Health and Aging in Nicaragua
This spring-term course held at Portland State University and subsequent two-week study abroad program in Nicaragua will provide students with meaningful experiences in an international context through: (a) learning from and interaction with experts in the fields of social gerontology, public health, community development, and other multidisciplinary perspectives; (b) local use and testing of training materials designed to prepare students to administer those materials while in Nicaragua; (c) research and program development with international organizations and governmental agencies; (d) involvement in activities associated with securing resources for the program (e.g., funds, supplies for Nicaraguan partners) and (e) travel to Nicaragua for the purpose of engaging in service learning in a developing country.
Although Spanish-speaking students are preferred, students speaking only English may participate, provided there is at least one Spanish-speaking student for each English-only speaking student. Additionally, translators having knowledge of Nicaraguan vernacular and culture will be provided. Students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply to maximize the interdisciplinary nature of the course.
Please contact Margaret Neal, nealm@pdx.edu, for more information.
Project
The world is facing an unprecedented growth in the number and proportion of older adults. Nicaragua, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, lacks resources and expertise to prepare for the coming age wave. This Capstone has afforded students the opportunity to work with communities in Nicaragua to improve the quality of life of older adults since 2004. Using an interdisciplinary approach to community development, students will work directly with community members in Nicaragua on issues such as public health, community education, microenterprise development, and other emerging topics. Two weeks of travel in June and July are preceded by coursework and group projects over the winter and spring terms. Students work with other non-Capstone students as part of the international program that is partnered with the Jessie F. Richardson Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization that focuses on long-term care for disadvantaged older adults. Applications are accepted in the fall term and must be completed through Education Abroad. To learn more about the program, please contact the course instructor, Dr. Margaret Neal, at nealm@pdx.edu or visit the program website: http://oia.pdx.edu/ea/details/international_capstone_global_aging_health/.
During the in-county experience, students and faculty will travel to several destinations in Nicaragua, including Managua (capital), Boaco, and possibly Jinotepe (projects and teams will be determined throughout the course). Learning experiences such as community lectures and tours will be combined with service projects focusing on public health, gerontology, and community development.
