Service-Learning Semester in Bolivia
Title: Bolivia Service-Learning Semester
Credits:15 credits: 6 political science, 6 Spanish, and 3 History
Program Overview
Bolivia Service-Learning Semesters include long-term service placements, continuous language learning and cultural immersion, and coursework examining the structure behind the issues Bolivians face today. In the Andean city of Cochabamba students have home stays with local families, serve with local nonprofit organizations, and take classes with Bolivian students. Read on to learn about the courses you’ll take, the service you’ll complete, and the city you’ll call home.
Academic Courses
Service-learning semester students enroll in five courses worth three credits each, to earn a total of fifteen credits during the term. Six credits are dedicated to Spanish language courses, and students will be accommodated at all levels of language learning, from introductory to advanced. The remaining three courses are International Development, Global Service-Learning, and Contemporary Bolivian Issues. Together, these courses are designed to provide theoretical and historical perspectives on international and Bolivian political and ethical concerns. The Global Service-Learning course, in particular, focuses on the relationship between individual ethics, localized service efforts, and international dilemmas. Courses will be taught in English by Bolivian and US instructors.
Integrated Community Service
Students participating in the Amizade Global Service Learning semester in Bolivia have a number of volunteer service options and opportunities. They may select to volunteer in human or environmental services. In the area of human services, Amizade has long-term relations with the Ceoli school for disabled children, the Millenium orphanage and the Asilo de Ancianos "Buen Pastor" elderly hostel. Volunteers in the human services will help teach disabled children 5 to 17 years old , or care for orphans 2 to 7 years old, or work with elderly people. Recently, Amizade has developed opportunities in environmental stewardship. Students interested in environmental service may choose to help develop a recycling and waste management program just outside of Cochabamba, or build solar ovens and dry toilets in the city, or work in a program of environmental advocacy. Students will be placed in the program of their choice in coordination with their experience and the needs of the organization with which they wish to work. It is recommended that upon acceptance to the Bolivia semester program students indicate their service preferences so that Amizade may coordinate these with the appropriate organizations prior to arriving in Cochabamba. For more information on available service opportunities, see the Amizade web page www.amizade.org/community_partnerships/bolivia.html, or for environmental service www.sustainablebolivia.org.
Location
Bolivia’s third largest city, Cochabamba rests on a fertile plane in the Andes Mountains, surrounded by the breath-taking Andes Mountains, and boasts of its perfect climate with a daytime seasonal average of 72 F with no humidity. Cochabamba is a bustling city of 400,000 people, home to many beautiful plazas, fountains, churches, and the largest open-air market in the Americas, La Cancha. Despite the beautiful scenery and perfect climate, Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in all of the Americas. Cochabamba faces major problems such as shortages of water for farming, poor soil, and lack of industry.
An academic semester in Bolivia offers students opportunities to experience both the urban and rural aspects of Bolivia, with field trips and excursions to regional cities, a high altitude rainforest, Inca ruins, and several local festivals. Students will have home stay accommodations with Cochabamba families, allowing for deeper language learning and understanding about local life and culture. The home stays are arranged in neighborhoods in easy reach of classroom and service sites, and Cochabamba is a very walk-able city overall. Cochabamba is famously pleasant and sunny; residents regularly gather under palms to discuss politics and life in plazas ringed by sixteenth century Spanish buildings.
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Program Tuition Includes:
- 15 undergraduate academic credits through West Virginia University
- Arranged home stay with a local family in Cochabamba and housing during field trips
- Two meals per day at home stay families & 3 meals per day during field trips
- Three field trips during semester and scheduled educational, cultural and service activities
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Additional Program Related Expenses:
- Airfare to Cochabamba, Bolivia and travel related expenses
- Course textbooks, course packet and materials
- Supplemental meals
- Personal spending money
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* Fees do not include airfare, passport or visa costs, or immunizations.