Location The travel abroad component of the program is based at San Jorge Eco-Lodge and Botanical Reserves, located just outside of Ecuador’s capital, Quito. The facility is an 18th century farm situated on 200 acres of protected land in the Pichincha Foothills. The only private reserve near Quito, San Jorge is home to a large variety of endemic plants and animals, including more than 130 species of birds, and has several pre-Inca trails and sacred waterfalls. San Jorge’s reserves encompasses four distinct ecological zones including high barren plains, highland rain forest, cloud forest, and subtropical rain forest. Students can explore the grounds on mountain bike, horseback, or on foot. The program also includes day excursions to Quito–renowned for its beautiful historic center and colonial architecture–and the nearby towns of Otavalo and Ibarra.
Wisdom Of the Andes
June 27 – August 11, 2007 (Travel Abroad: July 21-28)
3 credits (undergraduate & graduate)
The Wisdom of the Andes Program is a team-taught, interdisciplinary program presented as a mentored independent study with a travel abroad component from July 21-28. The goal of the program is to give students the opportunity to research and study the rich and expressive culture of indigenous Ecuador. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the program will explore the various aspects of Ecuador’s indigenous culture, including archeology, art, botany, dance, ecology, history, music, religion, and shamanism. The travel abroad component consists of practicums, lectures, seminars, panel discussions, performances, excursions to historical and cultural sites, and community service at local schools and factories. The program is open to graduate and undergraduate students. All participants will take three (3) credits, and choose from five cross-listed courses (DAN 5398, DAN 3394, REL 5996, REL 4996, or ENV 3XXX). Assignments and expectations for graduate and undergraduate students will vary accordingly. Because the program is structured as an independent study, students are not required to be at FIU prior to or after the travel abroad component.
Faculty
Dr. Andrea Mantell-Seidel, FIU Department of Theatre and Dance
Prof. Mary Lou Pfeiffer, FIU Honors College and Department of Religious Studies
Housing
Students will stay in co-ed dormitories located on the grounds of San Jorge Eco-Lodge and Botanical Reserves. For more information about San Jorge, visit the organization’s web site at www.eco-lodgesanjorge.com.
Cost
The estimated program cost of $1,600 covers the study abroad component and includes all instruction, accommodations, most meals, excursions, and health insurance. The cost does not include airfare. In addition, students will pay FIU tuition (based on Florida residency) and fees for three (3) credits. Students should budget some extra cash for personal expenses and incidentals. Registration deadline is April 1, 2007. A 50% deposit is due at this time. This program is pending final university approval.