Guatemala Service Program - ispguatemala

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Agricultural Development Service Program in Guatemala

Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture
MSC L.T. JORDAN

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Objective

To develop a sustainable, short-term international service trip for undergraduates that will provide students with an affordable abroad experience.

Project Summary

The Agricultural Development Service Program in Guatemala is a short-term service program for undergraduate students at Texas A&M University. The program was developed for the International Leadership Challenge component of the Academy for Future International Leaders in 2009. The program is also concurrently supported by the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture and the MSCC L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness. Students selected for the program will travel to Chimaltenango, Guatemala during the summer of 2010 for 3 weeks to participate in the Borlaug Institute’s Food for Progress Program. Work includes greenhouse or canning center construction.

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to provide students with a meaningful international experience early in their college career in order to encourage interest in global affairs and a concern for problems facing poorer countries in the 21^st century. Because the program will be advertised as a part of the Borlaug Institute and the L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness, the general knowledge of these organizations will be greatly expanded on campus. Students selected to participate will gain a greater understanding of Guatemalan culture and have the opportunity to present their experiences to other interested undergraduates upon their return. Overall, this program will serve to expand the global reach of Texas A&M University and enhance the experience of its undergraduate population.

Structure and Funding

· Duration of stay: 3 weeks during Summer Session I 2010

o Potential Itinerary: Tuesday, June 1, 2010 – Tuesday, June 22, 2010

· Total number of student participants: 10

o No major or classification requirements; U1 and U2 preferred

o Language ability not a requirement, but preferred

o Must complete application, 2 character references, and interview

· Budget Overview

o Roundtrip airline ticket to Guatemala City: $500-$800 per student

o Total food expenses: $200

o Living and in-country travel expenses covered by the Borlaug Institute