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Program Description

The "Society, Equality and Change" study abroad program provides an opportunity for students to explore issues of identity, culture, inequality, and social change in the rich context provided by Brazil's northeast state of Bahia.

At the heart of the academic program is an interdisciplinary seminar which integrates concepts of anthropology, politics, economics, and geography. The program integrates classroom learning with experiential learning and provides access to grassroots organizations working to affect social change in Salvador. Students will have the opportunity to design and conduct a research project on topics of their interest related to social change in Bahia.

Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, provides a rich classroom from which to base an exploration of society, equality and social change. A city of over three million people, Salvador is known as the largest African city outside of Africa, with upwards of ninety percent of its residents being of African-descent, and roughly the same number of people living in poverty. Through this program, we will explore Bahia's history and connect it to the politics, economics, and society of Brazil today. We will examine international development efforts and study effective ways to work for social change across cultures and within a culture. We will examine our own place in the world as persons of a specific gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, and economic position.

Cultural immersion is achieved through Portuguese language classes, homestays, guest lectures, excursions and cultural activities, such as Capoeira classes (the African-Brazilian martial art and dance form). The Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB) is a new university two hours inland from Salvador in the region's rich agricultural lands, base of the Brazilian slave activity in past centuries. Students will interact with UFRB students both in the classroom and in homestays in order to gain a personalized understanding of race, class, and gender in Brazil. While in Salvador, students will be hosted by Bahia Street, non-governmental organization breaking cycles of poverty through education. Instructed byDr. Margaret Willson, students will explore Salvador through the experiences of its majority population, economically-impoverished African-Brazilians.

Fall Quarter 2009 Schedule

UW Courses and Credit

12 credit course:

Students in the program maintain their UW standing, earn resident credit, and maintain access to financial aid.

Program is subject to change based on local conditions.

Target Population

The program will focus on participants recruited through the OMAD office. The target number of students will be 20. Students of EOP, UW Anthropology departments are encouraged to apply.

Sponsored by the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity In partnership with Bahia Street

Faculty and Staff

Housing

Students will be housed in homestays in Cachoeira and in hotels during the rest of the time in Brazil.

Program Cost

The program fee is approximately $2800. In addition to the program fee, students will pay the IPE fee of $250. The program fee includes instructional costs, transportation throughout Brazil, housing in Brazil, some meals, and program excursions. The program fee does not include airfare, personal expenses or the $250 IPE fee.

Students should budget about $400 for food; $1000 for airfare; and additional funds for personal expenses. For an estimated budget of student expenses, please visit the IPE office in 459 Schmitz Hall.

Program fees are paid in dollars; most program expenses are paid in Brazilian reais. The program reserves the right to modify the program fee based upon dollar devaluation or severe inflation. If such a change occurs, students will be notified of the increase and an adjustment will be made to the final program payment.