Summer Program, NCSU Summer Ethnographic Field School in Guatemala
25th NCSU Summer Ethnographic Field School in Guatemala: Learn how to design, conduct, investigate your own research project
North Carolina State University
May 27 – July 17, 2018 (7.5 weeks)
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
What: Learn how to design, conduct, investigate and write up your own independent project while living with a local family on the shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Throughout the program, you will learn about the Maya while developing skills in project design and fieldwork as you carry out your own research project. This is a really great program if you want to learn how to find out the right questions for seeking solutions to human problems. The program’s location, Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, at about 5000 feet above sea level, is one of the prettiest in the world, ringed by volcanoes. And on its shores are 15 traditional Maya communities where people still observe ancient customs but are seeking modern ways of dealing with the world. You can be a part of this very interesting, challenging scene this summer. Each student gets an opportunity to develop their own research project, with our help, and lives in one of those 15 communities with a Maya family. Fortunately, our families also speak Spanish and have been working with our students for the last 17 years. They know your needs and how to help you make the adjustment to their world.
Who: Whether you are an undergraduate, a graduate student, just finished college, learning how to collect data and talk to people is beneficial not only for those in anthropology, but also for those in many other majors, including sociology, international studies, public health, history, education, textiles, natural resource management, business and management, sociolinguistics, political science, psychology, design and engineering. Anyone interested is encouraged to apply, especially students interested in topics such as development, environment, globalization, social justice, tourism, conservation, Fair Trade, textile design and entrepreneurship, language, development, poverty and health.
How: See what research is really like, do your own project, manage your own time and work according to the needs of your topic. Challenge yourself by living in a Maya community with a local family. We keep the seminars to a minimum, so students can have enough time to work on their projects; we want students to learn by doing, with intensive and in-depth hands-on learning.
All majors/years welcome! This program is open to students from any course of study, year, undergrad or grad and from university. Deadline: February 15, 2018
Costs: The $3575 fee includes all expenses (except airfare-about $650), including room and board, insurance, in-country travel and tuition for 6 credit hours.
Apply: Apply through the NCSU Study Abroad Office. (http://packabroad.ncsu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=1146) The final deadline for receipt of applications is February 15, 2018, but decisions are made on a rolling acceptance basis.
Contact us: Dr. Tim Wallace – twallace@ncsu.edu