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Bolivia

Access to clean water
see info below

Course Details

DATES
June 14-June 27, 2024

14DAYS

Departure City
Miami
TUITION
$4699* (Plus Airfare)

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY
Available

Alongside our partner, FILTRAgua, you will learn about indigenous peoples, rural healthcare through access to clean water, and conservation efforts in the Amazon.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program will immerse you in the incredible ecological and cultural diversity of Bolivia where you will visit local indigenous communities while learning about rural healthcare and access to clean water. 

While in San Borja, you will spend time learning about the importance of access to clean water and building water filters which will be used to minimize the high infant mortality rate in the surrounding communities. After building the filters, you will travel to deliver the filters and spend time living with local indigenous communities. Upon your return to San Borja, you will spend time learning about the history and importance of the local area. Your program will culminate with a visit to Amboro National Park, home to a stunning diversity of wildlife and vegetation, including over 800 species of birds. 

*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

 

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Practice speaking Spanish while meeting with residents and nonprofit leaders.

Experience the rich cultural and ecological diversity of Bolivia.

Build biosand water filters and learn the science behind them.  

 

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5
LEARNING SERVICE
After learning about and building bio-sand water filters, you will travel to a remote community to install them in homes and schools.
5
CURRICULUM
Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.
3
TREKKING
While in San Borja you will take short hikes in the surrounding hills. In addition, you will walk to local communities to deliver water filters.
4
LIVING CONDITIONS
In addition to staying in hostels while in San Borja, you will camp in the rainforest for a few nights while installing filters in the community.
3
ON THE MOVE
After arriving in Santa Cruz, you will take a short flight to Trinidad before taking a 4-hour bus ride to San Borja.
4
REMOTENESS
You will primarily be in rural areas. A day will also be spent in Santa Cruz, a major city.

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart from Miami. Arrive in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Day 2

Arrive in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Fly from Santa Cruz to Trinidad, Bolivia. Travel by bus from Trinidad to San Borja.

Day 3

Introduction to the project. Begin building filters.

Day 4

Explore San Borja. Continue building water filters

Day 5

Finish filters. Prepare for the expedition. Travel to the local community. Set up a camp site in the community.

Day 6

Install water filters and visit San Ignacio de Moxos, the “Folkloric Capital of Beni,” and learn about the history of the local area.

Day 7

Visit a local cattle ranch and learn about the importance of cattle farming in the area.

Day 8

Continue work on a local cattle ranch. Return to San Borja.

Day 9

Visit the local authorities of San Borja and tour the city

Day 10

Travel to Trinidad by bus and then fly from Trinidad to Santa Cruz. Evening in Santa Cruz.

Day 11

Travel from Santa Cruz to Amboro National Park. Overnight in Amboro National Park.

Day 12

Guided hike of Amboro National Park. Return to Santa Cruz in the evening.

Day 13

Day in Santa Cruz. Depart for Miami at 11:10 PM.

Day 14

Arrive in Miami at 5:00 AM

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Bolivia : In Three Phases

1

PRE-COURSE CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting and processing your experience. The posts below are from past programs.

Don't Cry Because It Is Over. Smile Because It Happened

When I was younger I would always hear the saying, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened," but I never had many opportunities where this idea was vital to follow. But, tonight, after a day full of questioning government officials, and playing intense games of Wallyball (volleyball...

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Life Lessons

"Life is not the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away." Whether the breath taking moments are in a good way or in a more physical way (like heavy panting from carrying many heavy things down very slippery hills), that is what life is all about. This quotation seems...

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Making the Most of our Final Day

As I sit on this balcony overlooking the picturesque Lake Titicaca and a setting sun on the horizon, I begin to reflect on this life-changing experience I have had the privilege to partake in. Isla del Sol is jaw-dropping, and today, the group hiked around the island heading towards the north for 3...

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Resilience

As our course winds down on the breathtaking island of Isla del Sol, we have begun reflecting on our experience both as a group and individuals. After our delicious breakfast of eggs and warm, fresh bread (what a treat), the group took a small hike up to the peak of the mountainous island. Here, as...

Read More

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition (students from partner schools): $4499
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $4699

*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

AIRFARE*

Estimated Flight Cost: $1095

*All students travel to their program destination on a group flight booked by Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder. Participants are responsible for any increase in airfares imposed by the airlines. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the departure city. SStS will confirm airfare and connecting travel information approximately 60 days before travel.  

FINANCIAL AID

SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students from all backgrounds. We will do all that we can financially to support students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application.  Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full description of our Terms and Conditions please CLICK HERE.

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