Program details

Location(s)	Puerto Rico
Term	Summer 2018
Credit	ANTH 379/679 and EIS 440G, 3 sh each
Class Sessions	Online coursework and readings prior to departure
Travel Dates	June 3-17, 2018
Housing	Hotels and homestays
Passport	Not required

Students have the option of adding a two-week internship experience to the end of this Course.  For more details, see our Internships page.

 

Program Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Grad credit	Yes
Non-WIU	No
Pre-requisite	None
Student Year	Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate

 

About Program

What you will learn

Anthropology and Socio-linguistics study people, their cultures, and how they express themselves.  Puerto Rico is a great case study location, providing you opportunities to engage deeply with the people there.  You'll interact with real-life problems, gaining insights into the challenges faced on a daily basis, especially since Hurricane Maria.  Explore the farmers' market in Ponce, water sanitation and coral reef restoration projects near Lajas, and a farm that trains young Puerto Ricans how to grow their own food.  Underlying it all is the role of language and cultural identity.

 

Travel Requirements

• Driver's license or State ID card for US students
• Passport for International Students

 

Health Insurance

All participants must have health insurance for the time they will be on the Course.  If you are not covered by WIU Student Health insurance for the dates of travel, you must provide proof of alternate medical coverage in your application.

 

Health Precautions

Walking/mobility - Expect to walk up to 5 miles per day.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day.  Walking will sometimes be over uneven, hilly terrain and up/down flights of stairs.

Environmental - Tropical climate with high temperatures near 90 degrees with humidity.  June is the rainy season in Puerto Rico.

Zika - Cases of Zika virus have been reported.  Pregnant women should not travel to Costa Rica.  All other travelers should read about traveling to areas with Zika on the CDC website and discuss any concerns with your health care provider. 

Dietary--Because some meals are included in the program cost, you are strongly encouraged to self-disclose any food allergies/dietary restrictions in your application or contact your Study Abroad Advisor. She can help you make advance arrangements regarding food choices that meet your specific needs.

Accessibility and accommodation may be very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

 

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$3,200-$3,500
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging (double/triple/quad occupancy), entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	EXTENDED!!  February 18, 2018
Payments
Application Fee	$75 due February 28, 2018
Non-refundable deposit	$800 due March 1, 2018
Second payment	$1,000 due March 30, 2018
Final payment*	$1,400-$1,700 due May 1, 2018

 * Costs are subject to change based on student enrollment.

Students who add the optional internship experience will have additional costs.  For details, see our Internships page.

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals.

 

Important Dates

Pre-departure meeting: TBA during Spring 2018

 

Academics

Credit offered

ANTH 379 - Can be used as a substitute for ANTH 201 or ANTH 305 or as Directed electives for Anthropology majors/minors.  

ANTH 679 - Can count towards completion of a MA in Sociology.

EIS 440G - Counts as a required course for English as a Second Language majors/minors.  At the Graduate level, can count towards completion of a MSEd in Interdisciplinary Studies.

 

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  Students are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. McIlvaine-Newsad or Dr. Gloria Delany-Barmann.