About HECUA
Since 1971, the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs (HECUA) has been developing off-campus educational experiences in urban affairs and social justice issues. With programs in the U.S. and abroad, HECUA examines the systems that create inequality and the ways that social change is made. HECUA's programs address the changing global economic systems with a multicultural perspective. The content and approach provide an integrated set of learning experiences and appeal to all majors.
HECUA gives students the chance to bridge their academic learning with direct experience of the urgent social challenges facing our society. It takes students into urban and rural communities to test academic theories in the real world. Students develop critical analysis and hands-on skills for creating social change.
Programs require all students to actively participate in their own learning and contribute to the learning of the whole group. Students meet frequently for group seminars and discussions. Students complete an independant or group study project during the semester as part of the seminars.
HECUA programs attract students from member colleges which represent the Midwest's top private colleges and public universities. They also draw students from such institutions as Brown, Boston, Oberlin, Swarthmore and Vassar.
Social Change in Latin America
HECUA's Latin America programs offer an up-close perspective on community issues and social change. Three programs are available to choose from: South American Urban Semester (SAUS), Community Internships in Latin America (CILA), and Environment, Economy and Community in Latin America (EECLA). They are all interdisciplinary and experiential in their approach to learning, combining classroom seminars with real-life experiences. Homestays with both urban and rural families provide an intensive experience of local culture and language.
Programs vary by method of learning- SAUS and EECLA utilize extensive small group field projects while CILA has an internship as a key part of the program. Programs vary by theme- SAUS focuses on urbanization and development, EECLA emphasizes the environment and the impact of contrasting world views, while CILA examines the role of community participation in making social change. Programs vary by term- SAUS and CILA are offered in the fall, EECLA is offered in the spring.
Students interested in a full-year experience may choose to enroll in two Latin America programs, or consider fall term in Latin America and spring term in one of HECUA's U.S. programs, to make the global-local connection.
Contact HECUA today!
Mail #36, 1536 Hewitt Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104-1284
Telephone: 651-646-8831
Toll-free: 1-800-554-1089
E-mail: info@hecua.org
Web site: www.hecua.org
HECUA
