Study Abroad

 

Studying abroad can be one of the most formative experiences in the life of a student. Though students' reasons for studying abroad are varied, most find that the education, language, and life lessons learned while abroad are immensely rewarding, professionally and personally. UW faculty regularly offer study abroad programs in Brazil and Peru.  Most of the study abroad programs that Jackson School students attend are organized through the office of International Programs and Exchanges (IPE). Please note that the list below is not comprehensive, is provided only for your convenience, and does not guarantee that program courses will fulfill degree requirements.

For detailed information consult the IPE office and/or website. To speak to an academic adviser about earning credit toward your major or minor, set up an appointment at JSIS's Student Services Office.

Some funding opportunities for study abroad can be found at: http://jsis.washington.edu/latinam/opportunities/funding.shtml

 

Select Opportunities

 

The International Programs and Exchanges (IPE) office is located in 459 Schmitz Hall. The IPE office can guide you through selecting and taking part in one of the many study abroad opportunities available.


Exploration Seminars

Various UW departments offer intensive, small group, faculty-led programs during summer sessions and early fall start. View all 2013 programs here.

Exploration Seminars going to Latin America:

Peru:

Biology Peru: From Andes to Amazon- Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainability
Our program examines conservation and sustainability isssues in a biodiversiy hotpot of golbal impartance:sout eastern Peru.
Costa Rica: Environmental and Forest Sciences: Natural History of Costa Rica After arriving in Costa Rica, the course will begin with an orientation in the city of Alajuela and Poas volcano.You learn to identify birds and plants using field sketching techniques (a skill taught by our TA who is an artist). Overall, the course will provide you a great variety of opportunities to explore structures, processes, ideals, practices and technologies relating to the intersection of nature and culture in Costa Rica. Topics of special interest will include rural/coastal community organization, endangered species management, protected area conservation, sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and ecotourism.
Ecuador: Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Ecuador: Environmental Studies in the Ecuadorian Mainland and the Galapagos Islands (Exploration Seminar) This program will be based out of three primary geographic locations: the Ecuadorian highlands (Quito); the Ecuadorian Amazon (Lago Agrio); the Galapagos Islands (Puerto Ayora). We will use these primary geographic regions to compare human development and biodiversity conservation as well as have direct exposure to conservation issues, land use changes and economic development in Latin America. There will be a week-long pre-departure seminar in either Seattle or Bothell in the months before the program.
Chile: Psychology Chile: A Changing Public and Mental Health Care System This Exploration Seminar focuses on the Public Health system in Chile. Public Health in Chile has undergone important changes reflecting both profound political changes as well as recent health reform initiatives. Medical training and health services have gone from being essentially free just a few decades ago to being largely handled by private, profit-driven institutions. It will be interesting to assess the impact that these changes have had in the training of health professionals and the overall health of all Chileans. It will also be instructive to study the impact that economic as well as geographic factors have on Chilean public health. While a large portion of the population is concentrated in urban centers, many Chileans live in remote, poor areas with difficult access to urban centers. 
   

 

 

UW Department-Run Programs

In addition to Exploration Seminars, UW departments run quarter-long study abroad programs. View programs sorted by quarter here.

Take a look at UW Division of French and Italian Studies' Martinique program during the summer of 2012.

View CHID's Cuba program during the summer of 2012.

Last summer (2011) CHID and LACS sponsored a summer program to Peru, see photos below:

 

Direct Exchanges

These programs offer UW students the opportunity to study at colleges and universities throughout the world that have partnered with the University of Washington. Students arrange their own travels, housing, and coursework in their chosen location. Click here for more information. Currently, UW has agreements with two Latin American Universities: Catholic University of Argentina in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the University of Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Unaffiliated Study Abroad Programs

These programs use their own faculty and are sponsored by established organizations that take students from different schools to a particular study site. Contact IPE for guidance on UW administrative and credit requirements.

  • Northwestern's Global Engagement Summer Institute (GESI) prepares undergraduate students with the knowledge, tools and experiences to confront shared global problems. Through transformative opportunities in international service learning, students form partnerships with grassroots NGOs and communities in the developing world to advance sustainable, community-driven change in Bolivia and Nicaragua.
  • The Mexico Solidarity Network's study abroad experience offers a dynamic student-centered pedagogical approach combined with direct interaction with some of Mexico’s most important social movements. Our unique integration of theory and practice provides you with important lessons for organizing work back home and an in depth appreciation of the various socio-political struggles in the region.

Independent Research/Internship

Independent Research/Internship is appropriate for students wishing to perform independent work abroad. To do this, you must complete an Independent Research Packet. This requires you to first develop a research proposal and find a UW faculty member who will advise you throughout your research project and who will ultimately grade your final product. Students will make all of their own arrangements regarding housing, host country contacts, etc. All of the administration and paperwork for this type of study abroad is handled by the IPE.

Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Box 353650, 122 Thomson Hall
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 685-3435
►lasuw@u.washington.edu

Dr. José Antonio Lucero
Director
►jal26@u.washington.edu

Gai-Hoai Nguyen
Assistant Director
►ghoaitn@u.washington.edu

Dr. Linda Iltis
Academic Advisor
(206) 543-6001
►iltis@u.washington.edu

Deb Raftus
LACS Librarian
►draftus@u.washington.edu