Drexel 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 civic engagement and community development through the lenses of 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 have opportunities to interview HAC staff and other non-profit leaders in Haiti, which will culminate in a final paper and presentation.
As a participant in this program students will:
- Learn about multiple perspectives in community development through the context of Haiti.
- Be able to discuss and defend perspectives on ethics of global service-learning.
- Develop cross-cultural skills in a community development context.
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
- Ahaji Schreffler, Director of Programs, Education Abroad Office (ahaji@drexel.edu)
- Adam Zahn, Academic Programs Manager, Office of Global Engagement (alz26@drexel.edu)
Winter Term Required Meetings 5:30pm - 7pm (day of week TBD)
Online students who are not located in the Philadelphia area may attend via Zoom.
- Week 6: Lecture and discussion
- Week 7: Pre-departure orientation
- Week 9: Lecture and discussion
Study Abroad Dates
Arrival Date: Sunday March 24, 2019
Return Date: Sunday March 31, 2019
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 15, 2018 - $650 Advanced Payment + $25 Application Fee
Due January 15, 2019 - $1,250 Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
- Round trip airfare New York / Port-au-Prince
- 7 nights accommodations
- Breakfasts, lunches, dinners
- On-site transportation (private van/driver)
- Entry fees for music concert and beach
- On Call Emergency Assistance insurance
Not Included in Program Fee (Estimated):
- Regular Drexel tuition (per Drexel bill)
- Airport shuttle to/from JFK airport $80
- Flight to/from JFK airport if coming from outside the Philadelphia region
- Haiti tourist entry fee $10
- Two lunches not included $50
- Spending money $75
- Passport $135
- A group flight will be booked for all participants flying from JFK airport. After acceptance, an airport shuttle will be organized for the group. Online students who live outside of the Philadelphia region must fly to Philadelphia 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.
