• Gain a holistic perspective of life in the rural Andes Mountains.

• Earn three credits in just over two weeks in-country.

• Conduct research like an anthropologist by researching a topic of your interest.

• Gain an inside understanding of Bolivian history and Aymara cultural traditions.

• Learn about agriculture and rural development from local farmers.

• Learn how community democracy works and generates social movements.

• Missed the Interest Meeting? Check out the presentation here!

The South American nation of Bolivia is situated high in the Andes Mountains and extends deep into the Amazon rainforest. Its majority indigenous population speaks the languages and carries on many traditions of ancient civilizations. People from around the world go off the beaten path to seek adventure in this place and to experience its varied landscapes, striking beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Bolivia has deep cultural traditions, a unique historical trajectory, and long-term relationships with the United States and Europe--both of which have wielded enormous influence in this small South American country. As part of Latin America's New Left, current Bolivian politics are dynamic and innovative.

The program involves significant physical exertion and endurance, including traveling up and down steep hills in La Paz and Coroico (on paved and unpaved roads), enduring extensive dusty and bouncy bus rides, (optional) hikes up mountains, basic bathroom facilities at many destinations, and absence of potable water (bring a own filtration device and be careful of what you eat when away from the hotel).

The goal of this Global Seminar is for you to gain an inside perspective of the livelihood strategies and political organization of rural Yungas communities with a unique cultural and agricultural history. The Global Seminar also provides grounded context for Bolivia's national political economic trend called the New Left. During three 3-hour sessions in Boulder before your departure, you will review the history of Bolivia and the Yungas region. Then, for the two weeks that you are in the Yungas region, you will observe and talk to people about how indigenous locals are conceptualizing and promoting their own models for rural development. Throughout this multidisciplinary Global Seminar you will consider why an anthropological approach is necessary in the study of democracy and development.

During the seminar you will conduct your studies much like an anthropologist. You will study pertinent scholarly research with the benefit of films and guest speakers, observe local farmers, families, teachers, development workers, and community leaders, maintain detailed field notes, and choose a particular topic of interest to analyze for a final research paper.

The course does not require Spanish proficiency, although students will find this helpful. The course will appeal to those majoring in anthropology, international affairs, geography, environmental studies, political science, economics, and other related disciplines.

• Summer 2013: To be determined.

The program is directed by Dr. Caroline S. Conzelman from the Global Studies Academic Program (G-RAP) and Department of Anthropology. Professor Conzelman has taught several anthropology courses related to this Global Seminar and currently serves as the Associate Director for CU's G-RAP. Professor Conzelman has traveled extensively throughout South America and conducted field work in the Yungas between 2001- 2006. She chooses program participants, leads a pre-departure orientation, teaches the course, and acts as resident director in Bolivia.

You will participate in experiential outings to rural community meetings, family agricultural fields, elementary and secondary schools, sports and music events, honey and coffee cooperatives, cultural centers, tourist hotspots, and rural development projects. You will also take one weekend excursion to other Yungas communities. Also, Día del Campesino (Day of the Peasant) is celebrated on August 2nd, where you can enjoy parades, music and food in the nearby town of Cruz Loma.

Students will stay in a hotel in Coroico. Welcome and Farewell dinners will be provided. Breakfast is included in the program fee.

You are responsible for making your own transportation arrangements to Bolivia and back. Transportation on program-related field trips while in Bolivia is provided as part of the program fee.

• Global Grant for IAFS and G-RAP Students:The International Affairs Program (IAFS) and Global Studies RAP (G-RAP) offer Global Grants for CU-Boulder Study Abroad Programs. The grants are $1000 each and open to IAFS and G-RAP students only. To be considered you must apply for the CU-Boulder Study Abroad Scholarship (see the link above). Click here for more information on this scholarship.

• Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Grants: (up to $2400/project) for undergraduate research or creative work projects including projects while studying abroad. Application, detailed descriptions, project archive (to get project ideas) are available on the UROP website. Application deadline is EARLY - usually in late February/early March. Click here for more information.

• Bolivia Information