Short-term Study Abroad in Bolivia

This past May, eight Saint Mary’s students participated in a 3-week service learning opportunity in Carmen Pampa, Bolivia. The students lived on-campus at a university founded for the indigenous populations of Bolivia called La Unidad Académica Campesina de Carmen Pampa. While on campus, Saint Mary’s University students participated in classes alongside Bolivian students, completed numerous individualized projects relating to the biological and social sciences, and lived as part of the local community. Student projects ranged from working at the local health clinic assisting the rural doctor with home visits and community education initiatives, translating children’s stories into both English and Spanish for the local library, assisting veterinary students with local animal care, and assisting elementary, high school and university teachers instruct English classes. All students participated in a number of activities off-campus and toured the cities of La Paz, el Alto and Coroico before returning home in early June.