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Our Work: U.S. Programs — Friends Across Borders (FAB) Rural Chile Immersion Program
- Notre Dame and Marquette Universities
July 11-26, 2010
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Cecilia Espinoza, Maryknoll Lay Missioner Friends Across Borders Manager P.O. Box 307 Maryknoll, NY 10545-0307 914-762-6364, ext. 207 friendsacrossborders@mklm.org
Deadline for Sign Ups:
May 2010
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Bienvenido al fin del mundo - Welcome at the end of the world
The snow-capped Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean border this narrow, 6,000 km.-long country. Wherever you are in Chile, mountains and sea are close by and offer beautiful landscapes.
Despite the beautiful and richness of the land, poverty and joblessness afflict many urban areas and are endemic in the countryside; among the most heavily affected are Chile's million plus indigenous people, of whom the Mapuche are the largest group.
Environmental problems abound: among them are pesticide poisoning in agricultural areas, polluted rivers, the rapid spread of erosion and the yearly encroachment of the northern desert on the country's central region. The Maryknoll Lay Missioners invite you to live and learn about this beautiful land and culture of Chile.
Experiential Education
Our main focus is to provide an intensive program of Spanish language and Chilean idioms through classroom work, practical and cultural experiences. The experience will introduce the students to Maryknoll Lay Missioners, Chilean rural life, history and culture through presentations, both academic and artistic, tours to different areas of interest and a living experience with a Chilean rural family.
Expectations of each participant:
A desire to better their language skills in preparation for the semester of studies.
An openness to experience and learn about the life of the poor in another culture.
Participate in the orientation and follow the requested information prior to the experience.
What We Will Do There
We are still shaping the itinerary but we are building our experience around these activities:
1. Orientation to Maryknoll Lay Missioners, Chilean Rural reality and life in the Campo.
2. Participate in daily Spanish classes, learning idioms, cultural norms and practical use of the language.
3. Enjoy traditional food, music, dances, and Chilean campesino culture.
4. Enjoy the art and the scenic beauty of Chile through visits to interesting places in the 7th Region of Chile.
Preparation
Prior to leaving, Friends Across Borders will provide preparation, orientation and some cross-cultural skills training. Cecilia Espinoza will be your host and guide.
Follow Up
Our goal is that through this experience you will attain a better understanding of the people of Chile, especially in a rural setting, their culture and the challenges they face in a globalized world. We want to stay in touch after the experience, and help you to incorporate it in your life plan and share it with others.
Qualifications
The trip to and from Santiago-Linares, Chile involves around 11 or more hours in the air and 5 hrs by bus. Jet lag plus the travel itself require that participants have sufficient stamina to undertake this challenge. While our itinerary isn't physically rigorous, at times it will be physically taxing as we move about in vans around Chile. Each participant must be healthy and mobile enough to meet these demands.
Logistics and Costs
The total ground cost for this two-week program is $1,100. Program fees cover all lodging and meals, all transportation within the country, Advanced Spanish language classes, an English-Spanish speaking guide, and tourist fees. International airfare, taxes and visa are not included.
Prior to Your Trip
Check your newspaper for Chile weather as we get closer to our departure date or you can go to www.weather.com and enter in Talca, Chile (the closest city to Linares). Passports should be valid for the period of travel. Student visas for Chile can be obtained at the closest Chilean Consulate in the United States. |
