Nicaragua is rich in culture and natural beauty. In the center of the Americas, it is known as "the land of lakes and volcanoes". Through the School for International Training (SIT), students on the Nicaragua semester program have the rare opportunity to study contemporary Latin American revolutionary movements. Students explore the current political, economic, social, and cultural realities of Nicaragua in the context of their historical background and their current realities. Nicaragua is a nation that has survived political upheaval and revolution and is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Students will learn first-hand how Nicaragua has survived natural disasters, wars and dictatorships, and continues to persevere in its challenging economic state to uphold its independence and protect the rights of its citizens.

The Nicaragua program takes an interdisciplinary approach to Nicaragua's economic and political state through a set schedule of theme-based seminars which enable students to integrate into the local culture. The last 4 weeks are devoted to an approved Independent Research Project which allows students to study an aspect of Nicaraguan culture and history that has had little previous academic attention. Projects result in an oral presentation and a 30-40 page paper. Previous topics have included: "Maternal Health in Matagalpa: The Changing Role of Midwives", "The Power of Art: The Connection between Creative Expression and Social Change in Nicaragua", and "The Legacy of Cine Sandinista: Revolution and the Moving Image in Nicaragua, 1979-2002".

Students are housed with families in the capital city of Managua, a colorful collection of barrios rich in history and struggle. The homeland of poet Rub้n Darํo, Nicaragua has a long history of poetry and greatly values this national expression. During the semester students are asked to record their observations through writing poetry to experience this important aspect of Nicaraguan culture. The program includes excursions to Matagalpa or Esteli, rural villages in northern Nicaragua. There is a 5-day trip to the coastal Bluefields region, known for its distinct Afro-Caribbean culture, where students meet with representatives of Creole and Miskito communities to discuss issues of autonomy and indigenous rights. Finally, there is an 8-day visit to either Cuba or El Salvador, depending on current political situations.

Coursework: Students follow a set course of study resulting in an independent research project. After a week-long orientation, students follow the Revolution, Transformation, and Civil Society Seminar, a Field Studies Seminar, an intensive study of the Spanish language, and conduct an Independent Research Project.

USC students earn 16 units for the semester.

Academic Requirement: Students must have completed three semesters of college-level Spanish; all instruction is conducted in Spanish. Students must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Estimated Dates:
Fall: Aug. 26 to Dec. 17
Spring: Jan. 21 to May 15

Estimated Costs:
Tuition…………………………..$12,503
Additional Expenses*…..$7,354
Total……………………………..$19,856 (per semester)

*Additional expenses include estimated costs for airfare, room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, and personal expenses (which can vary greatly from student to student). USC financial aid, scholarships, and tuition remission may be applied to program costs. Please visit the Office of Overseas Studies for more detailed cost information.

Links:
SIT Nicaragua
Lonely Planet Nicaragua

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