Presentation Transcript

1. Summer 2014 Course HD Travel Abroad Information Session About Vietnam & Guatemala Tuesday, March 11 12 – 12:50 in Mark 104 HD497: Applied Research in Human Development 4 Units July 7 – August 9, 2014

2. Guatemala

3. Guatemala, meaning land of trees, is a heavily forested and mountainous nation—and the most populous in Central America. The Pacific coast lowlands in the south rise to the volcanic Sierra Madre and other highlands, then the land descends to the forested northern lowlands, including the narrow Caribbean coast. The highlands, where most Guatemalans live, are temperate in climate compared to the tropical lowlands. A thousand years ago the remarkable Maya civilization flourished, and its ruins dot the landscape. Today more than half of Guatemalans are descendants of the indigenous Maya peoples; most live in the western highlands and are poor subsistence farmers. By contrast the rest of the population are known as Ladinos (mostly mixed Maya-Spanish ancestry). Ladinos use Spanish and wear Western clothing, while Maya speak some 24 indigenous languages and retain traditional dress and customs. The more urbanized Ladino population dominates commerce, government, and the military. Guatemalan society grew increasingly polarized between a Ladino upper class and Maya lower class when guerrilla groups first formed in 1960 to fight for the poor majority. Warfare between guerrillas and government forces cost 200,000 lives and displaced half a million people. In September 1996 the government and the guerrillas agreed on terms to end the 36-year-long civil war. http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/guatemala-facts/
4. Guatemala Population: 12,701,000 Capital: Guatemala City; 951,000 Area: 108,889 square kilometers (42,042 square miles) Language: Spanish, Amerindian languages Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs Currency: Quetzal, U.S. dollar, others allowed Life Expectancy: 66 GDP per Capita: U.S. $3,900 Literacy Percent: 71 http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/guatemala-facts/
5. Guatemala vs. United States Population: 296,483,000 Capital: Washington, D.C.; 4,190,000 Area: 9,826,630 square kilometers (3,794,083 square miles) Language: English, Spanish Religion: Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish Currency: U.S. dollar Life Expectancy:77 GDP per Capita: U.S. $36,300 Literacy Percent: 97 Population: 12,701,000 Capital: Guatemala City; 951,000 Area: 108,889 square kilometers (42,042 square miles) Language: Spanish, Amerindian languages Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs Currency: Quetzal, U.S. dollar, others allowed Life Expectancy: 66 GDP per Capita: U.S. $3,900 Literacy Percent: 71 http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/
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8. Guatemala City Perhaps a bit hectic for those looking for a relaxing Guatemala vacation, Guatemala City, or Guate as it is often called, constitutes the largest urban sprawl in all of Central America.
9. Antigua What is now Antigua was the home of the Kiche' people who were attacked by Cortez and his allies, the Kakchiqueles, who were enemies of the Kiche'. More on this website: http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/theconquestofthemaya/p/08mayaconquest.htm
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11. Panajachel There is evidence of settlement in the area perhaps from what is now Nicaragua from about 1000 BC to 300 BC. Influences from Mexico started showing up A.D.300-700, with influences from Chichen Itza showing up AD 1000-1200. Between 1200 and the Conquest, people who were the ancestors of the Quiches, Tzutziles, and Kakchiqueles who live in the area today.
12. Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is simply put, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Praised by all who are fortunate enough to visit it, Lake Atitlan is perhaps best explained in the words of the English novelist, Aldous Huxley, who described it as, “...really too much of a good thing”. Lake Atitlan takes its name from the Mayan word, “atitlan”, which translates to, “the place where the rainbow gets its colors”.
13. Chichicastenango Chichicastenango shopping is so popular on Thursdays and Sundays, that not only does it draw in the Quiché Maya people from the surrounding area, but also vendors who come from all parts of Guatemala. Different linguistic groups like the Kaqchikel, Ixil and Mam come together to hawk their wares, contributing to the somewhat chaotic atmosphere of shifting costumes, smells and colors.
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15. Nebaj Nebaj, situated at 1,900 meters above sea level, is the southern gateway to the Ixil region and one of three towns comprising the Ixil Triangle (Nebaj, Chajul and Cotzal). It is situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by the Cuchamatan Mountains, roughly two and a half hours north of Santa Cruz del Quiche in the department of Quiche, Guatemala. With its white adobe walls and cobbled streets, it is a remote and traditional town where indigenous culture is still vibrant. Nebaj is a place rich in history and culture, where people are incredibly kind and openhearted. In fact, walking through town on a typical morning you are likely to be greeted with more "buenosdías" than you can count!
16. The town is famous for its artisans, especially the intricately woven "huipiles" (one-piece blouse) that have won it worldwide fame. Indigenous women weave these huipiles in complex geometrical designs in greens, yellows, reds and oranges. They are traditionally worn with a brilliant red "corte" (skirt). You can get a picture of the Mayan past by looking at their modern descendants. The things they wear, what they eat, and do reminisce their ancient culture. For example, one traditional item is the (rebozo) shawl which is still worn by the Ixil women. It is extremely serviceable and tightly woven enough to keep them dry in the rain.
17. Nebaj The Ixiles, as people from the region are called, are one of the smallest ethnic groups in Central America. Aside from their award winning weaving, they are known for their tenacious adherence to a traditional way of life; their harmonic manner of living in tune with the environment; and their resourcefulness; as well as their lively fiestas held in honor of patron saints and Mayan deities. Although Nebaj and the surrounding villages all experienced great violence and hardship during the Guatemalan civil war, the town is now a safe place where foreigners can walk around without the uneasiness that one often feels in larger Guatemalan cities. The local people are receptive to foreigners and very welcoming.
18. Nebaj Because of its recent history, Nebaj is a hotbed of development activity. There are a large number of development organizations working in and around the area. This makes for an exciting atmosphere where people from all over the world can work and form strong friendships with locals. There is also wonderful hiking in the immediate area surrounding Nebaj. You can spend a few hours or even a few days exploring the myriad of trails that weave their way through the nearby villages and surrounding mountains. Despite its relative isolation, Nebaj offers all of the necessities for the traveler. Equipped with a hospital, pharmacies, hotels, restaurants and internet access, it is a place where you can venture into the heart of Maya culture and find the comforts you desire at the same time.
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20. Iximche Iximcheis a Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican archaeological site in the western highlands of Guatemala. Iximchewas the capital of the Late PostclassicKaqchikel Maya kingdom from 1470 until its abandonment in 1524.
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22. Class Requirements

23. HD497 During the entire trip: Group meetings are held every afternoon. The meetings typically last 1.5 hours. We will review the day’s activities and plan for the next day. Each day, document (write about, photograph, draw, etc.) what you notice that would impact human development in the areas that we visited in your daily reflections journal, include: What did you notice? And how could it impact human development? These factors might be social, psychological, biological, cultural, physical, political, economic, etc. Which theory or theories would support your assumptions? What alternative explanations might there be? How could you test your assumptions? What does this mean for you as a future human services provider? What would you want to know, or be sensitive to, when working with clients from this region?
24. HD497 While we are in Nebaj: The focus of the research project is to gain a better understanding of how this population perceives, experiences, and understands pain through interviews and observations. In addition, we will gather data on social, dietary and behavioral practices to examine relationships between cultural practices and autonomic regulation. First days: Cultural and language lessons. Discussions with Colectivo members/leadership about how to conduct the research – explanations of purpose, determination of procedure, discussion of outcomes and what will happen to these materials. Daily: Morning interviews and other research activity. Afternoon review and analysis of the data collected each day and discussion of the procedures.
25. HD497 Final research days: Preparation for presentation of preliminary results and remaining questions to be asked in morning interviews.  Presentations of preliminary results to small groups for their feedback in morning sessions.  Analysis and refinement of results. Upon return to U.S.: Work together to complete the research project online and in class. Create a final presentation about the research project and the experience. The presentation will be presented to HD peers and recorded. Journals are due at the final presentation. Date of the final presentation may be extended so that students are back in session (fall semester).

26. Travel Information

27. Schedule
28. Costs 4 units/HD497 through Extended Learning Air Fare ($750 - $1,000) Program Fees (Lodging, Transportation, etc.) Other expenses (some meals are included in lodging - previous students suggested about $300 works for meals, etc.). Notes: Costs are estimated Deposit $300 $ 1,233 $ 1,000 $ 1,500 $ 400 ------------- $ 4,133
29. Travel Preparation Passport You have to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip. If you do not have a passport, here is the site: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html Here is the site for renewal information: http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html. Immunizations Here is the site you can go to for recommended immunizations: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/guatemala
30. What to Bring WiFi is available at hotels, restaurants, internet cafes, and even some public areas such as parks in Guatemala. Check your phone carrier for international plans/fees for calls. I plan to Skype at night. Do not bring anything of value and don’t bring much in general. We will stay in some hostels (you will want your stuff to fit into your locker). I suggest that you bring one Personal item (i.e. shoulder bag, backpack, etc. up to 9” x 10” x 17”) and, if you must, one carry-on bag (i.e. small suitcase up to 9” x 14” x 22”, including handles and wheels). Passport with a copy Airline Ticket Immunization Record Cash, ATM, credit card (tell your bank that you are going to use them in Guatemala) One combination (email the code to yourself) or key locker lock
31. What to Bring Medications: Allergies (Benadryl/Epi-pen if you require these), Pain (Tylenol/Aleve/Motrin), Cold & Flu, Anti-diarrheal (PeptoBismol/Cipro), prescription meds, anything that you typically use (be sure to review the med form twice with me if you take meds) Hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes Mosquito Spray with DEET Sun screen/Sunblock Small Flashlight Hat Bathing Suit Toiletries- tooth brush/paste/soap, etc. Flip-flops & All-terrain shoes/Walking Shoes . A week’s worth of easy to clean & drip dry (modest) clothes