Study Abroad
El Salvador: Human Rights, Gender and Globalization

Dominican University
Spring semester 2012
Travel: May 7-20,2012

El Salvador still elicits visions of the brutal civil war fought throughout the country in the 1970's and 1980's. Today the war is over, but the struggle for peace with justice continues. El Salvador is not geared to independent travel. However, through programs like this one, groups have the opportunity to witness a country rebuild and transform.

Photos 2011

Academic Program

STA 342 is a three credit experiential learning course in El Salvador and includes pre-trip class sessions and orientation meetings. This course explores themes of social and economic development, globalization, gender, and social justice within the Latin American context.

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. The country borders the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala, and Honduras. It is a tropical country with active volcanoes, mountains and forests.

El Salvador has historically been one of the most socially stratified countries in the region. While the political situation has stabilized since the end of the civil war in 1992, the gap between the rich and poor has gotten worse.

Dominican students have the opportunity to travel in El Salvador while learning about human rights and gender issues. Interacting with different sectors students will learn about various policies and programs. Travel across the country will include visits to communities in both urban and rural settings.

Course participants will travel to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. San Salvador was founded in the 16th Century. The city has suffered from several earthquakes over the years, the most recent in 2001. Participants will also spend time in the countryside learning about issues from the perspective of the most vulnerable members of Salvadoran society – the rural poor.

El Salvador is a Spanish-speaking country; however this is not a language course. Translation will be provided.

Currently enrolled students may not opt for the satisfactory/unsatisfactory option for this course.

Participation in this course fulfills the multicultural core requirement, a requirement for the Study of Women and Gender Program, and an elective towards the Sociology Major and the Sociology/Criminology Double Major.

Housing

Lodging in San Salvador will be at a guesthouse, with two to three room occupancy and private baths. The guesthouse is like a bed a breakfast and will include breakfast, and some dinners. Lunch will usually be eaten in a restaurant.

Housing in the countryside may include home-stays, community centers, and guest houses. Course participants will sleep on thin mattresses and hammocks. Conditions in the countryside will be rugged. Access to running water and electricity may be limited.

Excursions

Program includes educational and experiential activities, visits to the Pacific Ocean, hiking in tropical forests, and a two-day excursion to Mayan Ruins in Copan, Honduras.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will students be permitted to travel independently. All excursions and site visits will be with the group and the director

Transportation

Group flight arranged by program director who will accompany the group.

Estimated Costs

  • Currently enrolled Dominican students: $2,900 (includes housing, group excursions, some meals, airfare). Tuition is included in full-time enrollment up to 18 credits.
  • Non-students: $3,100 (includes auditing fee, group excursions, some meals, airfare).
  • Part-time or non-Dominican students: $3,300 (includes tuition, housing, group excursions, some meals, airfare).
  • Personal expenses: $200

Due to fluctuation of exchange rates, the cost of the program is subject to change.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • State, federal and Dominican aid is applicable
  • Students: By studying abroad, you may have additional options for funding assistance.
  • Please see a Dominican University Financial Aid Officer as soon as possible

Eligibility

  • Freshman,sophomore, junior or senior standing, qualified adults.
  • 2.5 DU GPA. Freshmen must attain a 2.5 DU GPA during the fall semester 2011.
  • No prior knowledge of Spanish required
  • Students must attend at least one information session.

Application Procedure

  • Download appropriate application for Short-term Study Abroad Programs.
  • Completed short-term application packet: application form, two letters of recommendation and medical form
  • DEADLINE: October 24, 2011. Applications received after this date will be considered on a space available basis.

For more information, please contact Sue Ponremy, director international studies, at sponremy@dom.edu or call (708) 524-6965

Application Forms

Study Abroad Application for Students
Study Abroad Application for Non-Students