Program Details
Location
Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Solola,
Guatemala
Term
Spring Break
Housing
Dormitory
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
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 first year UofM-Twin Cities students. A background in chemistry is not required nor necessary.
Program Model
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: Wednesdays from 2:15–3:55 p.m.
Abroad term: Spring Break—March 8–16, 2025
Coursework
This program is open to any first year UofM-Twin Cities students. 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 1916
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:
| Term | Program Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Break 2025 | March 8–16, 2025 | December 1, 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.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD |
On Campus Dates
On-campus class time: Wednesdays from 2:15–3:55 p.m.
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.
You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).
Fees
Spring Break 2025 Cost of Participation forthcoming
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. Generally, program fees range between $4,500–$5,500. 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 upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.
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.
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.
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
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- 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.
- 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
- 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 1916.
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
Lindsey Lahr at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.9370