Learning Abroad Center
A student walks away from the camera, following a gravel path in the midst of lush green tropical plants

Sustainability & Green Chemistry in Guatemala

Americas
LAC Program

Explore the development of new sustainability technologies, such as green chemistry, and the role these developments play in fighting climate change in Guatemala.

Program Details

Location
Location
Guatemala City, Antigua, Sololá, Guatemala
Term
Term
Spring Break
Housing
Housing
Dormitory
Hotel
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
No Requirement

About

Sustainable development is critical to the future of the planet, its people, and our communities. Evidence of its importance are the efforts by the United Nations and other organizations, including the University of Minnesota, to advance sustainable development goals. Sustainable development considers factors such as climate change, food and agriculture, energy, health, the environment and pollution, the economy, and development of technology such as green chemistry. Learn about how these factors are connected and how they shape our future. Speak with experts and engage with local Guatemalan university students on sustainable development in both Minnesota and Guatemala. Explore how different countries and organizations are working to combat climate change.

This program is open to any UofM Twin Cities student. A background in chemistry is not required nor necessary.

Program Model

Embedded
Instructor-Led

Housing & Meals

You will live in shared rooms with fellow program participants. A welcome and farewell meal, and some meals will be included.

Excursions

Excursions in Guatemala may include:

  • Stay at a UNESCO World Heritage City
  • Visit Lake Atitlan
  • Cultural exchange with Guatemalan students
  • Visit museums and archeological sites
  • Speak with experts on sustainability
  • Visit sugar plantations

Flight

All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.

Learning Outcomes

  • Socialize as global professionals who understand that human interaction and culture are relevant to achieving professional goals
  • Discover and connect with the University of Minnesota campus and community
  • Think critically, analyze topics, and appreciate diverse perspectives through pre-departure coursework, studying abroad, and guided reflection
  • Function as an effective team member by utilizing personal strengths in a group setting
  • Develop an understanding of the importance of future international and intercultural learning

Faculty & Staff

This program is led by Edgar Arriaga, a professor of chemistry in the College of Science and Engineering.

Program Structure

Program Level
1900-level course
Courseload

One 3-credit course

Course Schedule

This is an embedded spring semester course, with the abroad portion in Guatemala taking place over Spring Break 2025.

On-campus class time: Fridays from 2:15–3:55 p.m.

Abroad term: Spring Break—March 7–16, 2025

Coursework

This program is open to any UofM Twin Cities student. A background in chemistry is not required nor necessary.

You will be assessed on a combination of weekly assignments, self reflection questionnaires, participation in both class sessions and activities while abroad, and planning and participation in an Open House on Sustainable Development.

You will have the opportunity to connect and engage with local Guatemalan university students on these topics and with onsite activities.

Receive credit for: Approved for CHEM 1917

Liberal Education Fulfillments: The Environment

Sustainability & Green Chemistry in Guatemala syllabus (pdf)

Sustainability

The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into its programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:

SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth—Exchanges with students in Guatemala will promote discussion and awareness of the gender disparity in education that persists in Guatemala.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production—These topics will emerge as you observe and compare the styles of living and sustainability in Minnesota and Guatemala.

SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land—Speak with researchers and use models to explore how human activity may help find solutions to reduce catastrophic environmental impacts both above and below water.

Dates Details

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

TermProgram DatesApplication Deadline
Spring Break 2025March 7–16, 2025December 9, 2024

Program dates are subject to change.

If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.

Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 20 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.

DateTimeLocation
Monday, Oct. 282:30 p.m.

In Person

Walter Library Room 101

Register 

Thursday, Nov. 2112:00 p.m.

Hybrid

Zoom & Heller Hall 230C

On Campus Dates

On-campus class time: Fridays from 2:15–3:55 p.m., Smith Hall 111

Orientation Dates & Locations

The Learning Abroad Center facilitates a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with your program leader(s) in addition to any additional orientation sessions scheduled by your program leader(s). It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.

Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:

  • Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. 
  • LAC Seminar Pre-departure Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. The discussion post is due before your LAC Program Orientation meeting.
  • LAC Program Orientation: Program details and important UofM information will be covered (finances, health & safety, policies, insurance, etc.). This will be scheduled in collaboration with your program leader(s). Details will be sent to you via email from the LAC and/or your program leader(s). This is a mandatory meeting. **For embedded programs, this will likely be one of your class dates prior to departure.**
  • Program Leader Orientation(s): Your program leader(s) will schedule 1–3 additional orientation sessions prior to departure. These will cover academic requirements and preparation, final travel and program logistics, cultural knowledge, and more. Details will be sent to you via email from your program leader(s). These are mandatory meetings. **For embedded programs, these will likely be included in your class dates prior to departure.**

The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:

Fees

Spring Break 2025 Cost of Participation

The cost of participation includes airfare, housing, program administration, welcome and farewell meals, some additional meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, airport transfers, and in-country transportation for all course related activities. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.

Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

If you are registered for less than 13 credits, you will be charged tuition for this course in addition to the program fee.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Special Funding is available through the Gerald B. & Catherine L. Fischer Freshman Seminar Abroad Scholarship.

This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the confirmation deposit and/or flights cost, is available for this program for eligible students going abroad during an eligible term.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Spring Break 2025

Freshman Seminar Abroad: Sustainability & Green Chemistry in Guatemala

Spring Break 2025

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $1,891
International health insurance $21
Housing and/or mealsShared rooms in a hotel in Guatemala City and Antigua and shared rooms in student housing at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala $248
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $1,320
Total Program Fee $3,880
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $3,880

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $0
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations*Optional pre-departure travel clinic visit $50
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $200
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $0
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals including daily breakfast, three group dinners, three lunches, and a snack after arrival are included. All other meals not included. $300
Essential daily living expensesInternational phone plan and other personal expenses $150
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $450

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $4,530
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $100
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

  • Application Essay

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

Next Steps

  1. After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
  2. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
  3. If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
  4. Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
    • Passport Information
    • Emergency Contacts
    • Health Information Form
    • Online Health & Safety Orientation
    • Release & Waiver
  5. You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.

Register for On-Campus Course

Your participation on this program is secured by applying and confirming through the Learning Abroad Center application process.

You will also need to register for the on-campus course CHEM 1917.

Note: Registering for the course, but not confirming through the Learning Abroad Center, will not hold your spot in the program.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Anna DeWitt at [email protected], or call at 612.626.2234