U21 Social Entrepreneur Corps
The U21 Social Entrepreneur Corps in Guatemala programme builds on our U21 institutions’ expertise in social entrepreneurship, online and blended learning, international collaboration and service learning, as well as on our common commitment to global citizenship. Social entrepreneurship as a topic and Guatemala as a location are already part of individual U21 members’ study abroad programme offerings. The proposed U21 Social Entrepreneur Corps programme is a tailored approach to study abroad that combines global collaboration, new technologies and impact-oriented learning activities.
For the proposed four-week-long U21 programme, students interested in international development will work directly with Social Entrepreneur Corps field professionals and social entrepreneurs in Guatemala to help establish new and grow existing micro-consignment supported businesses. The benefits include exposure to economic theories of social entrepreneurship and active engagement with case study analyses, Spanish language, and Guatemalan, including Mayan culture. The students will experience living with the local families and working intensively with community service organizations, and local social entrepreneurs.
Our students will make a tangible difference in people’s lives, while also acquiring the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary to become socially aware, active global citizens. The programme is designed as a short-term summer (June/July) opportunity for U21 students. U21 students are encouraged, but not required to take this programme for academic credit. This programme aims to complement the already existing U21 Summer School and Global Issues programme.
Timeline:
Nomination deadline: 20 February 2012
Online application deadline: 20 February 2012
Application review and Skype interviews: 21-25 February 2012
Decision date: 26 February 2012
Commitment deadline: 10 March 2012
Online classes start: 24 May 2012
Guatemala arrival: 24 June 2012
Guatemala departure: 21 July 2012
Reports and presentations due: 26 August 2012
Virtual Global Symposium: October 2012, date to be announced.
Participant profile
Eligibility criteria (administrative evaluation):
- Undergraduate student currently enrolled in a Universitas 21 member institution
- Class status: 2nd Year, 3rd Year, 4th+ Year
- Academic area: all
- Recommended GPA: 3.4 (U.S.) or equivalent
- Nominated as potential participant by the home university
Language:
- Instruction will be primarily in English
- Field work will be primarily in Spanish (intensive instruction on site)
Selection criteria (evaluated through essay and interview):
- Proven interest in international development work;
- Strong motivation for participation;
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team;
- Strong interest in helping to empower others;
- Ability to empathize with individuals of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds;
- Open-mindedness;
- Flexibility;
- Willingness to work hard under challenging developing country conditions;
- Sense of humour!
Each U21 institution will be invited to submit one guaranteed and up to three reserve student nominations.
There is a fee of US$2,900 per student, not including airfare, visa costs and health insurance.
All nominated students (guaranteed and reserves) are invited to complete an online application through the University of Connecticut’s study abroad application system, including a CV and a two-page essay detailing their motivation, experience and expectations in relation with the programme.
The application can be accessed at
https://studyabroad.uconn.edu/?go=U21SECorpsGuatemala
Skype interviews will be conducted with selected applicants. Acceptance letters will be sent out on
26 February 2012.
Further details and application forms can be found below.
