International Programs / Study Abroad

Colombia (SNL)

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Cultural Implications of Leisure

This pioneering course will provide DePaul students with an opportunity to travel and study in South America. Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in Colombia and a must see city in South America. Considered by many as one of the world's most beautiful, fascinating and romantic cities, Cartagena offers a rich sense of history, beautiful beaches, excellent food, cultural events, competitive sports, superior natural areas, and a vibrant nightlife. Its heterogeneous ethnic and racial make-up is unmatched in the world making it a perfect environment to study and experience leisure.

Cartagena, Colombia provides the backdrop for this course which will stimulate your thinking about the meaning of leisure in your life and the interrelated nature of leisure in our global society. Leisure today, and historically, has been central to the human experience. It is an elemental experience, essential to the total well-being of every person; it is a reflection and expression of the cultural values of a society; and it is an important vehicle for medical treatment.

Leisure and recreation services are an essential component of healthy communities in terms of fostering a positive social climate, improving environmental quality, and increasing economic stability. Leisure services comprise one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world, whether measured in dollars spent, persons served, hours of time devoted, or resources used (UCLB, 2004). Studying the history, theory and cultural implications of leisure and recreation in the context of Colombian culture will foster reflection and dialogue around the role leisure plays in our personal and global communities.

COURSES   

This program will be led by Dr. Dan Hibbler, a resident faculty member of the School for New Learning, and visiting professor in the School for New Learning, Ms. Shannon Downey. Dr. Hibbler’s research and teaching interests focus on leisure behavior and leisure administration in urban environments primarily related to issues of social justice.

Dr. Hibbler has traveled extensively, including several trips to Colombia. Dr. Hibbler has also gained over 10 years of professional experience as an administrator in the leisure service industry.

Ms. Downey’s teaching interests focus on leisure practices as they relate to global travel and responsible tourism. Ms. Downey has circumnavigated the globe and visited over 20 countries in the last 8 years. She has worked professionally in both the private and public sectors in various leisure related positions.

Circumstances, such as an unexpected event abroad or a curriculum change at a host institution, may require DePaul University to make changes to the program. DePaul University reserves the right to cancel or alter programs and courses without notice.

For this program, students are required to take 4 competences.  Competences Offered:

A-3-D, H-5, S-1-X, L-10, L-11.

One of the greatest unifying elements in our global society is our leisure practices and behaviors. Leisure and recreation are essential to a healthy local and global community in terms of fostering a positive social climate, improving environmental quality, and increasing economic stability. This course will immerse you in the culture, history, and leisure practices of Colombia, South America enabling you to develop a greater understanding of the role of leisure in improving and protecting our global community. This course will challenge you to consider the implications of leisure tourism on the traditions, economy, social structure and environment of Cartagena, Colombia. It will demonstrate social injustices related to leisure behavior and tourism in Cartagena. This course will enable you to develop skills on how to use leisure to improve both your own quality of life and the quality of life of others. This course will be interactive, participatory, and perhaps life affirming.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS   

Students will be living together in apartments, (2 to 3 students per apartment with private bedrooms).

EXPENSES   

In addition to DePaul tuition for the appropriate number of competences, costs include a specific program fee. For updated information on specific program expenses click here:

For this program, the fee includes roundtrip airfare, all accommodations and local transportation, study abroad health insurance, some meals, and all group activities.

Students must plan their budgets to cover textbooks and supplies, additional meals, passport and visa fees, and personal expenses.

APPLICATION   

There is no language prerequisite. However, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA to participate in this program. To apply to this program, students must submit the following to the Study Abroad Program:

• A completed DePaul Study Abroad Program application form

• Two (2) recommendation forms from faculty familiar with your academic work.

• A copy of the DePaul Unofficial Transcript.  This may be found on Campus Connect in the Students section under Records and Registration.

• A digital photo uploaded into the application.

DePaul University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap in admissions, employment or the provision of services. Inquiries regarding this policy should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, 1 E. Jackson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604.  APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 15