Students study in impoverished Latin American areas
By Kiflin Turner
News Writer
Imagine creating an intensive research project and then actually putting the words into practice in a foreign place. Or think about pursuing an internship in Washington D.C where attending meetings on foreign policy or meeting diplomats is a common occurrence.
This past summer, nine students each embarked on their own unique journeys through the Latin American Area Studies Program.
For Maria Feilmeyer, a senior who studied how churches respond to the AIDS epidemic in Kenya, her life is changed because of her eye-opening exposure to poverty.
"I definitely appreciate a lot of things I used to take for granted like food, water, electricity and paved roads," said Feilmeyer.
For the students such contact with poverty was deeply humbling and thought provoking. Maureen Rodgers, a senior, traveled to La Rioja in Argentina to study small Christian communities and upon arrival, met some local families.
"The breathtaking landscape, the rugged mountains, the tall cactus dotting the horizon, the sandy soil and the exotic animals, sharply contrasted with the indignant living conditions of the three poverty stricken families who made their homes under the trees," she said.
The destitute conditions of underprivileged countries have inspired students to inspect their spirituality and their respective roles in the world.
"Amazingly enough, faith, hope and love not only survive but thrive in the places where one would least expect even among the families who inhibit the forgotten garbage dumps," Rodgers said.
Senior Molly Kinder visited Chile and researched the government's approach to bridging the gap between the rich and poor communities.
"It was really fascinating to see the experience through their eyes," said Kinder. Speaking on the holistic effect of her visit, Kinder said, "It was a really great mix of experiences on a personal and on an academic level."
Christopher Welna, director of the Latin American Area Studies Program funded by the Kellogg Institute, oversees the international and national internships available to qualified students.
"My job has two broad goals. One of them is to bring the world to Notre Dame, and the other is to bring Notre Dame to the rest of the world," said Welna.
Another goal of the Kellogg Institute has been to increase the number of internships available to students.
"It's an important way to enhance students' classes, and they see the real world application of what they're studying," he said.
The organizations that the interns worked for made a profound affect. "
They made real and concrete differences in their lives," said Welna.
All News Stories for Friday, September 8, 2000
