Casa de la Solidaridad: San Salvador, El Salvador
Casa de la Solidaridad is an academic initiative between the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), the University of Central America (UCA) in El Salvador, and Santa Clara University. The mission of the Casa is the promotion of justice and solidarity through the creation of a meaningful academic experience where you can integrate rigorous academic study with direct immersion with the poor of El Salvador.
Academics
The curriculum of the Casa de la Solidaridad is designed for most undergraduate majors. Your classes will be taught by some of the best professors at the University of Central America and in San Salvador - experts in their fields and on topics related to Central America.
The learning style is integrated and interdisciplinary and examines the social, political, and economic reality of the people of El Salvador. The academic curriculum incorporates traditional classroom activities, participative research, and interaction with the local community. Students select a total of five courses for the semester program, usually in Spanish language and El Salvadoran subjects such as politics, history, and literature.
Accommodations
Each semester, an outstanding group of students live together in a learning community near the University of Central America. Students live in one of three houses, Casa Romero, Casa Silvia, or Casa Ita, which are located just a minute walk from one another.
Upon arrival, all the students will be invited to help create their community environment by talking about and agreeing upon a variety of community norms such as simple living, community and spirituality nights, and speaking Spanish while at home in the Casa.. This type of living is an opportunity to enter fully with other students into the richness of community life.
In order to better support the Casa students, a Community Facilitator (CF) lives on-site full time. The CF is generally an alumni of the Casa program and works on staff for a year.
Eligibility & Admission
Students must be juniors or seniors at the time of study abroad. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale is required. Students must also have completed two years of college-level Spanish. Recommendations from professors will be considered in the selection of candidates.
Approximate Fall Dates:
Arrival – August 19, 2009
Program dates – August 20-December 15, 2009
Departure- December 16, 2009
Application Deadline – March 1, 2009
Approximate Spring Dates:
Arrival – approx. Jan. 13, 2010
Program dates –Approx. January 14-May 11, 2010
Departure- approx. May 12, 2010
Application Deadline – October 1, 2009
Program cost (to be paid to Canisius):
Canisius tuition (approx. $14,100) and study abroad fee ($500). These fees also include travel insurance, some excursions and field trips.
Costs to be paid by student:
Living expenses are estimated to be approx. $3,690 per semester for a double occupancy room and meals during the week. Additional estimated expenses include weekend meals (approx. $200), books and supplies (approx. $150), personal and living expenses (approx. $1,000), and airfare (approx. $850).
For matriculated Canisius students only, 100% of Canisius College scholarships and grants will be applied to your program costs. Program cost subject to currency fluctuation.
To visit the Santa Clara University website click here.
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