Chile
13th Year Abroad University Program
An exciting new opportunity for students 18 and over, the 13th Year
Abroad program in Chile combines a YFU homestay experience with
attendance at the Universidad Bolivariana in Santiago. The program
includes orientations, intensive Spanish courses, and field trips.
The interdisciplinary character of this program ensures that you will
gain insights into the most important aspects of Latin American culture,
society, politics, and economic development. Class hours are combined
with educational visits and excursions for a complete learning
experience. At the University Bolivariana, you will participate with
local students in social science classes, giving you the opportunity to
discuss relevant issues and make new friends. The Interdisciplinary
Course on Latin American Culture and Society (ICLACS) provides you with
a solid introduction to major themes of cultural and social development
in Latin America. In the second semester, the Economic Development and
Social Change in Latin America (EDSCLA) advanced course reviews and
analyses economic development in a Latin American and global context -
focusing on the social and ecological implications of economic
development. Both the ICLACS and the EDSCLA courses are directed by a
bilingual academic director who will support you through group
discussions and individual guidance.
Your first semester will include courses in intercultural learning,
intensive Spanish, and Social Sciences; an optional week-long trip to
Mendoza, Argentina; the four-week ICLAS seminar; a two-week educational
excursion; and an end-of-semester week-long excursion to the south of Chile
for project development, presentation, and discussion. The second semester
includes additional intensive Spanish and Social Sciences courses, the
EDSCLA seminar, an introduction to Field Studies, a one-week educational
excursion, four weeks of independent field study, and a final Field Study
Presentation.
Proposed Schedule for Academic Year 2008-2009
1st Semester – approximate dates August 7-December 3, 2008
- Week 1-2 - Intercultural Learning in a Latin American
Context (15 class hours, bilingual) Topics include Culture Shock,
Intercultural Learning, Latin American Cultural Traits, Chilean Culture &
Identity.
- Week 1-6 - Intensive Spanish Course I (90 class hours,
Beginner-Intermediate Level) Emphasis on oral expression and grammar.
Includes visits to museums and cultural sites in Santiago, Pablo Narudas’s
Isla Negra, a vineyard, and a human rights organization.
- Week 6-9 - Introduction to the Social Sciences I (30
class hours) Standard university course.
- Week 10 - Excursion to Mendoza, Argentina (optional)
- Week 11-14 - ICLACS Seminar (45 class hours, in
Spanish) Topics include Colonialism & Independence, the Formation of the
Modern State, Latin American Development Models, Debt Crisis & Structural
Reforms, Political Regimes: Authoritarianism & Transition to Democracy,
Human Rights & Social Justice, Poverty & Inequality in Latin America,
Cultural Change in Latin America, Indigenous Communities, Population &
Migration, and Gender & Development.
- Week 15-16 – Educational Excursion (30 class hours)
Culture & Community Development in Valparaíso; History, Culture, &
Globalization in Los Angeles; Inequality & Unemployment in ex-company town
of Lota; Mapuche Community in Bio-Bio.
- Week 17 - Project Week (15 class hours) Educational and
personal learning experiences are discussed during a week-long excursion to
the south of Chile.
2nd Semester – approximate dates January 8-May 6, 2009
- Week 1-4 – Intensive Spanish Course II (60 class hours)
Emphasis on written Spanish, text- and literature analysis. Includes visits
to a shantytown in Santiago and local media.
- Week 5-6 – Introduction to the Social Sciences II (30
class hours) Standard university course.
- Week 7-10 – EDSCLA Seminar (45 class hours, in Spanish)
Topics include Economic Geography; Globalization in Question; Natural
Resource Management; Rural & Agrarian Questions; the Political Economy of
Sustainable Development; Labor, Work & Employment; Regional Integration;
Comparative Development Studies; US - Latin American Relations; and Latin
America in the World Economy.
- Week 11 – Introduction to Field Studies (15 class
hours) Topics include Qualitative Research, Interview Techniques, Data
Gathering & Analysis, and Writing Social Science Essays.
- Week 12 – Educational Excursion (15 class hours) Fruit
Industry near Curico-Talca, Agriculture & International Trade in Colbún,
Forest Industry & Labor Relations near Concepción.
- Week 13-16 – Independent Field Study (60 class hours)
In Santiago or other relevant location.
- Week 17 – Field Study Presentation, Discussion, and
Synthesis Educational and personal learning experiences are discussed
during a week-long excursion to the coast. Field Study papers are presented
to the group.
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