Program Description

Xavier's Solidarity Semester is based in Nicaragua's capital city, Managua. Managua is the country's largest city, full of culture and history, and sits on the edge of breathtaking natural landmarks. Students live with host families in Barrio la Luz, a neighborhood located in the heart of the city and close to public transportation and the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA), or Central American University, where some courses are held.

The semester experience combines at least 15 credit hours of academic study with work in the community.

• Xavier's Solidarity Semester is coordinated by Xavier's long-time partner in Managua, the Center for Global Education and Experience.
• Students volunteer 6 hours per week at community-based agencies in the city.
• Most courses offered meet core requirements.
• Program begins with a one- to two-week orientation in Managua and ends with a two-week re-entry period in Cincinnati.
• NEW: The program occurs during Fall semester.

A primary goal of the semester is integration of the academic study with the experience of service and accompaniment. The academic component provides students with knowledge of the culture, religion, history, government, and economics of the area in which the semester takes place, with an emphasis on issues of social justice. The service component functions as the medium through which learning occurs by placing all study in the context of living and working with the economically poor.

Reflection is a major component of the program and is integrated in many ways. In addition to the academic focus, the course of study helps participants relate sensitively to people across ethnic and class boundaries. There are also opportunities to interact with community-based organizations and leaders.