GuateAbroad
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About this Program
Guatemala provides us a rich platform to explore complex social issues, effects of fair-trade practice, sustainable business dilemmas, and the plight of women and other marginalized communities in the region. We will have real experiences with the Guatemalan people and businesses – both micro and MNCs. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America with a GDP per capita roughly one-half that of the average for Latin America. Almost 55% of the population is below the poverty line, yet their unemployment rate is roughly half that of the United States. Our trip will be based in La Antigua, which is recognized and protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and is one of the most charming cities in Central America. We will also experience the bustle of Guatemala City, as well as excursions to neighboring areas such as: Izabal, Lake Atitlan, and more. GuateAbroad offers two courses illuminating Latin American business cultures, commercial environments, politics of Central America, and the economy of Guatemala and neighboring countries. SU Course(s): GBUS 4910/5940; MGMT 4910/5910
- Program Website No valid link given
Program Highlights
- Course(s):
- GBUS 4910/5940
- MGMT 4910/5910
No valid text given- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Experiential Immersion
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Hotels
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 5-10 (UG); 3-6 (GR)
- Credit System: Quarter Credits
- Typical Course load: 1-2
- Credit Per Course: 5 (UG); 3 (GR)
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Seattle University
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 Quarter Credit = 1 Quarter Credit
- Quarter Range: 5-10 (UG); 3-6 (GR)
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
Fees not specified
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
For undergraduate students participating in Faculty-Led Short Term programs, you will be billed Seattle University (1) Summer Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, (3) Wellness Fee, (4) Global Medical Insurance, and (5) Program Fee for the term abroad.
For graduate students participating in Faculty-Led Short Term programs, students are billed Seattle University (1) Graduate Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, (3) Global Medical Insurance, (4) Wellness Fee, and (5) Program Fee for the term abroad. These and estimated additional expenses are outlined in the program’s detailed Budget Worksheet. Students are encouraged to complete the Budget Worksheet and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.
Payment
For undergraduate students participating in Faculty-Led Short Term programs, you will pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. In addition to a 1-3 credit Spring Quarter course, you will enroll in and be billed Seattle University tuition for a 2-4 credit summer course at the discounted summer rate. The remaining program fee that will be charged to student account once enrolled in the associated course(s), charged during Summer Quarter.The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill.
For graduate students participating in Faculty-Led Short Term programs, you will pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term you are abroad, Summer Quarter.
Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Application Coming Soon!
- For Short-Term Faculty Led programs, you will be enrolled in a Spring Course (1-3 credits) on-campus for pre-departure preparation and a Summer Course (2-4 credits) for immersive academic content abroad. Undergraduate students will receive institutional aid to fully offset the summer tuition for these programs.
- Questions? Email Aaron Thornburg (thornbua@seattleu.edu) or Tanner Humiston
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): Warm and dry with temperatures between 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). Ideal for outdoor activities and exploring historical sites.
- Summer (June to August): Rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Expect heavy showers in the afternoons.
- Autumn (September to November): Warm, with occasional rain. Temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), particularly in coastal and lowland regions.
- Winter (December to February): Cooler in the highlands (12°C to 20°C / 54°F to 68°F) but warm and dry in coastal areas (20°C to 28°C / 68°F to 82°F).
Travel Resources
- Air: Main international airport is La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. Visit Visit Guatemala for more travel details.
- Bus: Extensive bus network, including "chicken buses" for local travel and more comfortable options for long-distance routes.
- Public Transport: Taxis, ride-sharing apps (Uber), and local buses are available in major cities like Guatemala City and Antigua.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Top attractions include Tikal National Park, Lake Atitlán, and the colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Language: The official language is Spanish, but over 20 Mayan languages are spoken throughout the country.
- Festivals: Key events include Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Antigua, the Giant Kite Festival in Sumpango, and Independence Day celebrations in September.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Traditional dishes include pepian (a spicy meat stew), tamales, chiles rellenos, and tortillas. Fresh fruits, beans, and corn are staples.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options can be limited in traditional restaurants, but more urban and tourist areas offer better accommodation for dietary needs.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City: Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16, Guatemala City (Phone: +502 2354-0000)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Accessibility can be limited, especially in rural areas. Larger cities and tourist destinations may have better options, but travelers with mobility needs should plan accordingly.
- LGBTQ+: Guatemala is a conservative country, and public displays of affection among same-sex couples may attract attention. However, the larger cities and tourist areas tend to be more tolerant.
- Religion: Guatemala is predominantly Roman Catholic and Evangelical Protestant, with indigenous Mayan spiritual practices also widely observed and respected.
- Race & Ethnicity: Guatemala is ethnically diverse, with a majority Mestizo population and significant Indigenous communities, who often face social and economic disparities.
- Gender: Gender inequality remains a challenge in Guatemala, with traditional roles and gender-based violence being persistent issues, particularly in rural areas.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by the Guatemalan Government.
U.S. passport holders are not required to obtain a visa for Guatemala (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates. The application process varies by Consulate and student location but may require travel to the nearest Consulate to apply in-person. Seattle University's Education Abroad can provide additional supporting visa application documents for Non-U.S. citizens, if applicable; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in Seattle University's control.) Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.