International programs sends SJC students around the world

From installing a solar electric system at a medical clinic on the Tibetan Plateau to experiencing life in a Mayan village, San Juan College students have the opportunity to experience the world as a classroom.  Through International Programs, students may choose from among four trips that will broaden their education and cultural exposure to the real world while earning class credits, which vary with each course.

The opportunity also is open to community members.  Application deadline for each trip is three months before the departure date.

• The June 4 through 12 trip to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, will be led by instructors Dr. John Burris and Jennifer Lewis.  Students will examine volcanic islands above the active hot spot, will visit Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, and study the process of evolution on isolated islands.

• The June 4 through 18 service trip to a village on the Tibetan Plateau will be led by instructors Chris Strouthopoulos and Mike Sullivan.  Students will install a solar electric system at a medical clinic in a remote village on the Tibetan plateau.  They will also study the history, culture and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people.  Students will stay in villagers’ homes, and visit Buddhist monasteries.

• The July 22 through Aug. 2 trip to Cajola, Guatemala, will be led by instructors Dr. Judy Palier and Judy Hudson.  In this cultural immersion program and service learning project, students will experience life in a remote Mayan village.  They will help a non-profit organization, Grupo Cajolά, to build a primary school and assist villagers with an egg farm, and weaving and carpentry projects.  Students also will visit Mayan ruins and learn about the spirituality and culture of the Maya Mam people.

• The Aug. 1 through 17 outdoor leadership trip to central and southern Kenya will be led by Josh Stratman. Students will climb Mount Kenya and learn how to plan an international expedition. They will go on a safari into Amboseli National Park and learn about the ceremonies, foods and lifestyle of the Maasai people in southern Kenya.

For more information about the trips, cost and requirements, contact Chris Strouthopoulos at 505.566.3210 or go to www.sanjuancollege.edu/gointernational. Trip applications are available online.