Description

Grounded in an introduction to the culture of Bangladesh, this program helps students better understand both the aspirations and tensions of the development process through theoretical inquiry and structured experiential learning. Students compare and contrast the understanding of "development" and social change used by the materially poor with the development discourses of experts and urban elites.

* What goals for development does Bangladesh hold for itself and feel are most important?
* What is the role of community in determining the development process?
* How can visiting students make a contribution and bring relevancy back home to local communities?

Highlights

After time in the capital, Dhaka, students venture into villages to explore a research topic of interest to them; previous years topics include politics, healthcare, education, micro-credit, agriculture, and the environment. With the help of peer-age translators from our partner institution, Independent University Bangladesh, research teams engage in first-hand conversations with Bangladeshis and learn about the interconnectivity of issues in this complex country.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please consult HECUA website for up-to-date pricing

Program Fees Include:

Roundtrip airfare from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Dhaka, airport transfers, ground transportation, planned group excursions, lodging, all breakfasts, most lunches and dinners and reading materials.

Additional expenses to the student will include the home school's J-term fee (varies per school), passport, visa, travel insurance, and personal expenses (sundries, tips, gifts, and free time entertainment/meals/transportation).

Experience Required

no

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 18-22; small research groups of 3-4

Scholarships are Available

Merit awards in the amount of USD 250 are given for January-term programs

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Letters of Reference
• Essay
• Transcript

Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs's Mission Statement

HECUA is an organization of 18 liberal arts colleges, universities and associations dedicated to education for social justice. Together we shape academically rigorous, study-abroad and off-campus study programs that address the most pressing issues in our neighborhoods, nations and world. This unique educational collaboration engages students, faculty and practitioners in learning that generates knowledge and tools for social transformation and community building. At HECUA we learn by seeing, reflecting and acting with others. HECUA specializes in integrating theory and practice, bringing together key disciplines that equip students to be active citizens and leaders - locally and globally.