Arrupe International Program
GUATEMALA – WINTER 2008-09

Trip Destination: Guatemala, with some time in Guatemala City and some time in the Highlands.

Trip Dates: Approximately 10 days at the end of winter break 2008-09. (Exact trip dates will be determined later.)

Coordinating Organizations: Boston College Campus Ministry, in collaboration with the Catholic parish in San Lucas Toliman, a rural town in the highlands, and with the Center for Global Education (CGE)

Language Proficiency Required:  Although being able to speak Spanish is useful while on the trip, applicants do not need to be able to speak any language other than English to participate.

Itinerary: 

Guatemala is a beautiful country with a tragic history, most recently during a 36-year armed conflict, the effects of which still resound today.  CGE designs the trip’s itinerary and coordinates each day’s activities, which include meetings with community leaders and families, as well as with representatives from Guatemalan non-governmental organizations, political parties, governmental sectors (including the military), and individuals involved with/knowledgeable about human rights/land rights, global trade, the 1996 peace accords and post-war transition and reconciliation, to name a few. 

While learning about macro-level social, economic and political issues from various perspectives, participants have the opportunity to learn first hand about the joys and struggles of people profoundly impacted by policies and situations they can’t control. 

Participants stay for the first few days in beautiful San Lucas Toliman, a rural community where mostly people of Maya decent live, set on the shore of Lake Atitlán in the Sierra Madre Mountains, and learn about and participate in local parish-sponsored projects, such as coffee production and reforestation, sponsored by Guatemalans who are involved with the Catholic parish at San Lucas Toliman.

Prayer, community-based reflection, journaling and sharing with each other are core aspects of this experience before, during, and after the trip.

Safety:  Boston College considers the U.S. Department of State’s published recommendations regarding public safety in a potential host country.  For travel-related recommendations published by the U.S. Department of State, please check the U.S. Department of State’s website: http://www.state.gov/travel/.

Immunizations Required:  Boston College requests that participants seriously consider protecting themselves with the immunizations and other preventative measures recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  For more information, please check the CDC’s website: www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm.