Center for Integrative Study

The Center for Integrative Study will be established in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala, in collaboration with a number of local institutions, including, major post-secondary institutions, and one of the oldest Spanish immersion language programs, and local non-governmental assistance organizations (NGOs). The Center, projected to open May 2007, has the following principle goals:

• provide a vehicle for professionals to maintain their educational progress;
• provide a cultural experience which will allow professionals to more effectively function in an increasingly globalized work space, at home and abroad; and
• provide a vehicle for professionals from developed countries to effectively share their skills.

Individuals pursuing careers in high tech professions from health care to engineering have found that their education and career paths become highly regimented, leaving little room, without deliberate interruptions, for gaining interdisciplinary and cross cultural experiences or contributing their skills in service to others. The Center, working with educational institutions and employers, will provide, initially, one site which can custom design and deliver broad, interdisciplinary experiences which meet professional needs while simultaneously providing support to organizations working on a variety of urban and rural needs, particularly, in one area of Guatemala.

Project Background

The project leaders, individually, have over 30 years of experience in their respective disciplines, nursing/public health and environment/renewable energy, having taught at the university and secondary levels and consulted and practiced internationally. Experience and work with study-abroad programs have shown that education programs for professions are structured so that little opportunity is available to integrate multi-disciplinary and service learning experiences, especially internationally, into the curriculum without disrupting the traditional path to graduation. Similarly, post-graduate programs, employment, and professional career tracks often favor those possibilities for individuals not engaged in science and technology oriented professions. The exception, currently, resides with people who are approaching retirement or who make a potentially career-changing move.

An increasingly global society is bringing many, who have been technically cloistered, into increasing contact with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, where management and communication skills become critical. Similarly, there is an increasing sense within the private and education sectors that global problems, outside of the immediate, can not be ignored. Complex dynamics have shown that health, food, energy and political issues in seemingly distant populations can affect those who might believe that their socio-economic situations insulate them. In an increasingly global society, knowledge moves across borders as does disease; and pain and joy, like currency, circulates globally at the click of a mouse.

Xela, Guatemala's second-largest city, is surrounded by a linguistically diverse, indigenous population, many of whom exist on the economic edge, minimally benefiting from the growing urban prosperity and the increasing remittances from the North. The community does benefit from a concentration of internationally recognized Spanish immersion schools coupled with tourism; and there exists a strong network of non-governmental organizations that work closely with these communities. There are also several post-secondary institutions. This confluence provides a unique set of resources which can accommodate technical professionals by providing an opportunity to both utilize their skills while providing a learning matrix - basic language skills (Spanish and Quiche) as well as classroom and participatory opportunities in the arena of culture, politics and management.

The Center as both a physical and virtual space is designed to work with organizations from post-secondary institutions and the private sector to custom design experiences that benefit both the participants and the greater Xela community. The effort is planned to allow for continuity and growth. Opportunities for research and scholarly study are also provided.

Program

The initial effort will focus on advanced-practice professionals in the area of health care (medical professionals, public health and health education specialists), environmental professionals (engineers, scientists in the area of water, wastewater and agricultural/industrial uses), and renewable energy specialists. The key elements are to integrate technical expertise with local needs for long-term projects and to match these with professional interests when the individuals return either to an educational institution or professional employment. Included will be a language experience, either Spanish or one of the indigenous languages.

The program is designed to work with institutions and organizations. Academic credit, continuing education certification and similar professional accreditation, if required, will be arranged between the Center and the home institution. In some instances, particularly where there will be advanced undergraduates, faculty from the host institution will also participate. Programs will range from three weeks to six months.

Participants will stay in the homes of local families, with room and meals, language and infrastructure support, access to phones, computers and the Internet.

Timeline

October 2006-
Formal agreements will be initiated between Professionals International (project leaders) and local organizations to provide continual presence in the community. An office will be opened and marketing materials finalized, including a locally generated and supported Internet site. Plans for an initial group of 10-20 professionals for the summer of '07 will be finalized.

January 2007
Long-term community programs will be identified, specific projects within the communities, appropriate NGOs and other institutions will be aligned and final budgets prepared. Summer '07 participants will be identified and participation confirmed.

May 2007
Projects put into motion.

Cooperating Organizations

Potters-for-Peace Antigua
Potters for Peace is an international coalition of potters who help promote local pottery production in developing countries. They have a factory in Antigua, Guatemala, which produces a special water filter which can be used in homes to provide potable water where contaminated supplies are a health problem.

Instituto Central America
ICA, for over 25 years, has offered Spanish Immersion programs, home stays with local families and, through ICA-Amigos, has supported several community development programs.

Entre Mundos
Entre Mundos is a unique organization that coordinates volunteer programs for most of the NGOs working in the greater Xela area, as well as providing a networking function for the many volunteers, many of whom are also attending language schools.

Xela Pages
Xela Pages provides internet services and communications support as well as web page development and community networking between various organizations.

Others
There are several post-secondary institutions, including a branch of San Carlos, the national university, which will participate.