International Capstone: Global Aging & Health - Enhancing Communities in Nicaragua
This service-learning program represents the seventh year that Portland State University (PSU) students, faculty, and community partners have been working to improve the well-being and quality of life for older adults located in several project sites throughout Nicaragua.
This 6-credit program is open to undergraduate, post-baccalaureate and graduate students from all disciplines. Undergraduate students may complete the course as an approved PSU capstone. Special arrangements for credit may be made depending on the willingness of student’s advisor and/or department (e.g., elective credit for Social Work and Public Health students). Spanish language proficiency is not required, but it is encouraged and preferred. Students speaking English only may participate, provided there is at least one Spanish-speaking student for each English-only speaking student.
The interdisciplinary, service-learning approach requires that everyone involved in the program works together to meet community needs that are identified by partners in Portland and Nicaragua. An asset-based community development approach is used by faculty to encourage students to build on their strengths and the strengths of communities in Nicaragua; community needs and assets are continually monitored and will be presented to students during the winter and spring terms by program partners.
During the in-county experience, students and faculty will travel to several destinations in Nicaragua, including Managua (capital), Boaco, and possibly Jinotepe (projects and teams will be determined throughout the course). Learning experiences such as community lectures and tours will be combined with service projects focusing on public health, gerontology, and community development.
Although an important part of the program requires hands-on service and learning in Nicaragua, the course also comprises approximately thirteen three-hour class sessions over the winter and spring terms that will orient students to the following topics: service learning; sustainable community development; health and aging in Latin America and Nicaragua; key concepts in gerontology; overview of public health principles; Nicaraguan culture, history, and geography; and issues in cross-cultural communication. All class sessions are mandatory for students wishing to travel with the group; should extenuating circumstances occur, the student is responsible for reporting these to the course instructor and making alternative arrangements.
Fundraising:
Students will have the opportunity to participate in fundraising events that help to reduce the program cost and/or provide supplies to community partners in Nicaragua (e.g., older adults in homes for the elderly). Past events have included hosting charity dinners, sponsoring sporting tournaments, selling Nicaraguan products, and selling raffle tickets for donated prizes. Several students have also been assisted in finding scholarships opportunities in the past.
After admission to the program, students have the opportunity to apply for a partial scholarship offered by the PSU Office of Education Abroad. Typical awards for short-term programs, like this one, are approximately $300.
Program Focus
Course Information:
UNST 421: Global Aging and Health: Enhancing Communities in Nicaragua (6 credits over the winter and spring terms)
Or
PHE 410/510: Global Aging and Health: Enhancing Communities in Nicaragua (6 credits over the winter and spring terms)
Draft Itinerary:
Day 1 17 June (Thurs) Travel Portland to Managua
Day 2 18 June (Fri) Lunch Managua; travel to Granada
Day 3 19 June (Sat) Free day in Granada
Day 4 20 June (Sun) Group orientations to site projects and partners
Day 5 21 June (Mon) Group projects in Boaco
Day 6 22 June (Tues) Group projects in Boaco
Day 7 23 June (Wed) Group projects in Boaco
Day 8 24 June (Thurs) Group projects in Boaco
Day 9 25 June (Fri) Group projects in Boaco
Day 10 26 June (Sat) Group projects in Boaco
Day 11 27 June (Sun) Free day in Boaco
Day 12 28 June (Mon) Group projects in Boaco
Day 13 29 June (Tues) Group projects in Boaco; prepare presentations to community
Day 14 30 June (Wed) Final presentations in Boaco
Day 15 01 July (Thurs) Group projects in Managua
Day 16 02 July (Fri) Travel to Masaya markets; travel to Managua; final group dinner
Day 17 03 July (Sat) Travel Managua to Portland
Program Duration
Relevant Academic Disciplines
Architechture, Business, Child and Family Studies, Community Development, Community Health, Culture, Engineering, Foreign Languages, Gerontology, Health Studies, Service Learning, Urban Studies and Planning
Pre-Requisites
• GPA 2.75
• Spanish language skills are helpful and preferred. While non-Spanish speakers are welcome and encouraged to apply, the program seeks at least a one-to-one parity between students who speak some Spanish and those who do not.
• Students seeking to complete this program for capstone credit should have Junior or Senior standing at the time of participation. Alternately, students may participate in the program for upper-division, non-capstone credit.
Language Skill: None
Housing Options
HotelProgram Links
PSU
Winter/Spring 2010 Application
Deadlines
Friday, November 6, 2009
Program Contact
Collins, Alyse
International Internships/Education Abroad Advisor
503-725-8256
East Hall- 207
To make an appointment with an advisor call 725-4094
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