Guatemala
International Service in Guatemala
Contact Professor Douglas Keberlein for more information
Haven’t you always wanted to do international service? Here’s your chance!
Students participating in the International Service/Study Abroad Guatemala program serve with the people of Guatemala, while learning about their social, cultural, economic, political, and religious histories and current realities. We work in partnership with the San Lucas Tolimán Mission community, as well as the De La Gente community. The primary motivation and purpose for coming to Guatemala is to learn. We share in learning from and growing in solidarity with local Mayan people and lending gracious support to the people of San Lucas and San Miguel Escobar. Each local project is committed to sustainable, integral human development and social justice, grounded in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. The service we will do includes options such as building new stoves or homes, reforestation projects, picking coffee, working with the women’s group and helping with the children.
International service learning makes a unique contribution to building global awareness and world peace. International service helps Dominican students, faculty and staff live the mission in a unique way as we "participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.”
Dates
December 28, 2024 – January 8, 2025
Academic Program
STA 299 is a stand-alone three-credit course for which students will register during the January Interim term. There is no additional tuition charge. If a student wishes to apply this credit to a major, they need the written approval of their major advisor.
Requirements for three-credit hours:
- Attend pre- and post-trip classes and orientations
- Keep a journal
- Participate in the reflective learning process in country
- Participate in all in-country events
- Present a post-trip program for Dominican University community
- Currently enrolled students may not opt for the satisfactory/unsatisfactory option for this course
Application
- Individuals will need to complete an online application form
- Two faculty/staff recommendations are required for student applicants
- After acceptance, a $500 deposit and a Travel Medical Form signed by a licensed practitioner will be due by the advertised deposit deadline
Cost and Financial Aid
Estimated Costs
Includes three credits tuition, housing, group excursions, three meals per day, insurance, and airfare:
- Currently enrolled Dominican University students: $2800
- Auditors and non-DU students: $2950*
- Due to fluctuation in exchange rates, the cost of the program is subject to change
*After deposit, non-DU participants must also pay a $1000 installment at the time of registration, and full payment of the program fees must be received three weeks before departure.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
An accepted student can apply for special financial assistance available to students doing international service. For more information, please contact Douglas Keberlein Gutierrez or call (708) 524-6967.
All students should apply to Dominican University's Excellence in Experiential Learning Awards (ExcEL) to earn up to $2000 off the cost of the program
Requirements and Eligibility
- Freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or qualified adult
- 2.25 Dominican University GPA
- Students must attend at least one information session
Excursions, Housing and Transportation
Excursions
Under no circumstances will students be permitted to travel independently. All excursions and site visits will be with the group and directors.
Housing
Housing in San Lucas Tolimán will be at local hotels that work in partnership with the Mission. Housing in San Miguel Escobar will be at a guesthouse operated by the De La Gente organization. All accommodations are shared occupancy rooms.
Transportation
Group flight arranged by program directors who will accompany the group. In-country transportation is provided by a pre-arranged driver.