Practicum on Experiential Peacebuilding

The expedition was a great and unique human lab providing raw insight into the different motivations and drivers behind the decisions peacebuilders and other personalities make. I feel the precious and raw insights gained on the expedition are already proving invaluable in my further understanding of, compassion and grace for others and where they are in their own journey.

Giselle Wansa, PEP 2012 Participant

What?

The Practicum on Experiential Peacebuilding (PEP) is a program that combines a unique outdoor experience with experiential learning techniques in a multi-cultural environment. During this ten day expedition, participants will spend time backpacking/hiking in Piedras Blancas, a remote lush hilly region accessible only by foot and horse and divided by the Savegre River. The experience will include a homestay with a local Costa Rican family, an overnight solo, waterfall rappel and conclude with a day at the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education, U.N. mandated University for Peace, in Costa Rica. Along the journey participants will learn and practice leadership skills, challenge their own perspectives, explore relevant peacebuilding topics, and develop meaningful relationships with participants who share similar commitments to peace and human dignity.

Why?

The United States Institute for Peace 2010 report, "Graduate Education and Professional Practice in International Peace and Conflict," finds that U.S. graduate institutions are inadequately preparing students for careers in international peace and conflict particularly in the area of "field experience" and "applied conflict analysis and resolution skills." Outward Bound Peacebuilding's Practicum on Experiential Peacebuilding offers an experience based program focused on applied leadership and conflict resolution skills and taught in a challenging multi-cultural environment through an expeditionary outdoor approach.

Program Learning Objectives

• To cultivate compassionate and cross culturally aware peacebuilding leaders.
• To explore and learn the methodology and philosophy of experiential peacebuilding.
• To learn and apply conflict resolution and peacebuilding skills in an experiential context.
• To join active networks of peacebuilders.

Who?

The Practicum on Experiential Peacebuilding is designed for working professionals and graduate students who want to get out of the classroom to apply and advance their leadership and conflict resolution skills. The Practicum is offered by Outward Bound Peacebuilding in partnership with Outward Bound Costa Rica.

When and where?

14 – 23 June 2013 in Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica. Participants will fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO). Course begins at 9AM in San Jose. Participants should plan to arrive by Thursday, June 13th and not fly out before 1PM on the 23rd.

Fees and Logistics

Tuition for the Practicum on Experiential Peacebuilding is $2200.00, which includes all instruction, training, food, backpacking and group equipment, course reader, UPEACE experience and certificate of completion, transportation in country and transfer to and from the San Jose airport from the Outward Bound Costa Rica base camp. Tuition does not include airfare to and from Costa Rica, visas, and exit fees ($25-30 USD) which are the responsibility of the participants.

University Credits

1-2 credits can be obtained for the Practicum through Western State University in Colorado, USA. Please contact us below for details and specific requirements.

To Apply

For more information and to apply, please visit our website.