Global Perspectives on Democracy

Hosted in partnership with World Learning and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Center for Politics is responsible for organizing and implementing the opening week of two three-week long high school student and educator exchange groups from Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. While at the University of Virginia the participants receive a cultural introduction to the U.S., learn about the importance of civic engagement, begin the planning of civic action projects, visit a local high school, learn about volunteerism in the U.S. and participate in community service, visit cultural sites, and further develop their team building and leadership skills.

The first group to participate in this exchange scheduled for March 2014 includes 26 students and four educators from Argentina and Chile. The second group scheduled for September 2014 consists of 39 students and six educators from Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. Following these weeks at the University of Virginia, the students participate in two-week long homestays in cities around the country. Upon the conclusion of each exchange, the students return to their home countries where they implement their projects and share with others the importance of civic participation.

There will also be an American contingent traveling to Argentina and Chile in June 2014. Visit www.centerforpolitics.org/gpdusya.html to learn more about that exchange.