Antigua, Guatemala
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Constru Casa -- Service Learning
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| At a Glance... |
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Guatemala and Antigua:
The Country and the Community
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Build Houses with Constru Casa: A Service Learning Program
Antigua, Guatemala
www.construcasa.org
Language of Instruction:
English and Spanish
Subjects:
IDES 497A -- International Service Learning
Housing: Host families
Program Length: 1 semester on campus: 6 weeks on-site in Guatemala/Antigua
May 15 - June 30, 2010
Credits:
3 UNL credits during the spring semester plus 3 additional credits during the summer
Cost:
$1250 (est.) plus airfare (Summer 2010) plus UNL tuition
Eligibility:
Permission of Instructor
Application Deadlines:
November 1
Contact:
International Affairs
420 University Terrace
Lincoln, NE 68588-0682
(402) 472-5358
E-mail: iaffairs@unl.edu
www.unl.edu/iaffairs
Professor Duncan Case
College of Architecture
218 ARCH
email: fcase1@unl.edu
(402) 310-0876
Download as PDF file:
Antigua
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Guatemala is home to the Mayan peoples, one of the three great American pre-colonial empires. Over half the population of Guatemala is Mayan. Their culture is evident in the brightly colored textiles they weave and in the ruins of ancient cities. Located in a tropical region the climate is surprisingly temperate as the majority of Guatemalans live in the mountainous highlands. These mountains are home to 39 active volcanoes.
History has not been kind to the Mayan peoples. Conquered by the Spanish in 1523, the Mayans have lived under the domination of their colonial masters for centuries. Independence in 1823 did not change the inequalities between ruler and ruled, landowners and peasants. Guatemala is today the second poorest country in Latin American. Just recently emerging from a thirty year civil war, many international volunteer groups have been coming to the aid of the Guatemalan peoples. These groups provide health, food, education, and housing and depend on contributions and volunteers from around the world.
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Service Learning Program and Constru Casa: |
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Constru Casa is a service group (NGO) that builds housing for Guatemalan villagers in and around Antigua, Guatemala. Started by Carolien van Heerde, a Dutch civil engineer, ConstruCasa builds 75-80 houses per year. ConstruCasa depends on international volunteers for financial aid and labor. ConstruCasa has recently become a partner with UNL in providing an International Service Learning Experience.
The International Service Learning program is a joint effort of the College of Architecture, International Studies, and Modern Languages. Students participate in the program by taking the ISL preparatory course (3 credits) in spring 2010 and signing up for the ISL experience course [3 credits] for summer 2010. Participants in the program are expected to make formal application during Fall 2009. The intention of this program is to provide students with an experience working in developing countries with peoples in need. Guatemala is one of these developing nations whose Mayan population is in need.
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Program Experiences: |
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The core experience of this program is to assist in building a house. Construction takes two weeks. This housing is provided in the context of social work programs that address all aspects of a family's needs: health care, education of children and adults, domestic violence counseling, employment. ConstruCasa works through social work agencies to provide this housing, letting the social work agency choose which families would best benefit. Because of this community support approach volunteers become aware of the broader needs and context of the families they serve. Volunteers work side by side with the families in building the house and eating meals.
Language proficiency is an important aspect of the program. It shows respect to the people served and is a gateway to understanding the people and their needs. While it is preferred that applicants have some fluency in Spanish, it is possible to learn enough Spanish by participating in language school training that is part of the program. By living with host families associated with the schools, students further enhance their cultural experience by speaking Spanish daily and by experiencing typical family life.
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Program Dates |
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The program six weeks long. In 2010, the program is schedule to run from May 15 to June 30, 2010. At their option, participants may extend their stay an additional two weeks.
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Program application: |
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To participate in the program, students should apply through the Office of International Affairs during Fall 2009. All accepted participants in the program will be required to complete and pass course IDES 497A: ISL: Preparation during Spring 2010. Students receive academic credit for their summer experience by signing up for the appropriate independent study course provided by their home departments. For detailed information about the program, contact International Affairs or Duncan Case in the College of Architecture [fcase1@ unl.edu]. You may also find out more about Constru Casa at their web site: www.construcasa.org.
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Am I eligible to apply? |
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Any UNL undergraduate or graduate student is eligible to apply. Spanish is not required although helpful.
Applications are available at International Affairs or www.unl.edu/iaffairs. Application consists of Form A (bio-data), Form B (statement of purpose), two Form C's (references), Form D (language proficiency report).
Participants will be selected based on the complete application and a $75 nonrefundable application fee be due upon acceptance into the program. Spaces are limited.
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When Should I Apply? |
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The deadline for application is November 1. Late applications will be considered if space is available.
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How much will it cost? |
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The six week summer program costs about $1250 which covers four weeks of language school and six weeks of room and board. It also covers international travel insurance and administrative costs of International Affairs and ConstruCasa.
It is customary for volunteers to make a financial contribution to the work of the agency. A suggested amount is $400 (not included above).
Participants will need to cover personal and extracurricular costs such as airfare (estimated at $750), passport, books, and independent travel.
UNL tuition and fees for IDES 497A and IDES 497B will be billed from UNL student accounts and due at the beginning of the spring semester and summer session. These costs are in addition to the program cost
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What about travel? |
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A list of suggestions for student discounted airfare is available from International Affairs.
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What else will I need? |
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Passport pictures; passport and visa information; and books and materials about living, traveling, and working abroad are available in the International Affairs resource center at 420 University Terrace, 472-5358. |
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Can I get more information? |
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Complete course descriptions, more program information, and books about Guatemala and Antigua are available in the International Affairs resource center at 420 University Terrace, Lincoln, NE 68588-0682; 402/472-5358
Academics: Students should discuss general academic information about this program with Professor Duncan Case, College of Architecture, (310-0876) e-mail: fcase1@unl.edu. Students also should discuss study plans with their regular academic advisors.
Financial Aid: For information about applying your financial aid to study abroad programs, contact a study abroad advisor in UNL's Scholarships and Financial Aid Office (OSFA). (472-2030).
Administrative Details: For applications and details about studying abroad, see additional resource materials or contact a study abroad advisor at International Affairs, 420 University Terrace, 47208768.
Related Programs: Other UNL programs in Latin America are offered through ISEP, ISA, IFSA-Butler, and AIFS. |
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