PERLA: Program for Education and Research in Latin America

As an undergraduate student, there are plenty of opportunities in getting involved with Latin American communities through the University of Washington as well as by various organizations.
Explore study abroads hosted by various programs at the UW and look into joining various clubs as well.

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CHID Peru: The Politics of Blackness and Indigeneity in Peru
Duration: 8 weeks Language Requirement: One year college-level Spanish
This interdisciplinary program examines diversity in a non-US setting by asking how identity and history are constructed, negotiated, and renegotiated in Peru through artistic production and expressive culture, and how art engages the politics of historical memory and imaginations of Blackness and Indigeneity.
Foster School of Business Pontificia Universidad Catolica Exchange Program
Duration: 40 weeks Language Requirement: One year college-level Spanish
During semester-long exchange programs, students take 18-24 UW credits during fall or spring semester. Most students take a combination of business core, business electives, and non-business courses while abroad. A typical student will take 1 core class, 2-3 business electives, and 1-2 non-business electives. Generally all coursework is taught in Spanish.
Spanish Studies Winter Quarter Program in Quito Ecuador
Duration: 40 weeks Language Requirement: Minimal
During Winter 2017, the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies will take a group of highly motivated 203, 301 and 302-level students to the city of Quito, Ecuador to live with local families and study local culture and Spanish for a quarter.
From Andes to Amazon - Biodiversity, Conservation, and Sustainability
Duration: 8 weeks Language Requirement: Minimal
This program examines conservation and sustainability issues in a biodiversity hotspot of global importance: southeastern Peru. The first week of the program takes place in the relatively arid highlands surrounding Cusco where we examine current and past human land-use practices and their impact on biodiversity. Week 2 and 3 takes us to Manu National Park and Biosphere Reserve where we lodge at biological field stations, both in mountain forests and remote lowland forests. We immerse ourselves in ecological exploration of pristine forest ecosystems and park buffer zones. Basic taxonomy of plant and animal groups will be discussed, as well as techniques for conducting biodiversity surveys. We continue our ecological studies, but also looking at the impacts of v
Honors Ecuador: Sumak Kawsay: Well-Being, "Race", and Gender in Ecuador
Duration: 52 weeks Language Requirement: More than one year of Spanish
Open to both honors students as well as students across campus, the program will be centered around the concept of sumak kawsay, an indigenous perspective of well-being, or 'living well' rather than 'living better' . This course will explore the historical and social context of the buen vivir, with a focus on sustainable culture (specifically Indigenous and Afro-descendant artistic practices and community building -- from traditional to hip hop ). In Quito, students will explore representations of transformative Indigenous and Afro-descendant cultural identities and practices in Ecuador at large and on social media, while examining the intersectional impacts of gender and queer organizing. The course will explore if and how arts and culture support the devel
CHID Mexico City: LGBTQ Communities and Change in Mexico City
Duration: weeks Language Requirement:
Through an interdisciplinary curriculum comprised of literature, history, ethnography, and creative nonfiction, as well as site visits to local community organizations, students will develop a shared vocabulary around issues of power, privilege, identity, LGBTQ issues, travel, and global relations. Our three weeks in Mexico City will introduce students to local LGBTQ activists, organizations, and change-makers. We will learn from our community partners about how a country's history shapes its LGBTQ communities.
UW Honors Direct Exchange at the Universidad de San Andres
Duration: 8 weeks Language Requirement: More than one year of Spanish
Any eligible UW undergraduate can apply to a direct exchange with the Universidad de San Andres in Buenos Aires, Argentina. UW students will take regular courses across the curriculum (taught in Spanish) with Argentinean students. The university serves as a gateway to the rich and vibrant cultural life of Buenos Aires, the 'Paris of South America.' Through museum visits and other activities, the program integrates the spirit of the city and unique academic experiences. The university arranges for students to live with Argentinean families in a secure, supportive environment.
Architecture Mexico: Mexico City
Duration: weeks Language Requirement:
The program's focus will address urban and architectural issues in Mexico City. Students will live and work in downtown Mexico City. Studio workspace will be within Luis Barragan's studio located within the Museo Casa Barragan. The program of study will address the geography, history, urban design, housing, and architecture of Mexico. The program will be comprised of a six-credit Architectural Design Studio, complimented by a five credit course entitled Representation, History, and Professional Practice in Mexico City; and a four credit course entitled Architectural Studies Abroad: Urban Fieldwork.
Urban Design & Planning/CHID: Food Sovereignty and Migration in Oaxaca, Mexico
Duration: weeks Language Requirement:
This is a four week class focusing on culture, food justice/food sovereignty, and migration issues in Mexico generally and the Oaxaca region particularly. Along the way we'll travel from Mexico City to the Pacific Coast, and into the Sierra Norte mountains near Oaaxaca de Juarez.

Non UW Opportunities:

CIEE Study Abroad
Duration: weeks Language Requirement:
Programs in Peru, Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina offered throughout the year. Program focuses include language studies, public health, business, environmental and sustainability studies, liberal arts, media & design, culture studies, and tropical ecology. Check out the website for more information on specific programs and how to apply.
IES Abroad
Duration: weeks Language Requirement:
Programs in Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador throughout the year. Program focuses include language immersion & culture studies, agricultural and environmental studies, economics, business & international relations, politics & social justice, and health studies. Check out the website for more information on specific programs and how to apply.
Global Health Peru - Salud Global Peru
Duration: weeks Language Requirement:
The Global Health Peru Program is a program offered by Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia which educates, guides, and trains future researchers, teachers and leaders through innovation, collaboration and leadership. The program offers courses, mentorship, scholarships, and exchanges between UPCH and foreign universities. Students will receive fully immersive experiences in global health taught by leading professors and researchers in Peru.
Manos Unidos: Student Volunteer Program
Duration: weeks Language Requirement:
Open to current undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate students in the fields of Speech & Hearing Sciences, Psychology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Education, Inclusive Education, Special Education, School-to-Work Transition, Arts Therapy, and other related fields. Volunteer programs will be individually project based depending on skill set, expertise and area of interest. Volunteer hours can be spent within classrooms with students, supporting teachers, supporting program supervisors or carrying out teacher, parent or community workshops