Study Abroad in Barbados

Students perform service learning and immerse themselves in Barbadian culture.

Program Overview
Barbados’ history and social service delivery system, as well as its reputation for being one of the most literate countries in the Caribbean, make it an attractive venue for more in-depth study. By the end of the 17th century, Bridgetown, Barbados was second only in size and importance to Boston as a major port in English North America. As a small island of only 166 square miles, parts of Barbados display population densities that equal those of Manhattan.

All students will register for one common course, which may vary. The common course is HDFS335 (Culture in Context: Barbados). In addition, each student will choose from one of the following: HDFS 334 (Experiential Education—for HS majors only), or HDFS 365 (Service-Learning by instructor’s permission only) as well as HRIM 316 (Cross-Cultural Etiquette and Protocol). The program will also include excursions that complement the program’s foci as well as those that will enhance the students’ appreciation for Bajan culture.

Students will be housed in a guest apartment setting, a short walking distance from both the University of the West Indies campus (where students will have access to library and internet facilities) and the Caribbean ocean. Meals will be provided for all cultural excursions only.

Student Stories from Barbados Winter 2015 Study Abroad

Courses
Honors credit may be available. Check with the faculty director and the Honors program for prior approval (before registering).

All students enroll in 6 credits.

• HDFS 334: Experiential Education (3 credits)

This is a field-based, service learning experience intended to provide students with an opportunity to work with Barbadian (or “Bajan”) professionals and clients in a variety of social and/or cultural settings, such as educational, mental health and human service agencies. Through guest presentations, written assignments and group de-briefing sessions, students will gain an even deeper insight to the special issues confronting Barbados’ citizens and consider similar issues facing Americans. Students are required to attend each day of the field placements as well as all scheduled course meetings. In addition, those enrolled in HDFS 334 will be required to upload course related materials to their ePortfolio.
Restrictions: Human Service majors only.

• HDFS 365: Seminar: Service-Learning (3 credits)

This is a field-based, service learning experience intended to provide students with an opportunity to work with Barbadian (or “Bajan”) professionals and clients in a variety of social and/or cultural settings, such as educational, mental health and human service agencies. Through guest presentations, written assignments and group de-briefing sessions, students will gain an even deeper insight to the special issues confronting Barbados’ citizens and consider similar issues facing Americans. Students are required to attend each day of the field placements as well as all scheduled course meetings. Although open to all students, enrollment is limited and requires permission of the instructor.
Restrictions: This course is for non-Human Services majors only. Requires instructor’s permission.

• HDFS 335: Culture in Context (3 credits)

Just as eyeglasses improve vision, cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity enriches an individual’s life, helping him/her to better understand the actions of groups of peoples, their nationalities and uniqueness, their organizations and systems. Students enrolled in “Culture in Context: Barbados” will be exposed to various aspects of the Bajan culture such as religion, music, art, cultural festivals, fishing culture, and the impact of rum. This will be accomplished on two levels: Experientially—through invited guest speakers and specialized cultural excursions—and academically where students will be expected to write short reflective essays on each experience as well as prepare a short (3 – 5 page) paper on one area in which s/he had a specific interest (e.g., music, art, education, health, tourism).
Cross-listed with HRIM 367.

• HOSP 316: Cross Cultural Etiquette and Protocol (3 credits)

In today’s era of global business operations, the more successful organizations are the ones that see the world from a customer’s point of view and have confidence in the differences and abilities of employees to meet customers’ needs. Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity enriches the life of an organization and helps its employees to understand the actions of groups of people, their nationalities and uniqueness. This course examines the cultural values of Barbados and how they relate to international communication and managing in a global setting. The course includes a service learning component.
Satisfies the following requirements: Multicultural

For more information on this program contact UD’s Study Abroad office.