Homestays, field studies, and lively classroom exchanges, will expose you to the many realities of Latin America. Enrich your university experience by developing relationships with Latin Americans from diverse walks of life: politicians, religious leaders, community development workers, laborers, youth, elderly, wealthy, and impoverished. Engage these new friends in discussions about the role of the United States in Latin America, responses to poverty, the environmental crisis, economics, human rights, and more...
find out moreAs a LASP student you'll complete an intensive Spanish language course, a class on Latin American history and contemporary issues, a study trip to the country of Nicaragua, and one of four academic concentrations: Latin American studies, advanced language and literature, international business, or environmental science.
find out moreAnthony Chamberlain has directed the LASP since 1990. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Third World Development from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.A. in International Relations from the same university. His B.A. is from Messiah College. Prior to his work with the Council, Dr. Chamberlain was a Graduate Fellow/Instructor at the University of Maryland, a Foreign Expert at Beijing University, P.R. China and served as a consultant to Brethren in Christ Overseas Missions in South America. Anthony is joined by a talented group of faculty and staff (see faculty and staff bios under "find out more").
find out moreMost of the LASP semester is spent in San José, Costa Rica's capital city. Like most urban areas, San José is a city of contrasts: wealth and poverty, the powerful and the powerless, theatrical productions and street festivals, upright citizens and petty thieves. It is an exciting and challenging location for your cross-cultural introduction to Latin American society.
find out moreThe Program typically accepts juniors and seniors who are full-time students earning credit toward their degree from a Council member college or university. Students who apply to LASP should be energetic, enthusiastic and ready to fully engage the program. The program may, however, accept any exceptional student it believes can meet the rigorous demands.
find out more