VCU Education Abroad Faculty-led Summer Program in Guatemala

  Guatemala

Term: Summer 
Dates: Richmond June 1-5 & June 18-19; Guatemala June 6-16

Description: The Office of International Education and Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising are proud to present an eleven-day program in Tecpan, Guatemala. The unique service-learning opportunity led by a faculty member will provide design, marketing and color assistance to a fair trade producer and business. Maya Traditions, a member of the Fair Trade Federation based in Panajachel, Guatemala and San Francisco, California, has been working hand in hand with Mayan weaving communities in the highlands of Guatemala to develop fair trade products. The organization's mission is to support weaving groups and small family businesses by providing consistent income, as well as health and education projects. VCU students will work with Maya Traditions staff on design, production and marketing in Guatemala.

Course and credit options: 3 VCU credits
FASH 450 Line Development or FASH 391 Fashion Workshop
Prerequisite: Junior status in VCU School of the Arts, Fashion Design & Merchandising, Crafts and Interior Design

Course description: VCU students will partner with Maya Traditions and Mayan artisans to create viable products for North American consumers using their design aesthetics and merchandising skills. The aim is to produce a fair trade product that will be successful on-line throughout the US and Canadian markets. Students will learn about products using traditional Mayan aesthetics, as well as Mayan cultural history. A five-day workshop will precede the participant's time in Guatemala. Upon the student's return to the U.S., a three-day wrap up session will take place in Richmond.

Highlights: Participants will arrive in Guatemala City and will travel together to Antigua. The group will spend mornings on projects and afternoons visiting artisan workshops in Tecpan and with other weaving cooperatives. The trip will include a weekend excursion to magnificent Lake Atitlan. Students will attend guest lectures, including a renowned poet. They will also enjoy outings to Mayan markets, a visit to Iximiche, a pre-Columbian Mayan city and a professionally guided tour of Antigua.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 1,750

*Accommodations
*Meals
*Service project materials
*In-country transportation
*On-site Program Director support
*Application fee and deposit
*Pre-departure orientation
*VCU administrative fees
*International Student Identification Card

The following are NOT included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
*VCU tuition and fees
*Airfare
*Passport application fee
*One dinner and/or meals at airports
*Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $350)
*Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Experience Required: yes

A background in fashion design or merchandising is required.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home