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Department of Sociology and Anthropology
University of Mississippi

Bolivia: Social Science Field School

Changes are coming – watch for new opportunities in Bolivia next year.

Past programs combined a “Politics & Culture of the Andes” course module with an intensive research methods (qualitative & quantitative) course module. Below is information about the 2019 program.

Students meeting with René Merida, director of the Historical Archives of the Bolivian National Congress. During the program, students visit government and non-governmental institutions, including the UNDP and national electoral court.

Credit Hours: 6
Instructors: Kate Centellas, Miguel Centellas
Dates: June 26 – July 26 (Summer II Session)
Cost: $4,350 plus travel & personal expenses
Application Deadline: March 6, 2019
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You can also keep up with our students in our group field notes blog.

About the Program

In this unique four-week program, you’ll live with a host family in beautiful La Paz, Bolivia, where you’ll study the politics, history, and culture of the Andes. Through the field school nature of the program, you’ll engage in active and experiential learning in multiple sites in and beyond La Paz, garnering a better understanding of the key stages and elements of qualitative and quantitative social science research through different social science disciplines.

Students can earn credit for any of the following combinations, for a total of 6 credit hours:

The language of instruction is English, but successful completion of Span 201 (or consent of instructor) is required.

Location

Students will be based at the Catholic University in La Paz, Bolivia. Housing accommodations are provided by local host families. The program also includes at least one weekend-long excursion. In the past, we have traveled to Lake Titicaca, Coroico, Sucre, Potosi, and the Uyuni Salt Flats. This year (2019) we hope to visit the Jesuit Missions in eastern Santa Cruz.

Who Should Go?

This course is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Successful completion of Span 201 (or consent of instructor) is required. Majors who may find this course of interest include anthropology, history, international studies, sociology, and political science.

Dates

The program will run June 26 through July 26, during Summer II session.

Travel

Students will arrange their own travel to and from La Paz, Bolivia. Group transportation for program activities will be provided, and is included in the program cost.

How Much?

Program cost is $4,350, which includes tuition and fees. Included in the cost are housing, group transportation, and in-country program travel, and administrative fees. Excluded from the cost are Study Abroad application fee ($100), student transportation to Bolivia (and related passport/visa expenses), meals, course materials/books, and personal spending money.

To Register

Click here to apply through the Study Abroad office.