Embedded Spring: Rutgers - Critically Examining Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) of The Anglophone Caribbean
The Program
Explore the challenges facing NGOs in the developing world while studying on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia.
This 1-credit, spring break study abroad course immerses students in the inner workings of nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations operating in the anglophone Caribbean.
Program Locations
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is an Eastern Caribbean island nation with a pair of dramatically tapered mountains, the Pitons, on its west coast. Its coast is home to volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts and fishing villages.
Academics
Rutgers University–Newark works to prepare students for success in a global society that is ever more diverse and technologically connected. Our changing world demands and rewards creativity and clarity of thought and expression. This 1 credit, embedded study abroad course immerses students in the inner workings of nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations operating in the anglophone Caribbean and satisfies several university core learning objectives including: an understanding of intercultural relations, diversity, and an ability to address major questions of our time.
Students will spend seven nights on the island of Saint Lucia – one of the most captivating islands in the world. While on the island, students will attend interactive lectures with senior level scholars and practitioners involved in nongovernmental organizations, participate in field trips, and have ample time for sightseeing, discovering the hypnotizing blue green waters of the Caribbean breaking just offshore, and learning about the people and culture of Saint Lucia throughout their stay.
Course Learning Goals
- To provide a broad understanding of international nonprofits and social change abroad.
- To recognize financial issues facing international nonprofits, such as lack of funding, lack of financial capacity and other resources.
- To identify possible policy solutions for problems facing nonprofits in the developing world.
- To understand how nonprofits on the island of Saint Lucia have been able to respond to global, national, and local issues facing the sector.
Prerequisite
Any course that has a substantial engagement with either the Caribbean or the nonprofit sector. These include: Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations, Philanthropy: Volunteerism, Fundraising, and Community Engagement, Grant Writing for Organizations, Public Service Organizations, Introduction to Caribbean Studies, Human Rights in a Global World.
This course is interdisciplinary (Public Administration, Public Health, Urban Education, Art History, Archaeology, Criminal Justice, Africana Studies, Political Science, etc.) and students from different backgrounds should consider applying!
Preparatory reading is required. We will meet in person for one required session before departure. Students should keep a journal to be submitted to professors upon returning from Saint Lucia.
Housing and Meals
Students will share double rooms in a hotel. Breakfast is included every morning. Some lunch and dinners are included. Students will be responsible for any other meals.
Financial Information
Program Costs
| All students | |
|---|---|
| Program Cost | $2,760 |
Program Cost includes:
- Housing
- All meals
- Excursions
- Administrative Fees
- Emergency Medical Access Abroad
- * Tuition for the 1 credit course is not included. Each student will be charged by their respective school according to their enrollment rate (part-time, online, full-time)
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Airfare | $1,000 |
| Additional meals | $60 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $50 |
| Personal Expenses | $100 |
| Total | $1,210.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket, while some of these expenses, such as meals and personal expenses, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.
Scholarships
Faculty Leaders
Dr. Cleopatra Charles is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers University–Newark. She is a public budgeting scholar whose research focuses on financial management and fiscal policy issues that affect government and nonprofit organizations. More recently, her research has focused on nonprofit organizations and the relationship between governance decisions and financial preparedness in dealing with adverse circumstances. Her work has appeared in several top peer-reviewed journals, including Public Budgeting and Finance, Municipal Finance Journal, Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and American Review of Public Administration.
I had several memorable experiences at SPAA, each contributing to my growth and dedication to public service: firstly, studying abroad in St. Lucia, where I immersed myself in the critical examination of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Anglophone Caribbean. This experience was incredibly transformative as it broadened my understanding beyond U.S.-based nonprofits. Exploring the operations, funding mechanisms, target demographics, and cultural contexts of St. Lucian nonprofits deepened my appreciation for their work, culture, history, and landmarks. Additionally, I formed meaningful connections with my peers from Newark, Camden, and New Brunswick, fostering a sense of community and collaboration that enriched my experience!