Welcome to CATHALAC's Study Abroad Program!
CATHALAC introduces an eigth-week study abroad program focusing on Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through professional training, hands-on learning, and cultural immersion, students will embark on experiencing how global climate change influences sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Students will have the opportunity to explore firsthand the diverse direct and indirect effects of a changing climate on natural and human systems. Students are encouraged both individually and as a group to delve into complex topics and address challenging questions relevant to contemporary regional and national climate change problems. CATHALAC provides knowledgeable, experienced professionals who guide and mentor students in their learning process. This unique program offers university students and young professionals the opportunity to experience a new culture while working towards promoting sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Benefits
- Specialized interdisciplinary training in new, emerging fields related to climate change and sustainable development
- Extensive, practical, hands-on experience at CATHALAC and at field sites
- Study at a globally recognized international organization, gain expertise, contacts, and professional skills
- Enhance technical and scientific knowledge
- Develop critical-thinking skills
- Build up environmental consciousness
- Be part of innovating solutions to environmental problems
- Cultural immersion through home-stays and excursions
Program Description
Part I (4 Weeks)
During part I students take part in a 3-day orientation, providing cross-cultural, health, safety, and academic information, as well as program background and a tour of the Panama City area. Subsequently during the mornings they will participate in an intensive Spanish course divided according to ability and taught by experienced native instructors. The Program supplements intensive conversation, and practice by having discussions on the environment, visiting historical sites, and through cultural activities.
During afternoons, students will participate in an intensive course entitled Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The course is designed from the Latin American reality perspective. Students will obtain academic background and a multidisciplinary and integrating approach to both the challenges and opportunities presented by global climate change. The course will involve group discussion sessions, hands-on laboratory, a mix of interactive lectures, and assigned readings. The course will be instructed in English.
Throughout the course, students will learn to use technologies and to apply cutting-edge research methodologies for the analysis and monitoring of natural and human systems affected by climate change. The acquired knowledge and interests of the students will lead to the implementation of their internship research projects in part II of the Program.
The Course is comprised of four specific topics:
• Introduction to Sustainable Development;
• Introduction to Climate Change Science and Policy;
• Social and Political Aspects of Climate Change;
• Methods and tools for Climate Change Research.
Part II (4 Weeks) Internship
Students carry out a four week internship which requires a full-time work load while conducting research. The internship provides students the opportunity to gain professional experience by working on individual or group projects alongside CATHALAC´s international staff. Each student will be in communication with CATHALAC’s headquarters, and may be based in CATHALAC´s office or at a field site related to their research. Students will conduct research and/or analyses related to CATHALAC's thematic areas of work. Upon completion of the internship, students present their research and findings to CATHALAC staff and other interested parties. By the end of the Study Abroad Program students will walk away with the feeling of having accomplished a full-fledged research project.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed at least 2 semesters of undergraduate work. Basic Spanish proficiency is a plus but NOT a must.
Living Arrangements
Students typically are housed with a family living within the City. Family placements are supervised by a housing coordinator in order to ensure a good fit for both students and families. The home stay experience is an integral part of the program, as it facilitates language learning, as well as active participation in both Panama’s culture and society.
Academic Credits
The Study Abroad Program is accredited by the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and qualifies for 6 undergraduate credit hours through the Earth System Science academic program. These credits are available for transfer from UAH to any US college or university for current non-UAH students who wish to enroll at UAH for the summer course. CATHALAC also welcomes other universities to accredit the program directly. Consult your study-abroad office for your university's specific credit and transfer policy for this program.
Students who wish to receive credits through UAH must enroll in two sections of the Special Topics summer course entitled: ¨Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean¨. Payment of tuition (credit hours), which is in addition to the CATHALAC program fee, should be handled directly with the university at enrollment.
Students who wish to participate and do not wish to receive credits for the Study Abroad Program need only to pay the Program fee directly to CATHALAC.
Cost
The program fee is USD $5,000 (payment is handled directly with CATHALAC)
This fee includes:
- Climate Change and Sustainable Development Course and materials
- Intensive Spanish language training
- Internship placement and supervision
- Room and partial board (breakfast and dinner)
- Airport pick-up
- Excursions and cultural activities
* The cost does not include airfare, lunches, and other personal expenses.
Apply Now for Summer 2010!
- Complete the online application form
- Write your Statement of Purpose (SOP) up to 1000 words (please address the guiding questions "Statement of Purpose.doc" ) and upload it to your online application. The SOP is to help us learn about your career plans, your interest in the program, and what you hope to achieve from the program .
- Obtain two (2) signed letters of reference (in format provided "Reference letter.doc"). Reference Person can be college or university faculty member or academic advisor, representative from an organization who knows you, or previous or current employer. One of the reference letters must be an academic reference. A hard copy of the letter must be sent by the reference provider directly to CATHALAC´s Study Abroad Program mailing address or email address.
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Contact Information
CATHALAC
Study Abroad Program
P.O.Box: 0843-03102
Panama City, Republic of Panama
Physical Address: Ciudad del Saber, Edificio 111, Clayton, Panamá, República de Panamá
Phone: +507 3173206/3207/ 3245
Email:
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Website: http://www.cathalac.org
