Brazil (GPACT)

Deadline extended!

Dates (tentative): TBD

Group leader(s): Prof. Denise Horn (d.horn@neu.edu)

Course description:

Global PACT is a peer-to-peer training program in grassroots organization and community development. Teaming NU students with local students, the Global PACT program provides an intensive cross-cultural experience. Global PACT Brazil will focus on important environmental and ecological issues in the Amazon, including the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, and the growth of new industries, such as pharmaceuticals and climate change technologies. This Dialogues program will appeal to those students interested in global activism and advocacy surrounding issues of poverty and environmental concerns.

Global PACT Brazil will be based at the University of Bahia, where Northeastern has established a new partnership. There students will work with Brazilian students in small groups, doing active research in the community and creating new community development projects.

In addition to the training in Bahia, students will travel to Manaus, the Amazon jungle's port of entry. "This 1.5 million city lies along the north bank of the Negro River, 11 miles (18 km) above its confluence with the Amazon (Solimoes). It is located 900 miles (1,450 km) inland from the Atlantic coast in the heart of the Amazon rain forest. As a major inland port (reached by oceangoing vessels from the Atlantic) it is a collecting and distribution center for the river areas of the upper Amazon. Principal exports include rubber, Brazil nuts, rosewood oil, jute, and a host of minor forest products; cordage and coffee sacks are made from jute. Manaus' industries include brewing, shipbuilding, soap manufacturing, the production of chemicals, the manufacture of electronics equipment, and petroleum refining (the oil being brought by barge down the Amazon from Peru)."

In Manaus, Global PACT will partner with two of Brazil's most important NGOs, the National Institute for Research on the Amazon and EMPRAPA, the foremost research center for agriculture, energy, rural economics and agrobusiness in Brazil. This partnership will provide NU students with the unique opportunity to study the multi-faceted nature of environmental issues.

To complement the rigorous Global PACT curriculum, students will participate in weekly excursions, including a two-three day trip to EMBRAPA's Amazon facilities in the heart of the jungle, trips to the "Meeting of the Waters," the Mindu Ecological Park, and visits to other NGOs in Manaus. The trip will end in a four day visit to Rio de Janeiro, where students will explore one of the world's most beautiful cities, learn of its culture and history, and enjoy Rio's renowned beaches.

Course credits: IAFU938 and IAFU941

Cost of program: Most major costs will be covered by summer tuition. There may be an additional program fee depending on length of stay in-country, airline ticket prices, or other extra expenses. Students will be responsible for meals and spending money.

Application Process: Download the Dialogue of Civilizations application, enrollment form, and waiver form. Turn in the completed forms to Cynthia Rapp in the International Affairs Office, 270 Holmes Hall.

Application Deadline: December 14, 2007

Disclaimer: Some information posted here is tentative and subject to change based on costs and dates of available flights. The website is updated as current information becomes available.