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Field Sites 2007GIEU Site - Argentina From the Jungles to the Clouds to the Cultural Mosaic of Buenos Aires: A Journey through Argentina’s Geographic and Cultural Diversity Abstract: This project will provide significant experience in the geography, culture and language of four regions of Argentina - Norte, Litoral, Centro, Buenos Aires. The diversity of the chosen areas is meant to allow for an appreciation of the richness of human experience under different conditions. Students will journey through the Iguazú Falls and villages set in the subtropical rainforest of Misiones, the high peaks of the Andes in the Northern provinces with traces of pre-Columbian cultures, the fertile and jesuitic legacy of the Central Region, until finally arriving in the sophisticated, multicultural city of Buenos Aires. The trip will focus on writing and the literary heritage of Argentina, with students meeting authors, visiting schools, and producing and critiquing their own writings. Basic fluency in Spanish required. GIEU Site - Beijing, China Opening Opportunities for U.S. University Students in Sports and Health Management Associated with the 2008 Olympics in Beijing Abstract: This project will help students explore and experience internship and career development opportunities in sports and health management and related disciplines through visiting and communicating with various sports and health management agencies. In order to experience first hand the diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as the different social and political atmospheres in China, students will live and study with undergraduate and graduate students from Beijing Sports University and Tianjin Medical University. Students will assist in evaluating and further developing the English materials for international volunteers associated with the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. GIEU Site - Costa Rica Financing and Philanthropy for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) in Costa Rica and the United States Abstract: This project will provide students with a comparative understanding of the financing of Non-Governmental Organizations in Costa Rica and the United States. Students will have the opportunity to interact with Costa Rican students, professors, stakeholders, and families through homestays, volunteer opportunities, site visits, Spanish classes, and various cultural experiences. These non-profit human service organizations will be presented and understood in their context with a view to participating in, assessing and appreciating the indigenous services and human development efforts of a small Central American nation. GIEU Site - Ethiopia Eco-Explorers: Ethiopia Abstract: Eco-explorers Ethiopia will create intercultural learning in two ways: 1) direct hands-on experience working with orphanages and a foster home in Addis Ababa and 2) the extensive use of a directed individual sketchbook/journal. Ethiopia offers an amazingly diverse environment for exploring culture, public health issues, natural and human history. Students will use creative processes for working, exploring and learning with local people and organizations. A study tour will take in some of the world heritage sites and natural wonders of this East African nation. GIEU Site - Accra, Ghana Building Ghana's Medical Rehabilitation Infrastructure Site Leaders: Andrew Haig and Anthony Chiodo Abstract: This project designs a transdisciplinary strategy to build a national medical rehabilitation infrastructure in Ghana. After preparatory study and team building, students will travel to Ghana, pair with Ghanaian students of similar academic background, meet with experts, travel throughout the country, and develop a policy paper in cooperation with Ghanaian experts. GIEU Site - Cape Coast, Ghana Community and Commitment: Music-Making in Ghana, West Africa Abstract: This project will offer participants the opportunity to participate in the community-centered musical culture of Ghana and experience first hand how the musical traditions of this culture are being transformed into a new cultural product by an emerging generation of Ghanaian musicians. Students will also gain direct experience with complex issues of childhood poverty and educational access through internships in a local primary school. GIEU Site - Iceland Geological and Cultural Field Excursion to Iceland Abstract: During this field excursion to Iceland, students will study the geology of mid-ocean ridges (exposed at the surface only in Iceland), hotspot volcanism and the use of geothermal energy and hydrogen power. Students will interact with professors at the University of Iceland and gain valuable exposure to Icelandic culture and society. A one credit seminar during winter term will prepare students for the scientific aspects of the expedition. GIEU Site - Netherlands Intercultural Communication and Leadership in a Diverse Democracy: An Examination of Dutch Culture Abstract: The historically diverse and politically tolerant Dutch society will serve as the living and learning environment where students and faculty will engage in a process to better understand themselves and their role in the creation of a socially just society. Serving as cultural observers and engaged participants, students will explore issues of tolerance, justice, and leadership in areas such as ethnic diversity, intergroup conflict, ethics in public leadership, and sexual rights and identity. GIEU Site - South Africa The Pedagogy of Action South Africa: Empowering Ordinary People to Become Activists in HIV Prevention Abstract: The pedagogy of action is the kernel of empowering ordinary people to act in their community to address their own pressing problems like HIV in South Africa. At the heart of this methodology is the philosophy that people can take responsibility for themselves if given the right tools, that literacy was not a requirement for empowerment. Using an HIV module designed for low-literate and non-literate people, students will teach communities in townships to become HIV prevention activists and in turn teach the module to their peers at the University of Zululand and the University of Witwatersrand, building their capacity to continue the work in empowering their own communities. Student will be required to do on-site papers based on reflection on their work and assigned readings. GIEU Site - New Orleans, LA New Orleans : Race, Class, and Katrina Abstract: Participants will work with local community centers and projects developed by and with students from Tulane, Dillard, and the University of New Orleans to serve children and youth in the arts. Particular attention will be paid to the current state of the public schools and types of support for those who were/are displaced. The larger questions of race, class, and urban U.S. school systems and youth support will be examined with comparisons to Detroit and other urban centers. Participants will live and work closely with New Orleans residents and engage in dialogue techniques for peer support, while also exploring the unique culture and heritage of this city.
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The University of Michigan | Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates |
