The CC/SEAS Office of Multicultural Affairs andthe Columbia/Barnard Hillel in conjunction with

the Office of Student Development and ActivitiesLeadership Programs present a unique opportunity:

Women’s Ways of Leading: South America

An Intercultural Leadership Experience during Winter Break

A Groundbreaking New Journey in Your Leadership Evolution!

Do you want to:

  • Go to South America over Winter Break?
  • Become involved in efforts to help women and children?
  • Travel with a diverse pool of ColumbiaUniversity students?
  • Explore questions of women’s leadership, globalization, social justice, and activism?

If so, fill out this application today!

Some important things to know:

  • Where are we going? Currently, we are investigating service opportunities in Ecuador, Peru, and possibly Guatemala. We may not know the destination for a few weeks; however, preparation requires that we confirm applicants before Visas and travel logistics can be finalized. Wherever the destination, of the utmost importance is our goal to help women and children in South America and to bring together a group of talented and dynamic women who share this common purpose.
  • Travel Dates: Winter Break, between January 2nd and January 14th. Dates will depend on ticket and housing availability and will be planned and concretized once the applicants have been selected and fundraising efforts have been completed.
  • Application Deadline: Thursday, October 15th, at 5pm.
  • Application Drop-off:Marta, at the Intercultural ResourceCenter (552 W. 114th St. between Broadway and Amsterdam), to Chanel, at the KraftCenter (606 W. 115thSt., 3rd Floor, between Broadway and Riverside), or to Ty, in the Office of Student Development and Activities, (515 Lerner Hall).
  • Cost: Student contribution: $500.00. Actual price per person: $1500-$2000, including airfare, ground transportation to site, lodging, food, and activities; expenses are heavily subsidized by OMA, Hillel and SDA as well as through team fundraising efforts. If selected, students will be required to provide a $250.00 nonrefundable deposit by Friday, October 30th.
  • Scholarships: We have a limited number of scholarships available. If you anticipate needing a scholarship, please contact Marta,Chanel, or Ty to learn more about how to apply.
  • Who can apply? Women students in the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia College, General Studies, and Barnard College. Students enrolled in the Joint Program with the Jewish Theological Seminary are also eligible. We encourage women to apply from a diversity of experiences, including racial, religious, cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, social, geographic, sexual, and political backgrounds, to name a few.
  • Acceptance Notes: Students will be notified by Wednesday, October 21st. Your acceptance decision is required by Friday, October 23rd.
  • Save the dates! Training Programs: If accepted, you will be required to attend a weekly training session during the fall semester. These training sessions are designed to (1) assist in our development as a cohesive team, (2) discuss the politics of international service,(3) to build a foundation for critical analysis of social justice issues, (4) to create a safe space for honest and open dialogue, and (5) to practice conversational Spanish. The activities range from fun icebreakers to serious, but rewarding discussions about communities and identities present within and outside of ourteam. The trainings will enable us to address some of the constructs that impact women’s opportunities and leadership development individually, in our local communities, and globally. Discussions will range from personal and anecdotal to academic, with a supplemental reading packet available during Orientation. The training schedule is as follows:

Friday, November 6th, 10-11:30am – Orientation & Introduction to Fundraising

Sunday, November 8th, 10am-4pm – Welcoming Diversity Training

Friday, November 13th, 10-11:30am– Weekly Meeting (A Lens for Women’s Leadership and Current Issues)

Friday, November 20th, 10-11:30am – Weekly Meeting (Women and the Impact of Globalization)

Friday, December 4th,10-11:30am – Weekly Meeting (An Understanding of Cultural Studies – the Politics of Service)

Friday, December 11th, 10-11:30am– Weekly Meeting (Logistics and Trip Prep)

Thursday, January 28th, 12-1:30pm – Walkathon to Raise Awareness for Global Women’s Issues

  • Food: We will do our best to accommodate all dietary restrictions. Please email us with any questions at .

The CC/SEAS Office of Multicultural Affairs & the Columbia/Barnard Hillel in conjunction with

the Office of Student Development and Activities Leadership Programs presenta unique opportunity:

Women’s Ways of Leading: South America

An Intercultural Leadership Experience during Winter Break

A Groundbreaking New Journey in Your Leadership Evolution!

Participant Application

Participant Information:
Name ______
Birth Date (mm/dd/yy) ______/ Permanent Address______
E mail Address ______/ Cellular ______
UNI ______
School ______/ Major ______/ Graduation Year ______
Please answer the following questions thoughtfully and concisely (attach additional pages as necessary).
Community Involvement:
(1)Please list any social, school-related, religious, or community projects and programs you have been involved in.
(2)Have you applied to other Winter Break or Alternative Spring Break programs in the past or do you plan to in the coming year? If so, which ones? Please include semester of travel and if you held leadership roles, your responsibilities.
Leadership Development:
(1)This trip will offer you the opportunity to explore your leadership development through many contexts and specifically through your experiences as a woman. Please tell us about a recent leadership challenge you experienced. What was difficult? What were some of the dynamics that impacted your experience? Thinking back, what might you have done differently (if anything)?(Limit your answer to about 150-200 words please.)
(2)Why do you want to participate in this program? Describe any additional factors that may be contributing to your aspirations for participating in an intercultural women’s leadership trip. (Limit your answer to about 200-250 words please.)
InterculturalCommunityBuilding:
(1)This leadership project is a unique opportunity for women from all walks of life to work collectively towards social change. It is a unique partnership between the CC/SEAS Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Barnard/Columbia Hillel, and the Office of Student Development and Activities Leadership Programs. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. This project consists of a 6-week training program which will culminate in a trip to South Americato assist in hands-on service work with women and children. During the training program, participants will examine different models for women’s leadership, social constructs and identities that reveal or impede opportunities for women, and the historical and contemporary significance of social justice movements within the intercultural context of women’s leadership.A significant component of this program is the cross-cultural connections that serve to strengthen our communities and strategies for utilizing these networks for future success. Finally, we will explore political and social implications of the global environs that impact the perception of women leaders and their ability to succeed in a fast-paced, interconnected world. Each week, we will also have the opportunity to practice basic, conversational Spanish.No previous experience is necessary to participate. What do you think you will contribute to the training facet of the trip? What do you hope to gain from it?(Limit to about 200-250 words please.)
Additional / General Considerations:
  • Participants must have their own health insurance prior to the trip.
  • All participants are expected to participate fully in all aspects of the trip. Since there is a service component, there may be physically demanding work involved and you are expected to participate.
  • The destination is not yet confirmed. Before completing this application, you must be open and able to travel to one of the following countries: Ecuador, Peru, and Guatemala.

The information in this application is complete to the best of my knowledge. I confirm that I am in good health at the time of submitting this application and I commit to full participation. I have read, understood, and agree to the responsibilities and expectations for program participants as explained throughout this application.
Name ______
Signature ______/ Date ______

Revised 9/17/09