OUR PROGRAM & COUNTERPARTS

Our program is designed to deliver an intense, hands-on experience in Applied Anthropology and Development Studies.

During the first week you will receive an induction program designed to provide you with important ethnographic, historical, and political information about Guatemala; but also engage you in an understanding of the different development policies applied during the 20th Century. You will also receive training in basic ethnographic research methods to prepare you for your applied independent research.

During the second week you will start working closely with a local NGO in an area of your interest, stay with a local family and attend daily methodological workshops in different towns around the lake. You will also receive detailed guidance from your tutor and NGO liaison to get you started on your actual research practice within the NGO or grassroots organization.

From your third week onward, you will be able to explore the communities even more and concentrate on your research project within the NGO.  At the end of week 6, you will be required to present your final report, which will be eventually published in Spanish and English by UVG.

We work closely with several NGOs and grass-roots organizations currently involved in development projects related to the environment, education, public health, women’s rights, agriculture, tourism and micro enterprises. All our counterparts are deeply committed with creating better communities through participatory development practices that are culturally adequate and socially responsible.