Global Engagement Studies Institute in Nicaragua website  (map)

Sponsor: Northwestern University Center for Global Engagement (CGE) at the Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies (BCICS)

Location:  Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua

Description: 

Students learn about international development, global engagement practices, project management, leadership, entrepreneurship and the realities of contemporary Nicaraguan life by connecting them with community based organizations to co-design and collaboratively implement a small-scale community development project. The program has three phases: (1) eight days of pre-departure coursework at Northwestern University, which prepares students for their project-based immersion, (2) eight weeks in Nicaragua working with a local community based organization, (3) a final reflection summit at Northwestern University.

Terms: 

• Summer

Term Notes: June 17 - August 24, 2013. Pre-departure coursework at Northwestern: June 17 - 24; Overseas component: June 25 - August 21; Final summit at Northwestern: August 22 - 24

Languages: English, Spanish

Language Requirements: 

1 year or the equivalent of college-level Spanish.

Housing: 

Home stays

Program Costs: 

$8,200, which includes:

• Tuition for two Northwestern courses
• Lodging, food, and city transport during pre-departure and final summits
• In-country programming, including orientation during arrival, a home-stay with three meals a day, language instruction, transportation stipend for travel to and from work, HTH Worldwide Health Insurance coverage, and ongoing oversight and support.

Note: The Global Engagement Studies Institute offers partial to full scholarships to NU students. Awards are based on financial need, essay quality, and academic merit. Underrepresented minority students are encouraged to apply. See the GESI scholarships page for more details.