This summer, in partnership with the YMCA São Paulo, CSUSM HD students will travel
to bustling São Paulo, Brazil. The first branch of YMCA São Paulo was opened in the
capital of São Paulo state, in 1902. Today there are 12 branches and 20 locations,
each providing a range of social services with the mission to bring about meaningful
change through ongoing encouragement and tools for child welfare, education and employment.
The YMCA seeks to work to make sure every child, family and community has what they
need to achieve their best. The beneficiaries of YMCA services are primarily people
from low income communities in social vulnerability and high risk situations. The
ACM Centro location is the downtown high-rise location. Many services, such as sports
& recreation activities, social and cultural tours, arts & crafts, school support,
and English and computer classes are provided through this facility. Monthly meetings
for families and workshops, such as finances, are offered as well.
This is a 5-week first summer session course. During the first three weeks, CSUSM
students will work with the staff and volunteers at one of the community-based YMCA
programs that has approximately 80 youth in the morning and 100 in the afternoon in
Brazil. They will also participate in course meetings each evening at ACM Centro and
take part in cultural exploration (this includes a multi-day excursion to Iguazu Falls).
Upon return to the U.S., students will continue working with the YMCA (in Escondido)
for an additional week and document their collaborations in Brazil and Escondido in
a brief film. Dr. Eliza Bigham, in CSUSM's Department of Human Development, will be
your program leader. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to engage with
the local community and apply your skills and knowledge while learning!
3 weeks abroad (June 5 – June 25) PLUS 2 weeks on campus (June 26 – July 9)
3 units HD 495 or 4 units of HD497 through CSUSM's Extended Learning
English. No knowledge of Portuguese language or culture assumed.
Class level: Students with upper-division standing by the end of Spring 2016
Students will be housed in shared dormitories at the YMCA.
$2,300 + Extended Learning Fees (paid directly to Extended Learning for HD 495 or HD 497)
Above fees include tuition, room and partial board (lunches), access to YMCA sports
facilities, museum entrances, medical insurance, ground transportation to/from airport,
transportation to/from field experience sites and on all field excursions.
Airfare, meals not listed, and personal expenditures are NOT included in the program
cost and are estimated at $1,000 to $1,200 (This is primarily dependent on airfare).
Contact Dr. Elizabeth Bigham at ebigham@csusm.edu to arrange to meet and discuss the program.
