption, creation care, economics, missions, relief work, U.S. policy, etc.) in an historical perspective within a Central American context. Reflections on these themes will help students examine the borders and boundaries (both literal and figurative) in the U.S. and in their lives. Finally, we will attempt to integrate our faith with our responses to cultural difference and the presence of borders.
Information
Seminar Leader: Laura Yoder, Nursing
Estimated Cost: Tuition, Room & Board +$2,000 travel fee, subject to change
Enrollment: 15 students
Courses
CCSSC 201 Cross-Cultural Social Science: Guatemala 3 SH
Students will live with families and study culture in context to learn skills of adaptation and empathy, as well as ability to analyze one’s own and host cultures.
CCHIS 312 Latin American History and Current Issues 3 SH
Students will study the highlights of Pre-Columbus, colonial, independence and contemporary periods. This will be the foundation for our understanding of current events and the strengths and challenges in the host country and region.
SPANISH LANGUAGE: 6 SH (Two of the following courses, placement based on previous knowledge):
- CCSPA 110, 120 Elementary Spanish I & II
- CCSPA 210, 220 Intermediate Spanish I & II
- CCSPA 312, 322 Adv. Conversational Spanish
CCREL 307 Religion in Society (CIW) 3 SH
This interdisciplinary course will emphasize the interaction between Catholic, Protestant (including Mennonite), and Indigenous faith expressions; the current political and economic climate; peacebuilding initiatives; and local music, literature, and art.
Immunizations
- Routine – MMR, DPT series with last booster within 10 years, IPV or OPV, Hep B, Hepatitis A, influenza and Covid-19 as required for EMU enrollment.
- Typhoid – oral or injectable at least 3 weeks before travel
- In an effort to maximize the safety of our hosts and our students, EMU Intercultural Programs requires all employees and students who plan to travel for intercultural immersion, both domestic and international, to have completed their vaccination regimen for COVID-19 more than 14 days prior to travel. This requirement is one of the standard immunizations required for enrollment, effective Mar. 1, 2021. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Dr. Beth Good for more information.
Routine and travel immunizations may be obtained at the EMU Health Center by appointment.
Immunizations may also be obtained from your local health department or primary care
provider.
