Experiences from the Middle of the World
Summer 2010
Join us as we share our Global Course
Experience on Conflict in International Development
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution
NOVA Southeastern University
Ecuador 2010 Global Course
• Students traveled to Ecuador during the
summer of 2010 and visited development
projects located in the Coastal, Andean and
Amazon Regions.
• In these different ecosystems students had the
opportunity to interact with local farmers,
community groups, local organizations and
policy-makers.
Course Philosophy
Dialogue liberates; monologue oppresses.
The best way to start learning is as part of a dialogue-rich group.
The richest learning begins with action, is shaped by reflection and leads to further action.
Paulo Freire
• The Global Course provides an opportunity to experience and
put in practice classroom concepts in the area of CR.
• We encourage critical thinking, multidisciplinary interaction,
reflection, sharing of ideas.
• The learning process encourages the developing new
knowledge and thinking outside the box.
Tell me, and I will forget.
Show me, and I may remember.
Involve me, and I will understand.
- Confucius, 450 B.C.
Experiential Learning Cycle
1. GC EXPERIENCE
GC Travel, visit projects, attend
lectures at host university, meet
local people, engage in participant
observation.
4. ACTIVE EXPERIMENTATION
2. REFLECTIVE
OBSERVATION
Students apply new learning.
Write journal articles,
incorporate learning in their
academic activities. This is an
ongoing process that results
in new learning
Students keep daily
journals, reflect and
communicate experiences
during dinners and other
group activities.
3. ABSTRACT
CONCEPTUALIZATION
Students use conflict models and
theories to draw conclusions
from past and present
experiences.
Host University
Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) based in Guayaquil was our
host university. ESPOL provide logistical support but most importantly both
universities benefited from the exchange of knowledge, information and
experiences among students and faculty.
Speakers and Lectures
Ramón Espinel, Minister
of Agriculture, and
Students from the GC
Victor Bastidas, ESPOL, Magdalena Reyes, Universidad
Catolica, Enrique Pelaez, ESPOL, Aniuska Luna
Gwendolyn Smith, Paul Palacios, President National
Environmental Fund , Elena Bastidas
Speakers and Lectures
Josef Garzozi, Director of Tourism, Guayaquil
Kiersten Downs, , Elena bastidas, Francisco J.
Fernández Consul General of US in Guayaquil, and
Magdalena Reyes, Universidad Catolica de Guayaquil
Guillermo Arosemena, Economics and Finance
Expert, Regina Bernadin
Speakers and Lectures
Gwendolyn Smith, Emilio Ochoa, Director Risk Management , Pam Strauss
Kevian, Boris Abad, Petroleum and Natural Gas Consultant, Pam
Elena Bastidas, Washington Macías, Professor, EPSOL
Bastion Popular “ZUMAR” Project
Project “Barrio Paz”
Nelsa Curbelo has worked for more
than 10 years with gang member in
the city of Guayaquil. There are
approximately 160,000 gang members
in Ecuador. Her project has reached
12,000 so far. Their objective is to
provide productive alternatives to the
youth so they can positively contribute
to society.
COAST
Machalilla National Park and Agua Blanca Project
COASTAL LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES
WHALE WATCHING
THE JUNGLE
BIODIVERSITY
ECOTOURISM AS A LIVELIHOOD STRATEGY
QUITO - Art and History
OTAVALO – Indigenous Handicrafts
LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES
Hacienda Experience
Processing –Reflecting
Creating New Knowledge