ISA Experiential Learning Abroad Programs - Guanajuato, Mexico

  Mexico

• Central Highlands: 
Guanajuato

Term: Fall, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: In 2009: Jan 11, Jan 18, Feb 8, Mar 8, Jul 5, Aug 2, Aug 30, Oct 4, and Nov 2.

Description: The ISA Experiential Learning Abroad Program (ELAP) facilitates hands-on learning through community involvement in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, and Argentina. Volunteerism and internships enable participants to address the needs of a community abroad, while applying the lessons from the experience to their own personal growth. Experiential learning has been shown to improve life skills and professional development, while adding enjoyment to the abroad experience and compassion to a participant's perspective on the world. Personal initiative and self-motivation are key characteristics of a successful volunteer or intern, as well as flexibility, an open mind, and the desire to participate and learn. The program is designed to result in a greater sense of social responsibility and inspiration for continued involvement in a participant's home community upon his or her return.

Participation in volunteer or internship opportunities abroad is an excellent way to immerse oneself in another country's way of life. In effect, experiential learning adds another dimension to the study abroad experience through daily exposure and interactions, resulting in a greater understanding of the language, culture, and community of the host country.

In the company of on-site resident staff, participants will benefit from a strong support structure offering encouragement and assistance during the program. ISA staff members work in collaboration with the host organizations to facilitate the participant's experience, including the coordination of on-site orientations and reflection exercises. At ISA we emphasize the value of commitment, and we believe that each participant will reap countless benefits throughout the program.

Highlights:
- Social work
- Education
- Health Policy
- Nutrition
- Conservation/Ecology

ISA-ELAP Overview

ISA-ELAP may be incorporated into ISA's study abroad programs or pursued as an individual program independent of the study abroad component.

All ISA-ELAP programs include room and board (equal to ISA program), medical insurance, pre-departure information, support of the ISA resident staff, volunteer or internship placement, on-site orientation, airport reception and transfers, cultural activities, Spanish instruction and tutorial assistance with the Spanish language, and a certificate of volunteer hours completed. Additionally, a donation is made to the organization when you complete your volunteer work. Depending on each U.S. institutions policy, students may earn internship credit for ISA- ELAP. We provide support throughout this process.

Excursions: ISA-ELAP programs may have an excursion included depending on the ISA program chosen. ISA- ELAP as a stand-alone program will not include an excursion, but excursions may be added at an additional cost.

For any included or added excursions, entrance fees to museums and monuments and ground transportation are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast. Excursions are subject to change but here are some possible options: Cristo Rey, Mexico City and Teotihuacán, León, Morelia and Pátzcuaro, Puerto Vallarta, Querétaro, and San Miguel de Allende. All programs include cultural activities within Guanajuato.

For 2010 ISA-ELAP programs added to an ISA semester program: the volunteer will begin their placement 3-4 weeks after the start of their classes and volunteer when times do not conflict with classes. Students who incorporate ISA-ELAP into an ISA semester program will pay a program fee of USD 400.

Students may participate in ISA-ELAP added before or after an ISA summer, intensive month, or semester program. Please see the Add-on program prices below and on our website.

For students who participate in ISA-ELAP independent of the study abroad program, the following information applies:

For 6 to 12-week and 16-week ISA-ELAP 2010 programs: the volunteer will participate in one week of Spanish language tutoring before volunteering. Please see program prices below and on our website for more information.

Qualifications: Ideal participants are 20 years of age or older or have at least 2 years of college education and a 2.5 GPA. Contact the ISA office if you do not meet this requirement to discuss your options.

Spanish proficiency required:
* 6 to 8-week programs: Advanced level of Spanish proficiency (at least 4 semesters or equivalent of college-level Spanish)
*10 to 16-week programs: High Intermediate level of Spanish proficiency (at least 3 semesters or equivalent of college-level Spanish)
**2 of these semesters must have been taken within the past year

A phone interview in Spanish is required of all participants during the application process.

Cost in US$: See prices below

For participation in ISA-ELAP as a stand-alone program: 6 weeks USD 2600, 8 weeks USD 2850, 10 weeks USD 3100, 12 weeks USD 3350, 16 weeks USD 3900.

For participation in ISA-ELAP following a summer, intensive month, or semester program: 4 weeks USD 1000, 6 weeks USD 1250, 8 weeks USD 1500. The student will also pay the ISA program price. Add-on programs include room and board, medical insurance, placement, donation to the organization, reflection activities and on-site support.

For participation in ISA-ELAP alongside an ISA semester, the participant will pay USD 400 for the ISA-ELAP program, in addition to the semester program price.

Prices include room and board (equal to ISA program), medical insurance, pre-departure information, support of the ISA resident staff, volunteer or internship placement, on-site orientation, airport reception and transfers, cultural activities, Spanish instruction and tutorial assistance with the Spanish language, and a certificate of volunteer hours completed. Additionally, a donation is made to the organization when you complete your volunteer work. Depending on each U.S. institutions policy, students may earn internship credit for ISA- ELAP. We provide support throughout this process.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Has the following characteristics: Personal initiative/Self-motivation, Patience with others, Patience with yourself, Reliability, Flexibility/Open-mindedness, Comfortable with minimum supervision, and Desire to participate and learn.

Age Range: University students primarily. Ideal participants are at least 20 years old.

This Program is open to American, Canadian and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

ELAP's Mission Statement: To provide enriching volunteer and internship opportunities to participants. To enhance each participant's understanding of community and social responsibility within our global society.

Year Founded: 2002