THE PROGRAM

The U21 Social Entrepreneur Corps in Guatemala program builds on the expertise U21 institutions have to offer in social entrepreneurship, online and blended learning, international collaboration, service learning, and a common commitment to global citizenship. It is a tailored approach to study abroad that combines global collaboration, new technologies and impact-oriented learning activities.

During the fieldwork phase of this program, students will be placed with Social Entrepreneur Corps, a social enterprise that effectively utilizes social entrepreneurship as an international development approach in Latin America. Students will work directly with Social Entrepreneur Corps field professionals and social entrepreneurs in Guatemala to help establish new, and grow existing, micro-consignment supported businesses.

The benefits include exposure to economic theories of social entrepreneurship and active engagement with case study analyses, Spanish language, and Guatemalan and Mayan culture. The students will experience living with the local families and working intensively with community service organizations, and local social entrepreneurs. Our students will make a tangible difference in people’s lives, while also acquiring the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary to become socially aware, active global citizens. The program is designed as a short-term summer (June/July) opportunity for U21 students.

DATES

Pre-departure: May 26 – June 21, 2014 (takes place in u21 virtual global classroom)

In-country orientation and foundation building: June 22 – June 29, 2014

Field work: June 30 – July 11, 2014

Conclusion, delivery and presentation: July 12 – July 18, 2014

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Undergraduate student currently enrolled in a Universitas 21 member institution
• Class status: 2nd Year, 3rd Year, 4th+ Year
• Open to students from all disciplines
• Recommended GPA: 3.4 (US) or equivalent
• Working Language:

–          Instruction will be primarily in English

–          Fieldwork will be primarily in Spanish (intensive instruction on site). Prior knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but by no means mandatory.

• Proven interest in international development work
• Nominated as potential participant by the home university

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Strong motivation for participation
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong interest in helping to empower others
• Ability to empathize with individuals of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Open-mindedness
• Flexibility
• Willingness to work hard under challenging developing country conditions
• Sense of humor

PROGRAM FEES

$3,330USD – not including airfare, visa costs and health insurance

SCHOLARSHIP

The student selected for this program may be eligible to receive a scholarship from the UNSW International Centre. Further details will be announced early next year.

PROGRAM DETAILS

To view the FULL PROGRAM DETAILS, please click here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

UNSW students who would like to participate in this program must first be selected by the UNSW Global Education Office. Please complete the GEP Application and return to advisor4globaled@unsw.edu.au no later than Sunday February 23^rd 2014. Alternatively they can be handed in at the Ground Floor, East Wing, Red Centre Building. Students who are nominated for the program will then submit a secondary application to the University of Connecticut.

CREDIT TRANSFER

UConn will attach 6Uconn credits to this program. UNSW students who are seeking credit for the program must do so through cross institutional studies as it is a fee paying program. Please discuss this with your school and/or faculty.