Global Economic Development

An academic international internship with

January 2012

Opportunity International provides micro-finance loans, savings, insurance and training to over two million people working their way out of poverty in the developing world.

The internship uses an asset-based approach to explore why some communities thrive while others barely survive, and what core ingredients are necessary for a low-income community to grow healthy and thrive. Facilitated by Geralyn Sheehan, Executive Director of Opportunity International.

The group spent the first three weeks of interim studying on-campus and visiting community development sites such as the Mercado Central, a cooperative of over 40 latino ventors which serves as a small business "incubator" and cultural center in the Lake Street area of Minneapolis. The interns also visited the Latino Economic Development Center, who strive to support the Latino Community and foster economic development in Minneapolis.

Through this hands-on experience with Opportunity International, students will gain valuable insights into:

  1. The Asset-Based Development model, principles, and strategies
  2. Meet members of rural cooperatives who are building their communities through social enterprises
  3. Discuss strategies with nonprofit organizations working with low-income families to improve livelihoods
  4. Travel to Nicaragua to visit micro-enterprises and artisan workshops, which represent over 80% of the Nicaraguan economy

Why take a class on global economic development? How does this focus relate to your studies at St. Olaf, your vocation, and your future career goals?

"I plan to...advocate for the rights of refugees on both a community and policy level. I want to open a small gallery with local refugee women, selling crafts and art designed and produced by the women themselves, while also educating the wider community on the history and culture of their 'invisible' neighbors...I hope to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the principles and strategies of Asset-Based Community Development, and the ways in which it can transform a low-income community" --Julia Coffin, 2012

 

"I have a passion for analytics and economics as they relate to issues of global public health and equity. I am incredibly thankful for the liberal arts education that St. Olaf has provided me, because while the heading on my transcript may read 'mathematics' I've also had time to deepen and explore several other areas, including Spanish...[this course] is the perfect transition from my math-centered transcript to the passion and evotions I've maintained since my first year." --Laura Smith, 2012

"Upon hearing about the finalization of the Nicaragua trip, I instantly jumped on board. If this is what I wanted to do with my life, why not use this fantastic opportunity as a small preview? Helping people, traveling, and turning a foreign culture into my own, are three main goals in my life. What better way to obtain them than through Geralyn's Asset-Based Community Development program?" --Patrick McWilliams, 2014

"I struggle to find the best way to bring about sustainable change. Last interim, I interned at an organic coffee farm and ecological reserve in the Dominican Republic. Through this experience, I gained personal insight regarding the idea that while the missions of non-profit organizations are often commendable, the means in which these mission are put into action may not be sustainable" -- Hilary Zander, 2013

 

Participants:

Anne Brooker (2013): Psychology (Latin American Studies)
Julia Coffin (2012): Religion, Sociology & Anthropology
Nicholas Kang (2012): Biology, Social Innovation & Community Development
Patricia Lamas (2012): Social Marketing & The Environment (Management)
Patrick McWilliams (2014): Sociology & Anthropology
Christine Muller (2012): Math (Statistics)
Ingrid Olson (2012): Sociology & Anthropology
Isaac Rysdahl (2014): Sociology & Anthropology
Laura Smith (2012): Math (Statistics, Management Studies)
Rachael Stets (2012): Political Science
Justin Volling (2012): Business (Family Studies)
Hilary Zander (2013): Sociology & Anthropology, Biology

Half way through the semester, the group split up into two groups and each was charged with the design and implementation of a "Microenterprise Development & Execution". Over the course of two weeks, each group executed a microbusiness idea using a microloan ($60-75 each). The teams used the first week to brainstorm ideas, organize, and produce their product. Groups used the second week to promote and sell their products, while reflecting on the sucessful and challenging elements of their business plans. The groups repaid their loans prior to their departure to Nicaragua and put their profits toward their time in Nicaragua.

Laura Smith '12 & Isaac Rysdahl '14 proudly display their
buttons available for purchase. Their group sold the buttons to individual students and to departments at St. Olaf.		 Justin Volling's '12 group created & sold posters to interested students. The posters included funny quotes submitted by students to Bon Appetit, St. Olaf's dining service.