Travel Writing in Nicaragua
Location: Nicaragua
Course Dates: January 4-22, 2010
Travel Dates: January 6-19, 2010
Courses: English 302 (EN), 350, 405 or Women's Studies 366 (SS)
Contact: Douglas Haynes, Radford 204, 920-424-0914
Details: http://www.uwosh.edu/oie/abroad/nicaragua.php
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Join a UW Oshkosh service-learning course in Managua, Nicaragua, where you will:
LIVE, WORK, & PLAY with Nicaraguans.
VOLUNTEER at the Women in Action Center, a community development project offering education, health, art, and food programs in a low-income neighborhood of Nicaragua’s capital, Managua.
READ & WRITE travel narratives and literary journalism about cross-cultural experiences in Central America.
MEET & INTERVIEW community leaders who will detail the economic, political, and ecological challenges of everyday life in Nicaragua.
VISIT the Masaya Volcano National Park, an artisans’ market, a volcanic lake, a coffee farm, the colonial city of Grenada, a Pacific beach, and more!
Our Host: Compas de Nicaragua (Friends of Nicaragua) is a non-profit organization that seeks to improve lives through sustainable community development and cultural exchange between the United States and Nicaragua. Compas’s main project, Women in Action, is a group of 40 women who organize health, education, and income-generating projects in the poorest settlement of La Primavera (Springtime), a low-income Managua neighborhood on the shore of Lake Managua. These women are mostly single mothers living in tin shacks with dirt floors who meet regularly at the Women in Action Center, which includes a classroom, library, and store that sells donated clothes.
Service work projects will depend largely on the community’s needs at the time of your visit, but typically include the following: chicken coop building; gardening; light construction; and enrichment activities with women and children, including English and Spanish classes, arts and crafts, soy food preparation, and gourd art workshops.
All of the information included here is subject to change. Modifications may be required depending on the exigencies of the situation.
Course(s)
Course Dates
Inability or failure to attend may affect your participation, course grades and ability to receive and use financial aid. If you cannot attend, you must indicate this on your study abroad application.
Thursday, Nov 5, 2009 from 4:00-6:00, location TBA
Thursday, Nov 19, 2009 from 4:00-6:00, location TBA
Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 1:00-3:00, location TBA
Monday, Jan 4, 2009 from 9:00-3:00, location TBA
Tuesday, Jan 5, 2009 from 9:00-1:00, location TBA
Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 1:00-4:00, Radford computer lab
Thursday, January 21, 2010, 1:00-4:00, location TBA
Friday, January 22, 2010, 1:00-4:00, location TBA
Monday, January 25, Final writing projects due in Radford 204
Choose one:
English 302 3 units (crs.)
Advanced Composition: Writing About the Humanities (EN)
Prerequisite: 60 units (crs.) including any Writing-Based Inquiry Seminar (WBIS 188), or English 101 or English 110.
English 350 3-4 units (crs.)
Literary Study Tour
Prerequisite: none
English 405 3 units (crs.)
Creative Writing
Prerequisite: A 300-level creative writing course or consent of instructor. 405/605
Women's Studies 366 1-3 units (crs.)
Service Learning Field Study (SS)
Prerequisites: Instructor permission and 6 hours of Women's Studies course credit.
Optional Course
International Studies 333 1 unit (cr.)
Study Tour
Prerequisites: none; syllabus
If you request enrollment in this course on the study abroad application, you will be automatically enrolled and will not be contacted about the coursework involved. Assignments for this course must be done independently. Contact the Office of International Education with questions.
Accommodation
Compas Visitor Center
Basic dormitory-style accommodation: bunk beds, fans, running water, and an outdoor eating/meeting area. Three meals a day will be provided. Tel: 011-505-252-2191; Email: compas@turbonett.com.ni
Host families
Live and eat in groups of two with families in the La Primavera neighborhood within a few blocks of the Compas Visitor Center. The conditions in host families’ homes vary: some have dirt floors and no running water. Privacy in all host families’ homes is limited to non-existent. Part of this course is to experience life the way most Nicaraguans do. This entails coping gracefully with living conditions that will be unfamiliar to all students.
Schedule
Preliminary January 2010 Itinerary (subject to change):
| Wed, Jan 6 | Transfer to airport; depart for Managua, Nicaragua | |
| Briefing and accommodation at the Compas Visitor Center | ||
| Thurs, Jan 7 | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Visitor Center |
| 9:00 a.m. | Orientation meeting | |
| 11:00 a.m. | Visit CIPRES model farm | |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch at CIPRES | |
| 2:00 p.m. | Tour of Managua (Revolutionary Plaza, National Palace, Sandino statue) | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner at Visitor Center | |
| Accommodation at the Compas Visitor Center | ||
| Fri, Jan 8 | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:30 a.m. | Visit Women in Action (WIA) Center (Welcoming) | |
| 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | Lunch with a WIA member | |
| 2:00 p.m. | Visit shore of Lake Managua/work projects with WIA | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner at Visitor Center | |
| 8:00 p.m. | Evening out (dancing at local disco) | |
| Accommodation at the Visitor Center | ||
| Sat, Jan 9 | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Visitor Center |
| 9:00 a.m. | Move to host families | |
| 10:30 a.m. | Class meeting at Visitor Center | |
| 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | Lunch with host families | |
| 2:00 p.m. | Work projects with Women in Action | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with host families | |
| 7:30 p.m. | Welcome gathering with host families | |
| Accommodation with Host Families for remainder of program | ||
| Sun, Jan 10 | 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. | Leave for Spanish colonial city of Granada | |
| 10:00 a.m. | Arrive in Granada (Visit park, city center) | |
| 11:00 a.m. | Take boat tour of Granada Islands | |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch on Lake Nicaragua | |
| 1:00 p.m. | Leave for Apollo Lake | |
| 1:30 p.m. | Arrive at Apollo Lake (Swimming) | |
| 2:30 p.m. | Leave for Masaya Market | |
| 3:00 p.m. | Arrive at Market | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Leave Market for Masaya Volcano | |
| 5:00 p.m. | Arrive at Volcano (night tour: Bat caves, glowing lava) | |
| 8:00 p.m. | Return to Managua/Dinner with host families | |
| Mon, Jan 11 | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast with host families |
| 9:00 a.m. | Spend the day with a WIA member observing a typical day: prepare food, wash clothes, workat traffic lights, etc. | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with host families | |
| Tues, Jan 12 | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast with host families |
| 9:30 a.m. | Class meeting at Visitor Center | |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch with host families | |
| 2:00 p.m. | Work projects with WIA | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with host families | |
| Wed, Jan 13 | 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast with host families |
| 8:30 a.m. | Leave for La Paz, Carazo | |
| 10:00 a.m. | Arrive in La Paz and tour organic coffee farm and sustainable living projects | |
| 1:00 p.m. | Lunch | |
| 2:00 p.m. | Tour of La Paz (church, park, bakery) | |
| 3:00 p.m. | Hike to see howler monkeys | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Return to Managua | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with host families | |
| Thurs, Jan 14 | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast with host families |
| 9:30 a.m. | Class meeting at Visitor Center | |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch with host families | |
| 2:00 p.m. | Work projects with WIA | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with host families | |
| Fri, Jan 15 | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast with host families |
| 9:00 a.m. | Visit local school | |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch with host families | |
| 2:00 p.m. | Visit local non-governmental organizations | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with host families | |
| 8:00 p.m. | Evening out (dancing at local disco) | |
| Sat, Jan 16 | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast with host families |
| 9:00 a.m. | Gourd art workshop/Painting w/WIA | |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch with host families | |
| 2:00 p.m. | Soy food workshop w/ WIA, activities with children | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with host families | |
| Sun, Jan 17 | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. | Trip to Pacific Ocean | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with host families | |
| Mon, Jan 18 | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast with host families |
| 9:00 a.m. | Visit WIA small businesses | |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch with host families | |
| 2:00 p.m. | Class meeting at Visitor Center | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Farewell gathering with WIA | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with host families | |
| 7:00 p.m. | Farewell gathering with host families | |
| Tues, Jan 19 | Transfer from La Primavera to Managua airport. | |
| Return to Oshkosh |
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh reserves the right to make changes to itineraries, travel arrangements, hotels, excursions, activities or other arrangements made necessary by factors beyond its control. On certain dates when some attractions or activities may not be available, UW Oshkosh reserves the right to substitute alternate attractions or activities.
Flight
Luggage Limits
Restrictions on carry-on baggage (American Airlines).
Restrictions on checked and excess baggage (American Airlines).
Depart UW Oshkosh
Long-term parking is allowed on campus in parking lot 6 with a valid UW Oshkosh parking permit. Participants may park on campus for the duration of their study abroad experience, except for semester-long programs.
Meeting Date & Time: 5:15 on the morning of Monday, January 4!
Departure Time: 5:30 on the morning of Monday, January 4!
Departure Location: Parking Lot 6
Flight
Monday, January 4, 2010
11:25 AM Depart from Chicago O’Hare on flight 2050, American Airlines
3:25 PM Arrive Miami
6:05 PM Depart on flight 985, American Airlines
7:40 PM Arrive Managua, Nicaragua
Friday, January 22, 2010
1:50 PM Depart Managua, Nicaragua on flight 970, American Airlines
5:30 PM Arrive Miami
7:15 PM Depart on flight 1283, American Airlines
9:30 PM Arrive Chicago O’Hare
Return to UW Oshkosh
Estimated date & time: 2:30 in the morning on Saturday, January 22!
Return Location: Parking Lot 6
Fees
The more who sign up for this program, the lower the cost per participant will be. You can help lower your cost to study abroad by recruiting friends and classmates to join you in this experience!
°Indicates the expense will appear on your UW Oshkosh student account.
| Program Fee Estimate | |
°$1,620 |
The January 2010 program fee is estimated at $1,170 - $1,620 plus airfare based on 6 - 10 participants. |
| Expenses in U.S. Dollars | |
$100 |
Application Fee ($200 for out-of-state applicants) |
$100 |
Passport & Pictures |
$445 |
Airfare (estimate) |
varies |
Immunizations |
$645 |
Total Pre-travel Expense Estimate (plus immunizations) |
| Expenses in Foreign Currency (NIO = Nicaragua Cordobas) | |
NIO 4,000 |
Personal Spending Money |
NIO 4,000 |
Total Expense Estimate while Abroad |
$200 |
Total in U.S. Dollars as of 3/30/09 (today's rate of exchange) |
$2,465 |
Total Estimated Expenses |
Program fees cover course-related expenses (no tuition is assessed); transportation between UW Oshkosh and the U.S. airport by school bus; Nicaraguan tourist card; accommodation and three meals per day at the Compas Visitor Center and with host families; local transportation costs and tours/visits listed on the finalized itinerary; pre-travel orientation; and international health insurance. The program itinerary may be tentative and will not be finalized until approximately two weeks before departure.
Program fees do not cover items not specifically mentioned above such as trip cancellation and baggage insurance; passports; immunizations; airfare; local transportation personal costs; and all expenses of a purely personal nature. Estimates for some of these expenses have been included above.
Estimates found here are based on the group rate for services and travel dates as well as current exchange rates, where applicable. Changes to this plan or a large exchange rate fluctuation may cause adjustments to the final cost.
Apply
Eligibility
Applicants must have completed any Writing-Based Inquiry Seminar (WBIS) or English 110 and two semesters of university level coursework before the program start date. Students who don't meet these criteria may appeal by contacting the faculty leader to schedule an interview.
STEP I
Read the study abroad application instructions and complete the GENERAL Office of International Education application as outlined on our Apply page.
In addition, access PROGRAM-SPECIFIC application materials as needed from below on this page.
STEP II
Program-specific documents due by the application deadline.
Interview (contact Douglas Haynes, Radford 204, 920-424-0914 to set up interview time & date)
STEP III
Program-specific documents due by the Friday following the application deadline.
Compas de Nicaragua Application Form
Resources
Office of International Education Orientation Materials
Office of International Education Trip Preparation Resources
U.S. State Department Country-specific Information
Center for Disease Control (up-to-date information on immunizations)
Emergency Contact (during program dates)
In a life and death emergency ABROAD
U.S. Department of State Citizen Emergency Center (1-202-647-5225) will relay messages to the foreign Embassy. Embassy personnel may try to locate your student, pass on urgent messages and, consistent with the Privacy Act, report back.
To reach your student directly
If your student is staying in a hotel, use the hotel contact information listed on the web page for your student's program. The Office of International Education cannot give out private residence or homestay phone numbers unless authorized in advance by the student, but we will contact your student for you in an emergency.
To reach someone at UW Oshkosh during office hours (7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F)
- Office
of International Education Phone: 1 (920) 424-0775
- Jenna Graff: Director, Office of International Education - graff@uwosh.edu
- Dr. William Baurecht: Coordinator, National Student Exchange - baurecht@uwosh.edu
- Maria Carvalho : Front Line Advisor - oie@uwosh.edu
- Tom Kiekhafer : Program Manager - kiekhaft@uwosh.edu
- Brian Mylrea: International Student Advisor - mylreab@uwosh.edu
- Office of International Education Fax: 1 (920) 424-0185
- Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor Phone: 1 (920) 424-1410
- Office of the Provost & Vice Chancellor Phone: 1 (920) 424-0300
To reach someone at UW Oshkosh outside of normal office hours
University Police: 1 (920) 424-1216
To reach local contacts associated with our program ABROAD
Michael Boudreau, Executive Director, Compas de Nicaragua; Tel: 011-505-252-2191; Email: compas@turbonett.com.ni
Time Zone Differences
This page was last updated on: November 6, 2009