West Africa (Benin)

Dates: July 2008
(2-3 full days on Northeastern's campus; 3 weeks in Benin -West Africa)

Group leader(s): Prof. Lori Gardinier, l.gardinier@neu.edu and Rebecca Feldman, Esq. rfeldman@iijd.net

Course description: In this 4-week (8 SH program) students will examine West African culture and organizational responses to health, social and human rights issues. Students will develop and in-depth understanding of change efforts through service-learning, lectures, site visits and cultural exchanges. Particular attention is given to the role of international aid, and the political, social and economic conditions in which non-profit organizations operate. This dialogue is developed as a partnership between the Human Services Program and the International Institute for Justice and Development (IIJD). Human Services Program is an interdisciplinary major that includes courses in human services, psychology, sociology, political science and other related fields. The mission of the human services program is to provide students with the theoretical and skill based background necessary to practice in macro, mezzo, and micro arenas for social and community change such as political advocacy, community development and counseling. International Institute for Justice and Development is committed to promoting justice and providing innovative development solutions for long-lasting positive change in poor communities and developing nations worldwide. With a broad range of programs based on participation, empowerment, and sustainability, treating not just the symptoms of poverty, underdevelopment, and insecurity, but confront their underlying causes. This Dialogue is open to students of any major!

Course credits: Eight Credit Hours -- HS U950 Intercultural Studies through Human Services (4 SH) & IAF U938 Dialogue of Civilizations: Globalization and Social Sciences (4 SH)

Cost of program: The most significant costs associated with this program are covered by Summer I tuition including airfare, housing and most meals. Students will be responsible for some local travel to and from site visits.

Application Process: The program is open to students of any major. 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: The deadline for this Dialogue has passed. Please consider another one of our wonderful Dialogue programs.

For more information: Contact Natalia Stone at n.stone@neu.edu.

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.