Rolling Rains Report:

2009 US/Costa Rica: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program

Twelve Americans with disabilities ages 18 - 24 will be exploring Costa Rica and participating in an exciting cross-cultural and cross-disability exchange program through MIUSA. They will become ambassadors of disability pride by sharing cross-cultural disability perspectives with members of the local the community! Delegates will be developing leadership skills, building self-confidence, making friends, and learning Spanish! Delegates will experience Costa Rican culture, food and customs by living with a host family!

MIUSA strives to organize programs that include people with and without disabilities and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. First time travelers with disabilities who are from a cultural minority and of low socioeconomic status are included every year. MIUSA exchange programs are inclusive of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing, or have cognitive, visual, physical, psychiatric, systemic, non-apparent, or other types of disabilities.

* ASL staff interpreters are provided by MIUSA for the duration of the program.
* Materials in alternative formats are provided for all scheduled program activities.
* Personal assistant funding may be available to assist participants who need personal assistance during the program.

PROGRAM DETAILS

When: June 26 – July 10, 2009

Where: San Jose, Costa Rica

Program Cost: $1,100, which includes: round-trip international airfare from US city of departure to San Jose, Costa Rica; one-night hotel in US city of departure; lodging; meals and activities. Program cost does not cover participants’ airfare to the US city of departure or personal spending money. Accepted participants are required to pay a minimum of $220 towards the program fee.

Scholarships: Generous partial scholarships available to qualified applicants.
Deadline: March 20, 2009. Late applications considered as space permits.

ELIGIBILITY

Participants must be excited about new experiences, a once in a lifetime adventure and tolerant of the challenges brought on by a new cultural environment and inconsistent accessibility. Participants are expected to act as positive and respectful citizen ambassadors of the United States and must be committed to work across cultural and other differences to promote intercultural understanding. Participants must show previous leadership experience, positive communication skills and be committed to disability rights.

Participants must be:

* U.S. citizens
* Ages 18 – 24 by summer 2009

To apply see:

http://www.miusa.org/exchange/costarica09/index_html

Posted by rollingrains at January 2, 2009 05:09 AM