Description

Explore the legacy of the Sandinista Revolution and its influence on Central American political and social movements. Examine current challenges to democracy and civil society in Nicaragua and El Salvador.

Students consider the repercussions of recent Central American revolutionary movements, including those focused on women, indigenous people, campesinos/as, and the environment, and also discuss Nicaragua’s future.

Study key topics of contemporary relevance to Nicaragua and its neighbors such as:

* Nicaragua's political and economic history including US involvement in Central America and the Caribbean; the Sandinista Revolution and the Contra War; neoliberalism, privatization, and structural adjustment programs
* Social movements and civil society including grassroots movements; feminism; economic cooperatives, maquilas, and community development
* Culture of Peace including peaceful democratic transition; economic issues of free trade versus fair trade; Human Rights as the pillars to a Culture of Peace
* Coastal culture and identity including indigenous rights; aspirations and frustrations of regional autonomy; Creole and Garifuna culture; community health and resource management
* El Salvador including El Salvador's civil war; role of the United States; the 1992 Peace Accords; the Truth Commission and reconciliation; dollarization; community-based alternatives; migration. Spring 2012 students will observe national and municipal elections during the excursion to El Salvador.

Highlights

Seven weeks homestay in Managua and educational excursions to Matagalpa and/or Esteli, Bluefields, Honduras and El Salvador.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

contact sponsor

Experience Required

yes

Prerequisites: Three recent semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in Spanish, as assessed by SIT.

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 weeks

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement

A pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, SIT offers semester, summer, and academic year programs for undergraduate students in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations.

Programs focus on critical global issues in specific geographical and cultural contexts using an interdisciplinary approach. Studying with host country faculty and living with families, students gain a deep appreciation for local cultures and become immersed in diverse topics ranging from the politics of identity to post-conflict transformation, from global health to environmental policy. 

Year Founded

1932