Study in Colombia

>> February 3, 2012: This faculty-led study abroad program has been cancelled.

Spend three weeks in summer 2012 learning and living in Cali with Gonzaga-in-Colombia, a faculty-led study abroad program. Learn about global water issues with case studies from the western hemisphere. This study abroad program is open to all Gonzaga students regardless of major. Fulfill GU core science requirement!

Program Highlights

At-a-glance

• Spend three weeks living and learning in Cali, Colombia (June 17-July 6)
• Travel to various cultural and historical sites in southeastern Colombia
• Participate in an international collaboration between Gonzaga University and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali.
• Attend class and participate in field trips with Colombian students
• Fulfill the Gonzaga core science requirement
• Open to all students regardless of major

Program Dates:
**Program Cancelled**

The Course
CHEMISTRY 190 (3 credits)

Application Deadline:
January 27, 2012 or until filled
Apply early!

Program Cost
Estimated Cost: $3,500*
For details of what's included in the estimated program cost, click here.

The Program

The class will be team-taught by Professors Joanne Smieja and Diego Dario Pérez Ruiz. CHEM 190 will begin June 11^th and end July 6^th.  From June 11th until June 15^th, students will complete assignments via the internet.  On June 17^th, the Gonzaga group will join the Javeriana cohort in Cali, Colombia, for three weeks.  While in Colombia, classes will be held Mondays through Thursdays at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.  Weekends will be used for cultural excursions.  Some lectures, field trips, and cultural excursions will be given in English and others will be given in Spanish.  In the latter case, an English translator will be present.   While in Cali, lodging and meals will be provided at Casa Villa Javier, a beautiful University-owned house located next to the Javeriana campus. 

The Course

CHEMISTRY 190 (3 credits)
Water is essential for sustaining life.  This course will explore a variety of global water issues with case studies from the Western hemisphere.  After an introduction to the hydrological cycle, types of freshwater resources, and global water supplies, the chemistry of water will be explored and common biological and non-biological freshwater contaminants will be introduced.  Large and small scale drinking water and wastewater treatments will be discussed.  Field trips to treatment facilities located in Valle de Cauca will illustrate the practical realities of water technologies.  Case studies will be used to explore a variety of contentious global issues including the privatization of water, water rights of indigenous peoples, the impact of tourism development on water resources, and social justice issues related to water management. 

Course Goals

This 3-credit course will help students

• Appreciate the role of clean water in the developed and developing world.
• Understand the fundamental chemical and physical properties of water.
• Become familiar with common biological and non-biological freshwater contaminants.
• Gain knowledge of the available water treatment methods for large municipalities, small communities, and individual households.
• Become familiar with local water regulations and water quality parameters.
• Become aware of contentious global issues pertaining to water.

Faculty Leaders

Joanne Smieja is a professor of Chemistry at Gonzaga University.  She received her doctorate in inorganic chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1986 and completed a post-doctoral research position at the University of California, San Diego, in 1988.  She has authored 20 peer-reviewed publications.  Her most recent manuscript entitled "Household Water Treatments in Developing Countries" was published in the Journal of Chemical Education in 2011.  Professor Smieja teaches inorganic chemistry and environmental chemistry.

Diego Dario Pérez Ruiz is a professor of civil engineering at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali.  He received a masters degree from the Universidad del Cauca, Colombia in 1991, a masters degree from the Universidad de Puerto Rico in 1993, and his doctorate from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2009.  Professor Pérez teaches Fluid Mechanics, Open Channel Hydraulics, and GIS for Water Resources.

Excursions & Activities

Group cultural excursions will include a city tour of Cali, a day trip to "the white city" of Popayán, a day trip to Buga to visit the Basilica del Señor de los Milagros, and several evening outings for salsa dancing.  Cali is considered the salsa capitol of the world.  Due to the current political climate in Colombia, individual student excursions will be discouraged.

Program Requirements

This introductory science course is designed for environmental studies, international studies, Spanish, science, and engineering students.  It is open to all majors and is specifically designed to fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences 3 credit core science requirement. 

• Minimum GPA 2.5
• Two letters of academic recommendation
• Student Life and Academic clearance

Program Cost

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST:   $3,500*
Cost includes Gonzaga University tuition for 3 credits, accommodations, most meals, academic and cultural excursions, and instructional supplies.  Program costs do not include roundtrip airfare to Cali (budget approximately $1200- $1500), some meals, and personal expenses.

DEPOSIT
Within two weeks of the date of acceptance, students are required to reserve their place on the program with a $500 deposit that is applied to the cost of the program.

Application Procedure

When to Apply
APPLICATION DEADLINE:  January 27, 2012
Early application is encouraged. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis up to the application deadline. Operation of this program is subject to administrative approval and is dependent upon meeting the minimum enrollment (6 students).

GONZAGA STUDENTS:

1. Application form (type directly into pdf and then print completed application)
2. $50 non-refundable study abroad application fee payable via Study Abroad CASHNet
3. Two (2) academic recommendations
4. Academic clearance online form
5. Student Life clearance online form
6. Return application to the Study Abroad office either in person (323 E Boone Ave) or by campus mail to AD Box 85.

NON-GONZAGA STUDENTS:

1. Application form (type directly into pdf and then print completed application)
2. $50 non-refundable application fee  payable via Study Abroad CASHNet
3. Two (2) academic recommendations
4. Program Approval form
5. Official transcripts' form all colleges/universities attended
6. Mail to: Study Abroad, Gonzaga University, Ad Box 85, 502 E Boone Ave, Spokane WA 99258-0085

Passport

Be sure that your passport is valid for six months after the end of the study abroad program.