Ambassadors of Esperanza Program Description:
Esperanza in Oaxaca offers students an opportunity to learn about Mexico as both part of the developing world and the ways in which rural communities are protecting their resources and traditions. The crossroad between service immersion and academic study provide students with the ability to meaningfully apply their studies. Students will work alongside Esperanza families and leaders in the Rio Grande and coastal cities of Oaxacan community. The goal the program is to develop an educated awareness of the issues affecting the developing world and a greater sense of what it means to be a global citizen.
Program Dates 2012
Winter Quarter: Jan. 2nd – March 17th
Application deadline: October 15th 2011
Spring Quarter March 23rd – June 9th
Application deadline: January 1st 2012
Summer Session A: June 15 – July 13
Summer Session B: July 14 – Aug. 8
Application deadline: April 1st 2012
Fall Semester: September 3rd- December 14th 2012
Application deadline: June 1st 2012
(Students may participate in one or
both of the summer sessions)
Costs:
Quarter Program: $9,500
Summer Session: $3,000
Includes housing, two meals a day (lunch will not be provided), retreats, tuition,
Esperanza staff support, pre-departure advising, transportation from and to the
Huatulco or Puerto Escondido airport, volunteer program 2 days a week (including tools,
accommodations, transportation and meals), educational opportunities with partner non-profit organizations, access to computer facility at the University and excursions. Flights are not included.
Eligibility Requirements
• Language Proficiency: Minimum of intermediate level (One year of college-level Spanish) of Spanish proficiency for the semester-long program
• Maturity: Sophomore, junior or senior status during the time you will be studying in Oaxaca
• Good Academic Standing: Minimum of 3.0GPA (with exceptions approved by academic advisor)
• Openness: Openness to community-based living
• Sensitivity: Ability to be sensitive to and embrace cultural diversity
• Simplicity: Willingness to live simply in the context of a developing country
Format:
The ambassadors of Esperanza will be engaged in quarter-long academic study and service program in the coastal region of Oaxaca. The program will be a formative process to a deeper international solidarity, understanding and personal enrichment. Students will live with one another in community at the Esperanza home in Puerto Escondido.
Community Living/Meals:
a. Students will share responsibilities in taking care of the esperanza home.
b. Students will share in evening meals prepared by a member of the community
c. Students will live with Esperanza volunteer coordinator who will also meet with each of them for weekly check-in’s
d. Share chores, cleaning and cooking responsibilities.
e. Breakfast and dinner will be provided and communal at the Esperanza house.
Lunch will be on their own 5 days a week, however will be provided during “Los dias de Esperanza”
Classes:
Three days a week, students will be engaged in academic classes at the Universidad Internaciónal del Pacifico. Students will receive 25 quarter credits or 15 semester credits. They will have options to take:
a. Intermediate or advanced Spanish classes
b. Spanish Literature
c. Oaxacan History.
d. They will also have the option to enroll in seminar classes with local students on weekends; such as Oaxacan culinary traditions or Marine studies.
Summer sessions will offer 5 credits of intensive language instruction.
Note: Esperanza staff will ensure quality classes by verifying professor’s syllabus, periodically visiting classes and retaining close communication with University administration and professors. Credits will be transferred directly from the Universidad Internaciónal del Pacifico to students home University.
Service Work:
Two days a week, students will join Esperanza staff in “Dias de Esperanza (days of hope)” in which they will volunteer with Esperanza families in the construction process and community development. The students will be accompanied by Esperanza staff and learn about the dynamics of rural Mexico. Students will stay at the hotel “La Gloria” and meals will be provided at the hotel restaurant. They will also be included in occasional community meetings.
Excursions:
Students will be expected to participate in 3 retreats.
a. A two-day orientation with Esperanza staff in Chacahoa.
i. This includes a visit to the crocodile conservancy, boat ride and trip to the lagoons.
b. A three day trip to Oaxaca city to visit Monte Alban, EL Zocolo, the artesian cooperatives and be engaged in art and cultural specialties of Oaxaca
c. A two day trip to liberate turtles and the efforts to protect the mangrove ecosystem and the efforts to protect turtles in Oaxaca.
Contact:
Esperanza International Program Director
Aimee Khuu
Aimee.khuu@esperanzaint.org
(206) 228-2082
