T4211 FROM THE ANDES TO THE SEA: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN ECUADOR

December 27, 2013-January 17, 2014

Quito, Otovalo, Cuenca, Guayaquil

Academic Overview

Join us as we trek through the culturally rich and diverse regions of Ecuador in this awesome new course entitled, From the Andes to the Sea: Intercultural Communication in Ecuador. We begin our adventure in Quito (the capital) where we step back in time and visit San Francisco, one of the oldest churches in Old Town Quito. We then make a stop at the Equator, where you can set one foot in each hemisphere. As we make our way down to Cuenca we chat with the locals and discuss the relationship between the artisan tradition and the current economy.

Once in Cuenca we will venture out into the majestic natural settings of El Cajas Natural Park, and Ingapirca, where we will hike and discuss how people relate to and communicate about the environment around them. A visit to the indigenous village of Saraguro will raise issues surrounding historical traditions and cultural identities.

Visits to the Miguel Leon Orphanage, the local TV station, local museums, and the local primary school will illuminate differences in education, health care, media, and social service practices. By immersing yourself in this entirely new cultural setting you will be confronted with discovering new strengths and abilities, conquering new challenges, and solving new problems.

You will learn about family life in Ecuador through home-stays. Survival Spanish sessions will help those hesitant about speaking Spanish; cooking class in Ecuadorian cuisine will provide you with new culinary skills; and a class in Latin American social dance will teach you the moves for when you visit the discotecas with your new friends!

In Guayaquil, we’ll have the opportunity to work directly with local NGO’s including Fasinam, a not-for profit organization providing education and training to children and adults with special needs, and
Zumar, whose purpose is to provide education, recreation and healthcare to low income families. You’ll also have the great opportunity for a full-day service project with Zumar, as well as the opportunity for interaction with local Universidad Casa Grande students.

By learning and applying intercultural concepts and theories in real-life situations, you will return home with an informed and much less biased perspective toward other cultures and peoples. We will live and breathe culture and communication as we eat, dance, chat, hike, discuss, and explore the spectacular country of Ecuador.

Comprehensive Fee
Costs: $4325-4625*
*Each home institution may have supplementary fees in addition to the price listed.
Comprehensive Fee Includes: Transportation and course arrangements as indicated, hotel accommodations in twin and triple rooms, home stays, twenty-two breakfasts, fifteen lunches, seventeen dinners and one cultural performance. (subject to change)

Prerequisites
Sophomore status (at least 30 earned credits) is required.

Required Readings
Oetzel, J. G. (2009). Intercultural Communication: A Layered Approach. Boston: Allyn & Bacon
Selected essays on Ecuador life/culture (specific readings appear below in the course calendar)

Evaluation
20% Blog Entries
20% each Field-Reaction Paper (x2)
10% Participation
5% each Presentations (x2)
20% A Final Integrative Project

Faculty Director
Marianne Leonardi, Ph.D., St. Ambrose University (563) 333-6074

Description of Faculty Director

Dr. Leonardi is an Assistant Professor of Communications at St. Ambrose University. She holds both masters and doctoral degrees in intercultural communication. During her exploratory trip to Ecuador in May 2012 Dr. Leonardi made contact with Mark Odenwelder and Esteban Figueroa. Mark serves as CEO of CEDEI and Esteban is the director of the International Programs Office. Conversations with these two gentlemen helped finalize site visits as they have a myriad of contacts within the country.

Final Application Deadline: October 1, 2013

For more information on course content, contact Prof. Marianne Leonardi
On application procedures or logistical information, contact your study abroad office.