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We invite you to engage in a truly memorable experience through this two-week honors study abroad program in Granada, Nicaragua. Program dates are expected to be September 1-16, 2010.
You will study Spanish while immersed in the Nicaraguan culture, feeling as a local native, sharing your time living with middle-class host families, and engaging in social community service in the oldest colonial city in mainland America.
View a slide show of scenes from Nicaragua (ppt)
View presentation by a 2008 participant (pdf)
Included in the program will be:
- 2 hours of Spanish instruction daily
- 2 hours of instruction daily in Nicaraguan and Central American culture, history, and politics (taught in English)
- 4 hours of community service per day
Community Service
Various community service opportunities will be available in six community service centers and one public school:
- CORAZON CONTENTO: working with people with down syndrome & developmental disabilities
- CARITA FELIZ: teaching occupational skills for people of all ages
- HOGAR ALEGRIA: girls’ orphanage
- HOGAR LA PROVIDENCIA: retirement home
- HOGAR CRISTO SANA: boys’ orphanage
- HOGAR MADRE ALBERTINA: girls’ orphanage
- SAGRADO CORAZON: public school for impoverished children supported by private donations
If you have a community service interest that is not listed, please let us know.
View presentation (ppt) to learn more about the community service placements and how you can have an impact!
About Granada and Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, located south from Costa Rica and north from Honduras and El Salvador. This country is mostly visited by less than traditional tourists who are pleased to meet the hospitality of the Nicaraguan people. Its landscape is formed by over twenty (20) volcanoes and two (2) great lakes, including Lake Nicaragua, listed as the second largest lake in Latin America (after Lake Titicaca in Bolivia-Peru).
The program will be based in Granada, Nicaragua. Granada is located on the northwest shore of Lake Nicaragua and was founded in 1524 by the Spaniard Francisco Hernández de Córdoba. It is considered the oldest colonial city in the mainland Americas. The capital city of Managua is only 45 km's away. Granada’s location is an ideal base for easy access and travel to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. This quaint, colonial town stands in the shadow of the Volcano Mombacho. Its inhabitants refer to Granada as “La Gran Sultana” (The Grand Sultan). The heart of the town is located around the Colon Park or Central Park where one can easily walk to visit the civic buildings, the Cathedral and all main tourist attractions. Granada is known as the most beautiful city in Central America.
Explore and learn more about Granada
http://www.granadanicaragua.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granada,_Nicaragua
http://www.finditgranada.com/
http://wikitravel.org/en/Granada_(Nicaragua)
http://www.nicatour.net/en/granada/granada-nicaragua.asp
Accommodations
- Private room & laundry with middle-class host family within historical center of Granada
- One student per host family with selection based on student’s gender and health needs
Important Packing Information & Other Advice
- Read this important document with packing and other information about traveling to Nicaragua (document is from the 2009 program; an updated version will be provided closer to the program dates for 2010). Download in MS Word.
Other Important Details
- Program dates are expected to be September 1-16, 2010. Final class assignment(s) will be due during fall quarter.
- Pre-requisite - completion of Spanish 102, 102H, or 113 (or the equivalent from high school or another college/university). One full-year of Spanish is recommended in order for students to have the optimal experience in their community service placements.
- Participants will register for 38HNRS367H for fall quarter 2010.
- Students can register for 38HNRS367H for 3-6 credit hours, depending on the individual students interests and needs. Students who register for 6 credit hours will be required to complete additional work as assigned by Dr. Bryant.
- Students may earn credit towards a Spanish major or minor by working with Dr. Bryant to meet additional requirements. Please contact Dr. Bryant for more information.
- 38HNRS367H counts as an honors seminar.
Estimated Costs
$2900** (final cost contingent upon airfare)
Grants
**University Honors will give each participating University Honors student an $800 travel grant to offset the cost, making the actual expected cost $2100. Students must be in good standing with University Honors to receive this grant.
Participants should also apply for globalization grants through UC International. Go to:
http://www.uc.edu/global/grants_aid/UC_International_Programs_Student_Grants.html
Costs include
-Accommodations with a middle-class host family
-3 meals daily with your host family (purified water included); other meals on your own are at your own expense.
-Two cultural excursions
-Two organized tour programs (one on each Saturday)
-City tour of Granada
-Airfare
-Ground transportation to and from the airport in Managua
Interested in participating? Apply!
Application is required. Download the application (MS Word). Application deadline will be March 1, 2010.
Comments from Previous Participants:
- “It was amazing!”
- “My expectations were far surpassed. The sights and opportunities opened up for us were literally unbelievable.”
- “I was engaged in the culture completely.”
- “We learned a tremendous amount and met lots of new and different people.”
- “We were able to gain a deeper appreciation for the country by being able to see so many gorgeous places.”
- “Expectations were exceeded in every way - travel, relationships, learning.”
Questions?
Contact Debbie Brawn (debbie.brawn@uc.edu) or Dr. Carl Bryant (carl.bryant@uc.edu).
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