The NDNU Guadalajara Service Learning Project

July 14 - 28, 2007

 Sponsored by

Office for Campus Life, Center for Spirituality and Social Change,
Latin American Studies and Rotaract of NDNU

"Hi everyone! Just Click on my hand in this picture and press the "WATCH" button to see a video overview of the NDNU Guadalajara Service Learning Project! Come join us in Summer, 2007.

What is it? 
The Guadalajara Service Learning Project is an exciting and challenging program in which participants collaborate with a parish on the outskirts of Guadalajara to provide two weeks of summer day camp for approximately 180 under-privileged children ages 6-12.  The camp provides arts and crafts, group activities, games, and elements of English five hours per day for five days each week.   NDNU students do all the planning and teaching of the classes.  Local Mexican teenagers help by serving as aides.

What about housing and food?  
Housing is with host families in the community, who provide a place to stay, three meals a day and large amounts of hospitality.  The location is an urban setting, on the hilly outskirts of the city of Guadalajara.

How do we get there? 
We all fly together from San Jose to Guadalajara.  Once there, all transportation is by crowded public buses!

Do we have to speak Spanish?
Preferably, yes -- the more the better.  One year of college level Spanish or the equivalent is the minimum needed to communicate with your family and the children at day camp.  Once there, you will be amazed at how quickly you start being able to communicate.

What’s the cost? 
Between $500.00 and $1,000.00.  The final cost will depend on airfares and on how much money we can raise to help defray the costs.  With enthusiastic fundraising, we hope to lower your cost to around $500 or less.

Can we get NDNU credit for it? - Pre-Registration Requirements

Yes.  Although going for credit is not required, it is possible to earn 1-3 credits for participation in the project and the completion of specified requirements.  Just pre-register for LA/SP/CL198 for 1-3 units, and your participation in the project will be counted as part of your Spring or Fall 2007 semester unit load.  You are also strongly urged to sign up for LA/SP/CL161 in Spring 2007 for a 3-unit introduction to the History, Culture, and Language of Mexico.

To contact faculty leaders: