Spring and May Term 2006 (offered every even year spring)

The Simpson College semester in Nicaragua offers students an intensive living and learning experience in Nicaragua. Situated in the heart of Central America, Nicaragua is a diverse land of volcanoes, mountains, and rain forests. Its fascinating history, geography, and political systems offer a wide range of study and research options for students in all disciplines.

The Simpson Semester in Nicaragua provides the student with 15-18 hours of credit in a number of different areas, including Spanish language, Latin american studies and Contemporary religious thought. All classes are taught by a Simpson College faculty member. A unique learning opportunity is provided through service projects carried out in community organizations, non-governmental organizations, and educational settings. The resident director oversees these service projects.

Simpson Semester in Nicaragua, 2006

Location:
Managua, Nicaragua. Managua offers easy access in and out of Nicaragua, an entire range of services, and close proximity to major universities and points of historic interest.

Course work
Students take up to 15 credit hours in the following areas:

Spanish Language or Literature: 6-9 hours. The program requires completion of Spanish 101 and 102, or equivalent. Students could choose from SPAN 201, 202 or suitable 200 and 300 level courses.

Spanish 319: Service Learning, 3hrs. Students receive credit for service/apprenticeship projects carried out 3-4 times per week usually 2 hours per day. The program director oversees these projects.

Cornerstone/additonal course: 0-3 hours. Students will receive three hours perhaps designated to fulfill a cornerstone. This course is taught by Simpson faculty who visit Nicaragua during Spring Break.    

Latin American Studies. SPAN 215, 3 hrs.  This course contains an overview of the history, politics, and civilization of Latin America and would be taught in English. This course can be counted as an elective towards the completion of a Spanish major or minor. 

May Term: Exploring Central America. SPAN 397, 3 hrs  This course includes travel to Costa Rica, the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua, and several other locations.

Program
Students arrive in Nicaragua in early January to prearranged home stays with families in the same neighborhood in Managua.  Students will need valid passports and Simpson College International Student ID cards.  Daily activities include: Spanish, Latin American Studies and service projects 3-4 times a week. There will be weekly day trips from Managua to other destinations: ex.  important historical cities, rural communities, etc.  The entire program fulfills the Global Awareness Cornerstone, 7C.

Cost
$3,700 plus regular tuition.  This price includes airfare, travel in Central America, room, board, etc. during the semester and May Term.

Benefits
This program allows students to grow and develop in their knowledge of Latin America.  Home stays allow constant exposure to spoken Spanish.  Internships give students an insight into the connection between their Spanish studies and the working world. 

For more information:

Contact Mark E. Bates
Associate Professor of Spanish and
Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages
Department of Foreign Languages
Simpson College
701 North C Street
Indianola, IA 50125
(515) 961-1527
bates@simpson.edu