Office of International Programs

Program Dates: June 21, 2024 - July 31, 2024

OPEN TO ALL MAJORS

"Climate Change Advocacy: Chilean Expedition", provides an immersive, holistic learning experience on Climate Change Advocacy in an intensive 5 week (39 day) study abroad. Excursions expose the effects of Climate Change in Chile's urban, desert, mountain rural, and coastal areas.

Pre-departure sessions with Dana Bartelt, Director of The Future School, introduce a range of advocacy outcomes. Critical and conceptual thinking, research methods, journaling, and overview of advocacy modalities (Visual, Written, Verbal, Musical, and combinations) will be covered.

Upon arrival in Santiago, a reception will orient students and review itineraries and students' Advocacy Proposals based on their particular field and interest. Students can elect to work individually or in teams. Francisco Martinez, Latin American Regional Director of The Future School, will provide lessons on Spanish language, Chilean customs and culture, and a tour of Santiago.

Excursions to four distinct regions of Chile, will connect students with academics, professionals, and community members knowledgeable and experienced with the effects of Climate Change on the economy and daily work and life in these regions: Metropolitan (Santiago and Valparaiso); Southern Patagonia (Puerto Natales, Glacier Grey, and Torres del Paine National Park); Valley and Coastal Atacama (Codpa and Iquique); and the Altiplanic Atacama Desert (San Pedro de Atacana, Talabre, and Chaxa Lagoon). Students will engage with local artisanal fishermen, organic farmers, desert wine growers, and the indigenous Aymara, and they will participate in lectures with top Chilean academics in the fields of Geography and Climatology.

Locations

Chile--multiple towns/cities:
Santiago de Chile (capitol)
Puerto Natale (Patagonia)
Iquique (northern coast)
Codpa (north central)
Atacama (central desert)
Valparaiso (central coast)

Academics

All program participants will be enrolled in both classes. 

Faculty Leader

Mr. Brian Davies
Chairperson
Department of Applied Design
daviesbf@appstate.edu

Brian F. Davies, Professor and Chair of Applied Design at Appalachian State University, leads the 2023 Chilean Expedition. His education in Design & Environmental Analysis has led him to the Himalayas with research collaborators and students as founder of the Design for Extreme Environments Project [DEEP]. His teaching and research interest is in design as a mediator between people and the planet.

Program Cost: $5,670

Program cost includes in-country airfare, lodging, in-country transportation. 

Please note - Students are responsible for the total program cost upon submitting the application and deposit. Refunds are contingent upon meeting the minimum enrollment of the program. If a student decides to withdraw before departure, that student may be eligible for a refund if the program has met the minimum enrollment and is therefore viable. 

Non-billable costs are estimates only and will be affected by personal spending habits, currency fluctuations, etc. Prices listed in USD unless otherwise noted.  Students are encouraged to start planning for their study abroad program costs well in advance. 

Appalachian reserves the right to cancel or alter the program format or to change costs in case of conditions beyond the university's control.  Further details about Appalachian's withdrawal/cancellation policy can be found at this link.

Application Process

1. In order to apply for this program, you will need to contact one of the program leaders and provide your Banner ID and email address. Program leaders may request additional information or a meeting to discuss the details of the program and your interest.
2. When permission to apply for the program is granted, you will receive an email from your program leader with instructions to apply.
3. Apply to the program following the instructions from the program leader.
4. Print, sign and drop off your application at the Office of International Education and Development at Plemmons Student Union (PSU), Suite 321 ( 3rd floor), 263 Locust Street Boone, NC 28608. Your application will be considered complete when you have submitted your digital application, paid the $300 deposit, and dropped off your printed and signed application. The fee cannot be paid until it appears on your student account. Please note that it may take 2–3 business days for it to post to your account. You will receive an email with Instructions for paying the deposit fee. Instructions can also be found in the application.