Spring Break in Haiti:
Community, Education, and Development
Haiti: Education, Community, and Development is an Intensive-Course Abroad designed to introduce students to the issues and ethics of international service and development through the community based lens, focusing on education and entrepreneurship. Haiti, often called the "Republic of NGOs" is a perfect location to explore critical issues in development and service. Students will learn about the history of Haiti, the positive and negative impacts of non-profit organizations, and the importance of community-driven development. Students will participate in pre-departure activities and class sessions, followed by a week-long global service-learning experience in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. Students will spend this week working side by side with community partners at the Haitian American Caucus (HAC) as participants in English as a Foreign Language classroom activities, engaging with local Haitian students. Students will also meet with best practice non-profit development leaders to learn through real life examples about the methods, challenges, and impact of a community based approach to development. This course is perfect for students from all majors with an interest in development, education, social enterprise, non-profits, global health, sociology, political science, and francophone / diaspora studies.
As a participant in this program students will:
- Learn about multiple perspectives in development through the context of Haiti.
- Be able to discuss and defend perspectives on ethics of global service-learning.
- Develop cross-cultural skills through language and culture exchange.
- Understand the value and impact of a community based approach.
Credit/Registration
Undergraduate students will be registered for EDUC T380 Haiti Community Education & Develop, 3 credits as part of their spring term course load. Students must leave room for the 3 credits in their spring credit load when registering for spring term, or will be billed for credits exceeding the 20 credit maximum.
Graduate students in Drexel's School of Education will be registered for EDGI 600: Study Abroad Experience, 3 credits as part of their spring term course load. Graduate students will be billed their normal tuition rate for the 3 credits.
Assignments
- Beginning week 6 through week 10 of winter term, students must complete pre-travel readings and audio/visual materials, discussion board posts, and 1 reflective writing assignment. Students must attend 3 in-person meetings during winter term (see below).
- In Haiti students will participate in program activities, group discussion, and journaling.
- Upon return students must submit a final paper and presentation during week 3 of spring term.
Instructors
Winter Term Required Class Meetings 5:30pm - 7pm (day of week TBD)
Online students who are not located in the Philadelphia must attend via Zoom.
- Week 6: Lecture and discussion
- Week 7: Pre-departure orientation
- Week 9: Lecture and discussion
2020 Study Abroad Dates
Arrival Date: Sunday March 22, 2020
Return Date: Sunday March 29, 2020
Itinerary Highlights
- Participation in English as a Foreign Language classes with Haitian students
- Site visits and interviews with development organization leaders
- Visits to Love Orphanage
- Live music concert
- Local art market
- Beach day at local resort
Due November 15th - $650 Advanced Payment + $25 Application Fee
Due January 15th - $1,345 Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
- Round trip airfare to Port-au-Prince
- 7 nights accommodations
- Breakfasts, lunches, dinners
- On-site transportation (private van/driver)
- Entry fees for concert and beach
- On Call Emergency Assistance insurance
Not Included in Program Fee (Estimated):
- Regular Drexel tuition (per Drexel bill)
- Airport shuttle to/from US airport $80 (JFK)
- Flight to/from US airport if located outside of the Tri-State region
- Haiti tourist entry fee $10
- Two lunches not included $50
- Spending money $75
- Passport $140
- A group flight will be booked for all participants flying from either JFK or PHL airport (to be determine). After acceptance, an airport shuttle will be organized for the group, for which students share the cost. Online students who live outside of the Philadelphia region must fly to PHL or JFK in order to take the group flight to Haiti.
- Haiti requires all travelers to pay $10 entry fee upon arrival. No visa is required for US citizens. Other nationalities should confirm on the Haiti embassy website.
- Accommodations are provided by Haitian American Caucus. Rooms are hostel-style with bunk beds. Delicious local cuisine will be prepared by HAC for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Community Partner: Haitian American Caucus
- The Haitian American Caucus (HAC) is driving a coalition movement to improve the lives of the Haitian-American community and its allies. The Haitian motto is, "L'union fait la force," which translates to, "In unity, there is strength." Organizations have long acted alone to bring power to the powerless, and HAC believes that the time has come to unify for a greater tomorrow. The motto of the Haitian American Caucus is, "Lè a rive!" (The time has come!).
- Mission Statement: HAC's mission is to set a platform to empower communities while building partnerships and equal access to resources for all supporting groups. We vow to improve quality of life by promoting political, educational and moral values. The Caucus strengthens the network of existing grassroots Haitian-American groups through sharing strategies for innovative organizing.
