Section Description

This is a winter break travel/study course. This two-week travel course in Nicaragua will explore all levels of chocolate production, from cacao farms to chocolate product distribution, as well as the global chocolate market, geopolitics, and social justice issues within cacao farming communities. During the course we will visit cacao farms, talk to farmers, taste test varieties, make our own chocolate, and tour Nicaragua's two major chocolate companies. Students will learn cacao growing practices, history of chocolate use, and current political issues surrounding its production. This course is appropriate for anyone with an interest in agroecology, agroforestry, food systems, globalization, and social justice. Program fee: $1,069.