Politics, Society, and Technology of Northeast Brazil: Do they work together?

This course is accepting applications for the Summer 2013 term.

Course: ENGR 320, Research Topics in Engineering (3 credits) or IS 210, Selected Topics in Culture and Civilization (3 credits)
Instructor: Dr. Jodi Prosise, Assistant Professor of Engineering and Physics
Dates: May 27 - June 9, 2013
Location: Ilheus, Brazil 
Price:  $3,350

Program description

Read about Chris Donnelly's experience during the 2011 program.

Students will explore the effects of politics and society on technology, and vice versa, in the State of Bahia in Northeast Brazil. Experiences focus on politics, society, and technology with populations that are underprivileged and disabled. Through readings, discussions, tours of museums and local areas, and interviews with local officials, students will learn about the politics in Northeast Brazil, both past and present. The effects of politics and technologies on society, in particular the lower class, will be experienced by visiting and interacting with the Favelas and medical facilities for the poor, as well as a natural resources conservation and research facility. Local technologies will be experienced through the engineering research laboratories at the Universidad Estadual de Santa Cruz, and by participating in a workshop where Brazilian citizens learn to utilize the land and natural resources in a sustainable way to provide income to their families.

ENGINEERING STUDENTS ONLY: Students will learn social responsibility by providing useful and important technologies to persons with disabilities that otherwise could not afford assistance. Students will deliver the devices created previously by engineering students, train appropriate personnel on the use and care of the devices, and make any necessary adjustments to the devices.

What is included

• Student's share of faculty member expenses
• Round-trip airfare from Moline to Ilheus
• Transportation in Brazil 
• Housing
• Meals during home stay 
• Brazilian visa
• International medical insurance with trip delay coverage

What is not included

• Passport fee
• Immunizations (approximately $300)
• Personal baggage fees
• Textbooks
• Meals while traveling

How to apply

Complete the online application and submit a $500 application deposit to the Center for International Education by December 1, 2012.

• Make checks payable to St. Ambrose University.
• The application deposit is deducted from the total program cost.
• If you are not accepted, or if the program is cancelled, the application deposit is refundable.
• If you are accepted, this deposit is non-refundable after December 1.

Payment deadlines

• January 18, 2013: $1,500 commitment fee due
• April 1, 2013: remaining balance due

Payment details

• Submit $1,500 commitment fee to the Center for International Education.
• Make checks payable to St. Ambrose University.
• The commitment fee is deducted from the total program cost.
• Failure to meet payment deadlines may jeopardize your place in the program.
• The commitment fee is non-refundable after January 18.
• Please submit your final payment to Student Account Services by April 1.
• The final payment is non-refundable after April 1.