Service and Leadership Immersion: Dominican Republic

This 21-day service-learning experience will focus on the concept of globalization, how entrepreneurship-focused education is affecting emerging markets, and having the opportunity to turn compassion into action through community service. Students will have a variety of in-class assignments and out of class experiences, the centerpiece of which will be building a water-purification system in an impoverished community in the Dominican Republic.

According to the UN, over one billion have no access to improved drinking water – a basic necessity for human life. In light of this information Drury students will create bio-sand water purification systems that will provide a clean source of drinking water for communities in the Dominican Republic. These systems are proven to be up to 99% effective at removing pathogens and bacteria from water and can be constructed cheaply from materials available around the world. Students will spend part of the program purchasing and preparing materials, organizing logistics for the project, and constructing each bio-sand filter. They will work alongside, and educate, the members of the community benefiting from the filters. Accounting for the unit costs of materials and labor, discussing leadership and management issues, and developing marketing ideas for the filters will provide a unique learning opportunity for business and non-business majors alike. Other learning opportunities include discussing about the role and benefit of microcredit lending around the world, discussions covering entrepreneurial ideas helping spur development across the world. There will be regular class time to share discussions and assigned readings, as well as follow up on service experiences. Students will be asked to discuss: Culture and lifestyle of citizens of the Dominican Republic as compared to the United States Concept of being a servant leader in our community Affects of globalization on emerging markets Personal blog and/or website

Dates of Travel: June 7 – June 28, 2010
Program Fee*: $4,037 per student
Tuition for 4 credit hours + $20 fee: $812 per student
Personal Expenses**: $500 per student

Total Approximate Cost: $5,349 per student

Non-refundable Deposit: $500 due November 1, 2009
Second Deposit: $500 due February 1, 2010

Remaining Balance due by March 1, 2010 (refund policy explained in program description handout)

* Program fee airfare, all housing costs, two group meals and all breakfast, all planned group transportation expenses, t-shirt, health insurance, and service project supply cost. Prices are subject to change as well as fluctuate in value based on the foreign exchange rate.

**Personal expenses include lunch and dinners, souvenirs, passport costs, text books, and personal items, etc. These prices may vary depending on individual students’ spending habits.

There are 12 spots available for the program and will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Courses:

PDEV 284: Leadership in the World (1 credit hours)
MGMT 321: Legal Environment (3 credit hours; prerequisites required)
Program also satisfies Breech School study abroad requirements.

For more information, please contact:
Mr. Matt Battaglia
mbattaglia@drury.edu
(417) 873-6871

Dr. Janis Prewitt-Auner
jprewitt@drury.edu
(417) 873-7610