Volunteer Programs & Service Learning: Service Immersion in Guatemala
The SHU Delegation will be living in a small community near a sugar plantation. Students will assist in the activities of CERNE, a local organization which operates a school and a clinic in the village. SHU students will support CERNE as it meets the educational and community needs of the local households. The program also includes a visit to a nearby indigenous Mayan village and a day in Antigua Guatemala, a historical city and tourist destination.
Dates & Deadlines
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Program Description
All participants in the program are required to take the 1-credit HI 299 course (at no additional tuition cost) in Spring Semester 2020.
Student leaders may organize additional group meetings to discuss fundraising, etc.
Activities will include:
- Volunteering in the village school
- Painting in the village school
- Remodeling facilities in the CERNE clinic
- Full-day visit to an indigenous Mayan community (Union Victoria)
Each evening there will be a discussion/reflection led by the faculty advisers.
Cost of all housing is included in the program fee. Housing in San Miguel Pochuta will be in basic dorm rooms in the CERNE complex. Includes one night stay in hotel in Antigua. All meals in San Miguel Pochuta will be provided. The only meals that are not provided by SHU are those in the airport traveling to/from Guatemala and lunch in Antigua.
Total cost per student is $1,500. This includes airfare, housing, transportation to/from SHU, all transportation in Guatemala and the majority of meals. The only meals that are not covered by SHU are those meals in the airport traveling to/from Guatemala and meals in Antigua.
Payment Due Dates
- 1st payment $750: November 8, 2019 (Not refundable)
- 2nd payment $750: January 17, 2020
All checks should be made payable to “Sacred Heart University.”
There will be no deadline extensions for these payments. All students are responsible for their own program fees. Fundraising is encouraged, both on an individual and group basis. However, each student is responsible for handing in their own individual payments on the dates above. Late payments will jeopardize a student’s participation in the program.
Annie Johnson
Director of Community Engagement
203-365-4833
johnsona21@sacredheart.edu
Sample Itinerary and Program Dates - 2020
- February 29: Depart SHU for Guatemala, Welcome & Arrival in San Miguel Pochuta
- March 1 - 5: Volunteer activities and projects will vary depending on the needs of CERNE and the host community. Daily activities will be established by the CERNE team upon arrival.
- March 7: Depart CERNE facility for Antigua/Site-seeing & historical tour, some free time in afternoon. Depart Guatemala for USA