Program Spotlight: Pitt in Bolivia- Culture, Society and Health
In Pitt in Bolivia: Culture, 
Society and Health, students learn about contemporary issues facing the largely indigenous population of the Andean country. During the six-week program, students participate in activities such as Spanish language classes with a local instructor, excursions to several of Bolivia’s most famous sites, and service-learning projects in collaboration with local organization, Centro Educativo y Recreativo Foundation Casari. By engaging with the community within and outside of the classroom and addressing some of the challenges they face, students can apply and develop a variety of skills, such as Environmental Science, Public Health, Education, Spanish, and Natural Sciences. Taking place in the city of Cochabamba (or “Llajita,” its name in Quecha), participants in the program will interact with Bolivian society and culture in meaningful ways by exploring different languages, living and learning among remains from the Inca empire, and partaking in traditional indigenous customs and practices.
“Infectious Diseases of Bolivia” (BIOL0070) is just one of the courses students will take during the program. It introduces them to the infectious diseases present within Bolivian society. By examining case studies, visiting local laboratory facilities, and conducting a service-learning project, students are immersed in Bolivia’s health systems and combative methods to diseases. Working with Foundation Casari, projects will include building a water purification system on-site as well as mentoring and tutoring the children at the Casari Foundation.
Another course students will take on the program is “Contemporary Issues: Bolivia” (SOC1503), which is taught by local faculty. “Contemporary Issues: Bolivia” introduces students to issues permeating Bolivian society from multiple disciplines, ranging from indigenous healthcare and health policy to the war on drugs. Additionally, during the first two weeks of the program, students will take a one-credit Spanish language course, allowing them to connect with locals. Students of ALL levels are welcome to apply—including those with no experience at all!
Here is what last year’s Pitt in Bolivia student Gianna Comito has to say about the program.
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Why I picked Bolivia:
I chose to study abroad in Bolivia for a few reasons. Primarily, I knew I wanted to go to a Spanish-speaking country to have the opportunity to better my conversational skills in my second language. This narrowed down my choices in the many locations Pitt offers for studying abroad. In researching my options from there, I found the Connect2Bolivia program and was really interested in the classes. I am a premed student, so the Infectious Diseases of Bolivia class interested me a lot, as did the cultural class. I did not know anything about Bolivia before choosing it, which made me even more curious and excited to go there.
What I liked about my experience:
My experience in Bolivia was incredible. I had the opportunity to see so many beautiful places, like Salar de Uyuni, Lago Titicaca, and Mount Tunari. I went on some really challenging and fun hikes filled with beautiful scenery and tour guides that educated my group on the places we were in. I had the chance to try some of the traditional food and beverages there as well and liked so many things. I also got to meet new people and make new connections along the way that I will always be grateful for. It was an amazing experience filled with so much growth and learning, and I hope to visit there again someday!”
See more about the Bolivia program here on the Connect2Bolivia YouTube page!
Pitt in Bolivia: Culture, Society and Health is now accepting applications for Summer 2024. You can find more information and apply for this program on the Global Experiences Office website here. Any questions or interest for the program can be directed to the program manager Lauren Perri at lap140@pitt.edu.