Cristosal Global School: Honduras

Root Causes of Migration
June 17-24, 2023 | Tegucigalpa, Honduras

The Leir Institute is pleased to sponsor three Fletcher students’ participation in Cristosal Global School Honduras: Root Causes of Migration. The six-day seminar, held June 18-23, 2023 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, examines current realities on the ground that confront displaced populations and those who seek asylum in other countries. The course emphasizes understanding asylum in the U.S. through the framework of international humanitarian protection. It will examine the Honduran context, root causes, and triggers that contribute to forced displacement and asylum-seeking in other countries through a human rights-based perspective. Participants will engage in intercultural discussions with professionals from Honduras and the U.S. and conduct visits to relevant communities and institutions. Spanish language skills are not required to participate. 

Participants will: 

• Deepen their understanding of country conditions in Honduras and the unique struggles of Honduran refugees and migrants 
• Analyze root causes of forced migration and internal displacement in Central America 
• Analyze shortcomings of the asylum system with an intl. human rights perspective 
• Develop human rights-based strategies to respond to the refugee crisis and support the rights of migrant populations, especially Honduran asylum-seekers in the U.S. 

Seminar Dates and Location: The program runs June 18-23, 2023 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. 

Travel Dates: Participants will depart for Tegucigalpa on June 17, 2023 and return to Boston/preferred destination on June 24, 2023. 

Cost: The Leir Institute will cover seminar fees ($995) and a travel and lodging stipend (determined by market rates) for three students selected through an application process. Seminar fees include transportation, three meals a day, coordination and logistics, interpretation and trip guide, speaker honorariums, and community activities. 

Application Process: Interested students should apply by end of day March 5, 2023. Selected (3) and waitlisted (3) applicants will be notified by March 17, 2023. Selected applicants must confirm their participation by March 27, 2023 in order to complete registration by Cristosal’s deadline. Selected applicants who commit to the program but do not attend may be asked to reimburse the seminar fee ($995) and/or the travel and lodging stipend. 

Questions? Please contact to Jacob Ewing, Leir Project Manager, at jacob.ewing@tufts.edu or join us at one of our informal drop-in virtual info sessions.

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Drop-in Virtual Info Sessions

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Special Thanks to Beth McFadyen (F22)

The Leir Institute would like to thank alumna Beth McFadyen (F22), a member of Cristosal’s board of directors, whose generous contribution has enabled this experiential learning opportunity.

Beth, a recent Master of Arts in Humanitarian Assistance graduate from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, leverages her education and experience in international development, human security, board leadership, and organization development to serve the nonprofit community. Her region of focus is Central America.

Beth has worked extensively in Guatemala, the birthplace of her youngest child. For nearly 20 years, she has supported Natün Guatemala’s development work in the program areas of education, nutrition and health, and economic development. After completing her term of service as Board Chair, she founded and currently leads their Sustainability Circle, a community of donors committed to long-term, unrestricted giving. Most recently, she was elected to Cristosal’s board of directors, a human rights organization working for justice, the protection of human rights, and the advancement of democratic societies in Central America.

In addition to her MAHA, Beth holds a Master of Science degree in Organization Development and Training from Lesley University. Beth earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts. Beth and her husband, Jay, reside in the suburbs of Boston and are parents to four remarkable children by both birth and adoption.