Info Session: Global Seminar Agroecology Practicum in Guatemala
Learn more at our upcoming Information Session: Tuesday, January 20, at 2:00-3:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Earn 6 units on a summer program on the Global Seminar Agroecology Practicum in Guatemala this summer. This program is taught by Damian Parr, Education Programs Manager and Instructor for the Agroecology Center and Michael Bakal, post-doctoral researcher.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Antigua, Guatemala; Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
- Course:
- ENVS 133 B: Agroecology Practicum (6 units)
- Led by: Damian Parr and Michael Bakal
- Eligibility: Good academic and disciplinary standing, Min Age: 18, 45 units completed at time of departure, Minimum GPA 2.3 cumulative GPA or higher at the time of application and every quarter prior to departure, Eligible majors: Agroecology, ENVS, additional majors by permission of the instructor.
- Dates: June 17-July 2, 2026
- Finances: Financial aid applies, and scholarships are available! The budget will be posted on the website when it is available.
- How to apply: Visit here for instructions. Applications open on December 1, 2025, and close on March 2, 2026.
- Get in touch: Email your questions to globallearning@ucsc.edu.
Program Description:
This program will explore the historical and contemporary strengths and challenges to Guatemala’s food and agricultural system through the lens of Agroecology and indigenous-led agricultural development work. Examples of learning objective topics include developing students’ competencies in biological soil fertility and pest management, tillage and cultivation, crop care, and analysis of diversified farming systems. The course frames these more technical production competencies within learning objectives related to agriculture literacies, analyzing broader societal aspects of food sovereignty, and the development of equitable and ecologically sustainable food systems. By broadening student perspectives and understandings of our diverse global community, students will strengthen their ability to think critically about solutions. Studying and working in an unfamiliar place will support students gaining a clearer sense of who they are as learners, so that they leave the program empowered to tackle the challenges – both academic and non-academic – that inevitably lie ahead.
Check out this student-produced video from a previous program!