Summer Institute on Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution 2008
Overview of IPCR Bolivia | Program | Logistics | Credits | Tuition | Registration |
Review of 2005-7 Program| Feedback from Participants | Photos | Contact
On this page: Santa Cruz and Nur University, Facilities and Housing, Travel Information and Visa Information.
SANTA CRUZ, LA PAZ, AND NUR UNIVERSITY
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, in the subtropical lowland area of Bolivia, is the country's largest city. With 1.2 million residents, it is an urban city and the commercial center of Bolivia that still captures the essence of a small town. It is near some of the most well preserved natural areas in the world and historic sites such as Inca ruins.
La Paz, the legislative capital of Bolivia and heart of its turbulent political activity, describes itself as the city that touches the sky. Located high above sea level, La Paz sits in a cavernous bowl surrounded by the high altiplano (varying from 10,000 - 13,500 feet). With the snow-capped triple peak of Illimani towering in the background, La Paz and the surrounding El Alto offers visitors a tale of two cities that reflects the ongoing political and economic struggles facing its people.
The location of Bolivia offers a unique opportunity to study peacebuilding and conflict resolution in a country facing ongoing ethnic, resource, governance and economic challenges.
Nur University is a non-profit development-oriented university offering over 35 undergraduate, graduate and technical degree programs to 4,000 students. Founded in 1982, Nur responds to the ongoing challenge of preparing qualified professionals who can contribute successfully to the sustainable development of Bolivia.
Nur also offers intensive Spanish and study abroad programs for English speakers. Given the intensive nature of the course, you might consider private or small group Spanish lessons with Nur faculty. All Spanish programs are available at additional costs arranged directly with Nur University. For more information about Nur University, visit their website at www.nur.edu.
ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS
All participants will be housed double occupancy in the Hotel Cortez, a 4-star hotel offering modern conveniences, such as a swimming pool, gym, sauna, and game room (subject to change to a similar hotel if needed). The hotel is conveniently located two blocks from Nur University and near restaurants, cafes, bars, and the main plaza. Tuition includes an American-style breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner every day while in Santa Cruz, and an American-style breakfast buffet every day while in La Paz (with lunch/dinner on your own). Single occupancy rooms are available at an additional charge. Early and late departures are also possible at an additional charge.
Most classes will be held at the hotel.
During the travel component of the program, we will stay in clean and comfortable 2-3 star hotels.
COMPUTER FACILITIES
Participants will have access to computers/internet in several locations. The hotel has several computers with internet access available for use for free, including wireless access. Participants may also pay an additional fee to receive internet access in their hotel room (i.e., for use with laptop computers). If the hotel computers are full, there are several inexpensive internet cafes and shops nearby.
TRAVEL INFORMATION & WHAT TO BRING
All flights fly into Viru Viru international airport in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Free shuttle service from airport to Hotel Cortez (between 07:00 - 23:00).
Details available upon acceptance into program.
VISAS TO BOLIVIA
You might be required to obtain a visa to Bolivia. This depends upon your country of citizenship. If you need a visa, ACT and Nur University will provide you a letter for your visa application.
The following requirements generally apply, but every country has different requirements and procedures. The cost of the visa varies by the type of visa and country in which you are applying for the visa. It is your responsibility to make your visa inquiries and applications at the nearest Bolivian consulate or embassy as soon as you are accepted into the program. For most countries, it takes 2-4 weeks to receive your visa.
• Applicants taking the course for academic credit – need a Student Visa, generally good for 30-90 days depending on country.
• Applicants taking the course for non-credit – generally, you will need a Tourist Visa. This applies to U.S. citizens. Canadian/European citizens generally do not need a visa to enter Bolivia as tourists, but check with the Bolivian consulate in your country.
For the consulate in Washington, DC, go to:
4420 Connecticut Avenue Nw, Suite # 2
Washington , D.C. 20008
Tels: 202 232 4828 / 202 232 4827
Fax: 202 232 8017
E-mail: consulgeneral(at)bolivia-usa.org
http://www.bolivia-usa.org/ The website is in Spanish
For information on finding the nearest Bolivian Consulate and/or Embassy, go to:
http://www.rree.gov.bo
Go to:
• Servicios (Services)
• Directorio de Representaciones (Directory of Representatives)
• Representarios de Bolivia en el Exterior (Representatives of Bolivia abroad)
• Select your country under Embajadas (Embassy) and/or Consulados (Consulates)
The website is in Spanish, including the country names.
To simplify the process for you, it might be helpful for you to contact an agency that specializes in getting visas for their clients. Although, they charge a fee for this service, it might streamline the process for you. However, this is not necessary and past participants have all dealt directly with their nearest consulate/embassy.
Note: If there is no Bolivian consulate or embassy in your country, it will be very difficult for you to get a visa. You might be able to send your visa application to a nearby country that has a Bolivian consulate or embassy, or to the Bolivian consulate in Washington, DC.