Year III: Cross-cultural Immersion in a Problem of World Concord

“Practicum in Global Pluralism”
Because America is so powerful and the English language so prevalent, our perspective about other cultures can easily be intellectually and emotionally narrow. Therefore, the capstone institute for YLI will be an international experience. In collaboration with EARTH University in Costa Rica, YLI students will work with local farmers in carefully planned community development projects. Both Spanish and English will be spoken. To become even more knowledgeable about the natural environment and native traditions of the area, students will voyage in paddle rafts along the remote Pacuare River. Following this powerful experience in sustainable economics, appropriate technology, and organizing for cultural survival, students will return home with Leader Learning Plans (LLP’s) that will allow them to effect change in their schools and communities. An essential question of Year III: “What is my role as a youth leader in a global economic and agricultural system?”