 The Spirit of Fashion
Guatemala
3 credits in Fashion Design and Merchandising
Richmond: June 2-6, June 18-20
Guatemala: June 7- June 17, 2008
Assistant Professor Linda Lee
$1,995 + tuition
Registration deadline: March 15, 2008
Program description and application [PDF]
The Office of International Education and Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising are proud to present an 11-day program in Tecpan, Guatemala. The unique service-learning opportunity led by a faculty member will provide design, marketing and color assistance to a fair trade producer and business. Maya Traditions, a member of the Fair Trade Federation based in Panajachel, Guatemala and San Francisco, Cali., has been working hand in hand with Mayan weaving communities in the highlands of Guatemala to develop fair trade products. The organization’s mission is to support weaving groups and small family businesses by providing consistent income, as well as health and education projects. VCU students will work with Maya Traditions staff on design, production and marketing in Guatemala.
 Course and credit options: 3 VCU credits
FASH 450 Line Development or FA391 Fashion Workshop
Prerequisite: Junior status in VCU School of the Arts, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Crafts and Interior Design
Course description: VCU students will partner with Maya Traditions and Mayan artisans to create viable products for North American consumers using their design aesthetics and merchandising skills. The aim is to produce a fair trade product that will be successful online throughout the U.S. and Canadian markets. Students will learn about products using traditional Mayan aesthetics, as well as Mayan cultural history. A 5-day workshop will precede the participant’s time in Guatemala. Upon the student’s return to the U.S., a three-day wrap up session will take place in Richmond.
Program cost: $1,995 + applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $1,995 and includes the following:
- Round-trip airfare from Washington, D.C. to Guatemala
- Accommodations
- Meals
 Service project materials- In-country transportation
- On-site program director support
- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International student identification card
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- VCU tuition and fees
- Passport application fee
- One dinner and/or meals at airports
- Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $350)
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Airfare: Round-trip airfare from Washington, D.C. is included. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to Washington.
Application deadline: March 15, 2008. Applications will be accepted until the deadline, or until participant space is full. Participant space will not exceed 15 placements. Early application is recommended.
Activities and excursions: Participants will arrive in Guatemala City and will travel together to Antigua. The group will spend mornings on projects and afternoons visiting artisan workshops in Tecpan and with other weaving cooperatives. The trip will include a weekend excursion to magnificent Lake Atitlan. Students will attend guest lectures, including a renowned poet. They will also enjoy outings to Mayan markets, a visit to Iximiche, a pre-Columbian Mayan city and a professionally guided tour of Antigua.
Accommodations and meals: Participants will be housed in a European owned youth hostel in Tecpan, Panajachel and Antigua. Meals are included.
 Program director: Linda Lee has been an assistant professor in the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising since 2004. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design at Pratt Institute. Lee has extensive experience as a fashion designer. Prior to joining VCUarts faculty, she worked in New York City’s garment industry for 30 years. She has also taught design in New York City at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Pratt Institute. This is Lee’s third time leading the program to Guatemala.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs.
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