The 6 credit Binghamton University course linked to this experience abroad in Peru provides an opportunity for students to learn about the dynamics of local development with a focus on the Andean Region in Latin America. It situates local-development practice and its relation-ship to "sustainable communities" which emphasize the interconnection between environmental issues, economic viability, social equity as well as cultural identity. This course, titled PAFF 564 or CCPA 464: Local Development in the Andes will be taught by Professor Susan Appe. This course will begin prior to the trip to Peru.
Calendar
The 6 credit academic course component of the program will be a summer class, for which you are registered in the summer term; however your coursework will begin towards the end of the spring 2013 semester to allow for sufficient preparation before the trip. The class will meet in person three times on the dates listed below (for a total of 15 contact hours).
Students will be required to complete readings and individual assignments (estimated at 15-20 hours of work)
Tentative Class Meeting Dates:
April 13, 2013, 9am-2pm
April 20, 2013, 9am-2pm
May 4, 2013, 9am-2pm
On-Site in Peru
The program trip to Peru is expected to take place from May 28 - June 18th. These dates are estimates only and may change based upon the best flight prices available.The three weeks in Peru will include one week of intensive language instruction, 2-3 days of work at the nonprofit organization Corazon de Dahlia which was founded by a Binghamton University alum to help impoverished Peruvian children and families, 2-3 days of work with the mayor of a small community, and 2-3 days of work providing instruction on the construction and use of a low-cost and simply-made water filtration system designed by Binghamton University engineering students.
Post-Trip
Students will be required to participate in online debriefing and reflection exercises and prepare a final paper linking the readings and course concepts to the experience in Peru. All work must be completed and submitted no later than July 15, 2013.
Spanish language classes that student participants will take in Peru are provided to make the students more comfortable and able to adapt to their environment and provide the skills needed for the service projects. However, students will NOT receive any academic credits for these brief language immersion classes.
Language courses will take place at Máximo Nivel, an accredited language school in Cusco. Students will take a brief placement test and will be placed in a language course that is appropriate for them. All course levels are available, from beginner to advanced. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required.
Student participants on this program will have the opportunity to complete service projects in the region of Saylla (about a 30-45 minute bus ride outside of Cusco), where these challenges are prevalent. Students will specifically provide educational community workshops and will also volunteer at Corazon de Dahlia, a nonprofit organization based in Saylla that was founded by Binghamton University Alumna, Dahlia Graham. Corazon de Dahlia is a community center that serves (at no cost), over 40 children and their families in this region, providing them with oppo-tunities for social and economic enrichment.
