The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) and the Latin American Studies Program (LASP) are pleased to announce a professional development opportunity for faculty and staff:

"Exploring Latin American Life and Culture"

This study tour will provide participants with first-hand encounters with various segments of Latin American society and culture, focusing specifically on Costa Rica and Nicaragua. 

Participants will have the opportunity to witness the transformative power of experiential learning, which is the essential nature of CCCU cross-cultural programs.  

During conference sessions, participants will also have the opportunity to engage local perspectives on the political, economic, social and religious realities of Latin America.

Start Date:  August 1, 2009 (departure date from US & arrival date in Costa Rica)

End Date:  August 12, 2009 (departure date from Nicaragua & arrival date in US)

Location:  We will spend time in both San Jose, Costa Rica (where the Latin American Studies Program is based) and Nicaragua. 

The climate, terrain, accommodations and schedule will require a basic level of health and fitness from participants.  If you have concerns about any aspect of this trip, please contact us so we can provide specific information.

To experience various aspects of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, participants will be accommodated in a variety of settings including local homes and modest hotels, possibly with common bathroom facilities. 

Requirements:  Participants are encouraged to keep a journal with personal responses to speakers, discussions, and site visits during the study tour.  You will also receive a reading packet prior to the study tour, which will include select articles related to our time in-country. 

Fee: 

The total on-the-ground cost for this study tour is $1,200.  This fee includes program fees, room/board, and transportation between Costa Rica and Nicaragua.  It does not include international flights to San Jose, Costa Rica and from Managua, Nicaragua; participants will be responsible for arranging their own flights and paying for these flights separately.

Application Details:  While we are excited to present this program to faculty and staff, we are mindful that quality short-term study tours are best in smaller groups.  Therefore, space is limited.  Selection of participants will be made by the director of the program based on submitted applications.  Please feel free to forward this information to faculty and staff on your campus.

Please click here to access the LASP Study Tour Application.  The application submission deadline is January 15.  Applicants will be notified regarding participation by February 1. 

Contact Information:  For more information or to answer any questions concerning the study tour, please contact:

Elizabeth Hanna
321 8th Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
USA
Phone: 202-546-8713, ext. 202
Fax: 202-546-8914
Email: ehanna@cccu.org