1.) How many credits is this course worth? Is auditing an option?
The course is worth 4 credits, and includes a deliverable which may take one of several forms – assessing the current human rights protection needs of a particular Chilean group or community and suggesting means of meeting those needs.Papers and/or videos will be prepared and presented to the MIIS campus and local community toward the end of the spring semester. The group will also be responsible for putting together a newsletter, to be published by Global Majority, on perspectives gleaned from their learning experiences onsite in Chile. Op-ed length essays for the newsletter will be due 3 weeks after return to campus.
Auditing or taking this course for 2 credits is an option, upon approval from Jan Black.
2.) What is the breakdown cost of the Chile J-Term trip? (Approximation)
| Third Party Program Fee: $2,000 |
| Lodging: Included |
| Food: $150 |
| Airfare:$1,100 |
| Airport Transportation: $150 |
| Misc. (snacks, meals not covered by program fee, toiletries, etc.): $150 |
| Total: $3,550 |
3.) Are there any travel alerts or advisories that I need to be aware of?
“Most foreigners visit Chile without incident. The security environment is generally safe, and there is comparatively less violent crime experienced in Chile than other Latin American countries… As in any large city, be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Be alert for pick-pocketing, purse and camera snatching, and thefts from backpacks.”-U.S. Department of State, 2015
4.) What is the diet of the Mapuche peoples? Is it vegan and vegetarian friendly?
Various staples in the meals prepared by the Mapuche include piñónes (fruit resembling giant pine nuts), merkén (a spicy seasoning from the “cacho de cabra”chilli pepper), charquicán (a rich stew made from potatoes, corn, pumpkin, and meat; meat is sometimes replaced with seaweed), charquicán (small green plums), and catuto (ground-wheat bread served with a selection of jams).
5.) Are participants required to travel to Chile on the same flight?
No, participants are able to fly from anywhere in the world. Each student will be required to send their complete flight itinerary to Stephanie Nelson. These flights will be made into an excel document so that all participants are aware of individual arrivals. Students will be given directions as to where to meet upon landing in Santiago in order to ensure that everyone gathers in the same location. It will be up to the students to take a taxi to the hotel in which we will be staying. Please plan on meeting as a group on the evening of January 9th, 2016.
6.) Aside from Global Majority, what will be the main organization we will be working with?
Consejo de Todas las Tierras
7.) What will the accommodations look like?
Students will be rooming in a hotel or hostel-like setting. These rooms will be two to a person, with a shared bathroom. Accommodations will be solely arranged for participants on the trip, and will not include rooming with strangers.
8.) Is there an entrance fee to get into the country?
There is no entrance fee upon arrival to Chile.
9.) To whom should I make the payments out for the program fee? Can I pay with a credit card?
Fees will be paid to Malia Everette, our travel coordinator. This transaction will be offered online, and can be paid with credit card. Arrangements can be made to pay by check as well. Details regarding this process will be sent around November 23, when the first portion ($500.00) of the program fee is due.
10.) What is the dress code like? Do I need to bring formal or modest attire?
Overall, the dress attire will be relaxed and casual, but make sure its fairly modest. Bring comfortable clothes that you do not mind walking around in and getting dirty. Also remember to bring comfortable shoes (running or hiking shoes preferred). It will be summer when we get there, so prepare for very warm weather (especially in the North). Heading into the South it tends to get colder, so bring a jacket and a pair of pants just in case. Lastly, don’t forget to pack one nicer outfit (with nice shoes!) in case we are asked to attend a formal gathering. If possible, pack as lightly as you can. We will be on the road throughout the trip and you will be responsible for carrying whatever you bring with you!
11.) Do I need to bring my laptop? Camera? Phone?
Unless you are extremely tied to your computer, we would advise leaving it at home. Same with your phone, unless you plan on using it while you are there. We do recommend bringing your camera/video camera if you have one-to document the trip. Always, always carry these items on you, and never place them in your checked luggage when traveling.
12.) Will there be translation services for those who need assistance communicating in Spanish?
Yes. We look forward to having bilingual individuals both on the team and in country assisting as needed.
13.) Are there specific requirements for the type of deliverable we create? Our study of focus?
Deliverables may be in the form of documentaries, 10-15 page research papers, articles and more. Your creative ideas and passions are very much welcome on the team, so please feel free to share them with us! There is a particular interest in working with the Mapuche people towards achieving greater autonomy. Any projects in relation to this topic, please contact Dr. Black for collaborative efforts to get underway.
14.) What are the best travel insurance companies to use, if I don’t already have insurance through MIIS?
