This is an opportunity for U21 students to take part in a month-long programme (June 24 – July 21, 2012) in Guatemala, working with social entrepreneurs to help establish new and growing businesses.

For the proposed four-week-long U21 programme, students interested in international development 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, including 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 programme is designed as a short-term summer opportunity for U21 students.  This programme aims to complement the already existing U21 Summer School and Global Issues programme.

Participant profile

Eligibility criteria (administrative evaluation):

• Undergraduate student currently enrolled in a Universitas 21 member institution
• Class status: 2nd Year, 3rd Year, 4th+ Year
• Academic area: all
• Recommended GPA: 3.4 (U.S.) or equivalent
• Nominated as potential participant by the home university

 Language:

• Instruction will be primarily in English
• Field work will be primarily in Spanish (intensive instruction on site)

Selection criteria (evaluated through essay and interview):

• Proven interest in international development work;
• 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 humour!

Please note there is a fee of US$2,900 per student, not including airfare, visa costs and health insurance.

Students wishing to apply for this program must first be nominated by UNSW. Please complete the GEP_Outgoing_UNSW applicationv2 and return to m.kofod@unsw.edu.au or c.schedlich@unsw.edu.au by February 10th 2012. If nominated students will then be required to complete a secondary application which will include an alternate application, CV and a two-page essay detailing their motivation, experience and expectations in relation with the programme. This will be due by February 26th 2012.