What will we be doing?
In an effort to explore the needs and struggles of students, teachers, and schools in developing countries, this study abroad experience aims to expose Lander teacher education students and students from other applicable majors to an authentic teaching experience in Guatemala.
After spending the 2015-16 school year engaged in trip preparation, research, and fundraising, in May 2016, participants will travel to Guatemala to teach indigenous children for 2 weeks in an elementary school in Guatemala. The elementary schools are run by The Phoenix Projects*, an organization serving Pre-K to 6th grade indigenous children in Latin America.
Students will live with host families in Antigua, Guatemala, a historic colonial city. Antigua is filled with historical, geographical, and cultural activities that can add to their study abroad experience. During the weekdays, students will assist teachers in two Project Phoenix schools, San Andres Itzapa and Santa Maria de Jesus, each a 20-40 minute ride from Antigua. From 8:00 – 4:00, students will work at these schools, providing instructional and tutoring services for the students. After their work in the schools, students will return to Antigua for the evening. Before dinner each night, students will engage in a one-hour Spanish lesson with a personal tutor.
Students will meet daily with the Lander study abroad leaders, who will also fully participate alongside them. These meetings, focused on the challenges and opportunities of teaching in a developing country, provide an opportunity for the discussion of teaching methods, learning styles, and reflection.
Students participating in this program will learn first-hand the strategies and challenges of educating students in a developing country. They will also immerse themselves in Spanish and the diverse culture within Latin America. By teaching at a rural school, serving the indigenous population, students will exposed to the challenges and hopes facing poor people in developing countries. Ultimately, these future educators will be better prepared to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of Latin American, Hispanic students in our schools.
A significant effort will be placed in preparing all participants for this trip. Regular pre-trip sessions, beginning in January 2016, will train students on Latin American history, culture, and language. Particular emphasis will be placed on preparing participants for what they will see and experience in a developing country.
The 2016 Guatemala Teach Abroad trip has one central goal: to make an academic impact on the students we teach in Guatemala. To meet this goal, each participant will concentrate on three objectives:
1.Develop a deeper understanding of Guatemalan history and culture
2.Improve Spanish communication skills
3.Enhance ability to teach Second Language Learners
Assignments:
Faculty Leaders: Dr. Lee Vartanian & Ms. April Akins
Dates: April 30-May 14, 2016 (2 weeks) Summer I session 2016
Location: Antigua, Guatemala
Courses offered for credit:
Cost breakdown:
Airfare
Columbia, SC to Guatemala City, Guatemala (& return)
~$650 (depending ticket prices)
Donation for The Phoenix Projects
Minimum donation to support and sustain their schools
$600 minimum
Room, Board, Education, & Travel
2 week Volunteer Teaching Program with indigenous populations in Guatemala, includes:
Lake Atitlan trip (optional)
Weekend adventure trip with mountain biking, kayaking and hiking around Lake Atitlan
$200.00
Lander Fee (Insurance & faculty expense)
$300.00
Total
$2,200.00**
First payment due (non-refundable): November 30, 2015 ($500)
*The Phoenix Projects is a non-political, non-religious organization, which provides educational support, food, and family support, for over 1,000 children in five Latin American countries. More information is available at their website: http://www.thephoenixprojects.org
**This price is NOT final. It is a conservative estimate, at this point, but may end up being higher. If it is less than projected, the difference will be refunded to you.
After spending the 2015-16 school year engaged in trip preparation, research, and fundraising, in May 2016, participants will travel to Guatemala to teach indigenous children for 2 weeks in an elementary school in Guatemala. The elementary schools are run by The Phoenix Projects*, an organization serving Pre-K to 6th grade indigenous children in Latin America.
Students will live with host families in Antigua, Guatemala, a historic colonial city. Antigua is filled with historical, geographical, and cultural activities that can add to their study abroad experience. During the weekdays, students will assist teachers in two Project Phoenix schools, San Andres Itzapa and Santa Maria de Jesus, each a 20-40 minute ride from Antigua. From 8:00 – 4:00, students will work at these schools, providing instructional and tutoring services for the students. After their work in the schools, students will return to Antigua for the evening. Before dinner each night, students will engage in a one-hour Spanish lesson with a personal tutor.
Students will meet daily with the Lander study abroad leaders, who will also fully participate alongside them. These meetings, focused on the challenges and opportunities of teaching in a developing country, provide an opportunity for the discussion of teaching methods, learning styles, and reflection.
Students participating in this program will learn first-hand the strategies and challenges of educating students in a developing country. They will also immerse themselves in Spanish and the diverse culture within Latin America. By teaching at a rural school, serving the indigenous population, students will exposed to the challenges and hopes facing poor people in developing countries. Ultimately, these future educators will be better prepared to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of Latin American, Hispanic students in our schools.
A significant effort will be placed in preparing all participants for this trip. Regular pre-trip sessions, beginning in January 2016, will train students on Latin American history, culture, and language. Particular emphasis will be placed on preparing participants for what they will see and experience in a developing country.
The 2016 Guatemala Teach Abroad trip has one central goal: to make an academic impact on the students we teach in Guatemala. To meet this goal, each participant will concentrate on three objectives:
1.Develop a deeper understanding of Guatemalan history and culture
2.Improve Spanish communication skills
3.Enhance ability to teach Second Language Learners
Assignments:
- Pre-trip texts will be assigned, read, and discussed.
- Possible texts: I, Regaberta Menchu by Regaberta Menchu and The Smartest Kids in the World by Amanda Ripley
- Regular pre-trip sessions will be required (at least 6) where participants will learn about Guatemalan culture, language, and customs.
- During their experience, all students will contribute to an online blog, vlog, or podcast, documenting their thoughts, reflections, and experiences. This will serve as a journal requirement.
- Post-trip presentation: Students from each class will present their experiences at various meetings and events. These may include presenting at a variety of places: a club meeting (Spanish club or various honor societies), a course related to their experience, community organizations, or a special FALS event.
Faculty Leaders: Dr. Lee Vartanian & Ms. April Akins
Dates: April 30-May 14, 2016 (2 weeks) Summer I session 2016
Location: Antigua, Guatemala
Courses offered for credit:
- EDUC 309 - Global lssues in Education (3 hours) - This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to study issues affecting educational efforts around the world. Focus will include populations from South America, Africa and Asia, and will provide for both comparing and contrasting educational issues and efforts.
Cost breakdown:
Airfare
Columbia, SC to Guatemala City, Guatemala (& return)
~$650 (depending ticket prices)
Donation for The Phoenix Projects
Minimum donation to support and sustain their schools
$600 minimum
Room, Board, Education, & Travel
2 week Volunteer Teaching Program with indigenous populations in Guatemala, includes:
- Pick-up to/from the airport
- Room & board with a host family
- All meals except Sunday
- 7 1-hour Spanish lessons
Lake Atitlan trip (optional)
Weekend adventure trip with mountain biking, kayaking and hiking around Lake Atitlan
$200.00
Lander Fee (Insurance & faculty expense)
$300.00
Total
$2,200.00**
First payment due (non-refundable): November 30, 2015 ($500)
*The Phoenix Projects is a non-political, non-religious organization, which provides educational support, food, and family support, for over 1,000 children in five Latin American countries. More information is available at their website: http://www.thephoenixprojects.org
**This price is NOT final. It is a conservative estimate, at this point, but may end up being higher. If it is less than projected, the difference will be refunded to you.