Bahia, Brazil Study Abroad Program

The program will not run the summer of 2008.  Please join us in 2009!

We again invite UDM and non-UDM students, friends and alumni to spend TWO WEEKS in Brazil, studying language and culture in Bahia, Brazil's oldest city and former capitol -- and one of the world's most prolific centers of African culture. Excursions include a 3-day tour of museums and historical sites in Rio de Janiero as well as a weekend retreat in Cachoiera, an historic city, where we experience a different pace and taste of life, tour a tobacco factory, art galleries and museums and learn more about the religious practice of candomble. Lectures on race and culture, workshops on dance and percussion and a visit to the rural landless workers (MST movement) are included in the package price of $3,200.00. Travel package includes airfare, all ground transportation, workshops, lectures and excursions, plus 2 planned meals per day.  FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPATING UDM STUDENTS!

2009 Focus

The program will continue to encompass African American Studies, journalism and intercultural communications. The Portuguese language and Brazilian culture will be emphasized in an immersion format.

Up to nine credit hours may be taken during this two-week long program. The following courses will be offered:

• African American Studies 339
• Communications Studies 314 - DIRECTED STUDY (must be arranged in advance)
• Introduction to Portuguese (110, 111 or 112)
• Introduction to Social Movements - NEW COURSE ADDED

Tuition for for-credit courses is assessed separately at the special study abroad rate of $440.00 per credit hour (normally $615.00 per credit hour).

Financial aid is available for students who register for 6 or more credit hours.

Why Brazil and Why Bahia?

Brazil shares with the United States a history of the enslavement of African peoples. Both countries share continuing racial injustice. Bahia has a major importance for black people in the United States, with preserved instances of African-derived culture, with quilombos (extant communities formed by escaped slaves) and candomble (a form of religion traceable to Africa).

To learn more about the Brazil Study Abroad Program scheduled for Summer, 2009, contact

• Lara Wasner (Director - Language & Cultural Studies) wasnerle@udmercy.edu at 313-993-1191, 40 Reno Hall or
• Dr. Barbara Bolz (Asst. Professor, Communications Studies 313-993-1698) bolzbj@udmercy.edu