STUDIES PROGRAM IN NICARAGUA (SPIN)
Program Objectives
The goals of SPIN are to guide and assist students in developing:
- awareness of and respect for the diversity of peoples and cultural traditions in Nicaragua and surrounding Central American communities
- understanding of the contemporary political, economic, ecclesiastical, and social structures of this region of the world
- knowledge of the historical interweaving of culture, politics, economics, and communities of faith in Nicaraguan society
- recognition of different cultural systems and beliefs, and a deeper understanding of their own North American culture and biblical worldview
- Spanish language skills through formal instruction and informal conversations with host families and other Nicaraguans
- skill and sensitivity in cross-cultural communication
- the desire and ability to think and live as Christians in cross-cultural settings
- a heart for service through service-learning experiences
