Faculty-led programs
Art and transformation: service towards social justice
Guatemala
3 undergraduate credits in Art Education
March 13-20, 2010
Jan Johnston
$1,275 plus airfare and tuition
Registration deadline: Dec. 15, 2009
Status: Program open
The Office of International Education and the Department of Art Education at Virginia Commonwealth University are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students during spring 2010 to engage in an arts-based service-learning experience in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Students will be enrolled in a 3-credit Art Education course on campus at VCU during the spring semester. Students will then travel to Guatemala for the one-week onsite portion of the program from March 13-20, 2010.
Course and credit options: ARTE 491: Art and Transformation: Mayan Arts Program; ARTE 591: Topics
Course description
Students will use experiences in an arts-based service-learning project in Guatemala as the foundation for the examination of relevant social and cultural issues, and personal reflection through art. In addition to travel overview and lesson creation, pre-trip preparations will include readings and discussions targeting social justice, arts advocacy, community building, the effects of colonialism, art/craft as cultural legacy, and education. In Guatemala, students will stretch their concept of culture and community as intercultural relationships are formed and as they become familiar with various social, economic and environmental issues facing the indigenous Highland Maya. While there, students will work in a Mayan community alongside women leaders, teachers and elementary school children during Spring Break (typically on a community art project and/ or teaching lessons).
After students return from the trip, the class and guest critics will help individuals develop a small body of work with an emphasis on social justice and action. This “body of work” is an opportunity for students to examine critical issues and personally relevant experiences. These can be works of art, dance, drama, film shorts, photography, short stories, essays, children’s books or curriculum.
The program will be led by adjunct instructor Jan Johnston of the VCU Department of Art Education. Our local community partner and service provider for the trip is the Highland Support Project.
Registration deadline: Dec. 15, 2009
Applications will be accepted online until the deadline or until the end of the add/drop period.
Program cost
$1,275 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $1,275 and includes the following:
- Accommodations
- All meals
- Study visits and tours
- Ground transportation throughout Guatemala
- On-site program director support
- Pre-departure orientation
- International Student Identity Card
- VCU administrative fees
- Application deposit
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- Round-trip airfare from Washington, D.C., to Guatemala City, Guatemala.
- Miscellaneous tips
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program
Airfare
Round-trip airfare between Washington, D.C., (Dulles) and Guatemala City is not included in the program fee; however all in-country transportation is included. Please consult with the instructor prior to purchasing the ticket for important information about airfare and travel times.
Eligibility
Because a diverse mix of participants is desired, students who are interested in painting and printmaking, sculpture, crafts/material studies, film/photography, kinetic imaging, communication arts, creative writing, theatre and education are encouraged to enroll. Students will teach as well as make art and should be prepared to work independently and collaboratively. Students will also need to demonstrate situational flexibility necessitated by the constraints placed on international small groups. While students with these courses are probably sophomores or older, exceptional freshmen will also be considered.
While in Guatemala
Accommodations include separate cabanas and dorm-style rooms for two to four people. All meals are included.
Important facts
- Tuition
- Financial aid
- Passports
- Payment of fees
- Refund policy
Tuition is charged separately and additionally from the program fee at standard VCU rates on the spring semester bill.
Eligible VCU students may apply for need-based financial aid to participate in this program. Contact VCU Financial Aid, Ginter House, Room 110B at (804) 828-6669 or e-mail faidmail@vcu.edu. VCU offers its students a limited number of scholarships for study abroad participation. Contact VCU Education Abroad or see our Web site for further details.
If you have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply early because the processing time can take up to eight weeks. For more information on how to apply for a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov.
The non-refundable registration fee of $250 is due upon registration. The balance of the program fee and the tuition costs (based on the number of credits taken) will be billed separately through VCU Student Accounting after May 2010 (both amounts may be billed at the same time).
All withdrawals must be made in writing and submitted to the Director of Education Abroad.
The refund schedule is as follows:
- Prior to Jan. 8: I am eligible for a refund of the portionof the program fee that has not already been expended in payment of costs outlined on the individual program sheet in support of my participation. I understand that, as the spring progresses, the charges may reflect an increasing amount, depending on what payments have been made on my behalf. After Jan. 8, I understand that the entire program fee may be due. I understand that the refund amount cannot be determined until I formally submit written withdrawal from the program.
- After Jan. 8: I will be responsible to pay the entire program fee. In the event of an unexpected emergency that occurs after Jan. 8;, I understand that I must provide a physician’s certification that my condition prohibits participation. In this case, refunds will be limited to recoverable expenses.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs. The university reserves the right to revise or alter all fees, regulations pertaining to student fees, and fee collection procedures at any time.
