Washington & Jefferson College The Magellan Project

The Magellan Project is a program exclusively offered at Washington & Jefferson College. During the summer months, students are able to conduct a study, study abroad, and particiapate in internships. The Magellan project also offers the Franklin Internship award, which helps students intern in both domestic and international programs. This is a great opportunity to not only travel abroad, but to also take the opportunity to immerse themselves into a completely different and rich culture. Washington & Jefferson College will also help students with support and funding necessary for their projects. 

There are two parts for the Magellan Project. The first part of the application is where the applicant answers several questions about their proposed project. If a student submits a location but wants to change their location, they are welcomed to do so.

The second part of the application is the formal application. It is more detailed than the first part of the application. It asks for specific details such as why you chose the location of your project, what is your project, and what are the actions you are planning to take while doing your project. This part also ask for you to provide several personal statements, such as how does this project connects to your personal life (and intended major), your aspirations and goals coming from this project, and ultimately what will they bring back to W&J. Last but not least, your budget. This includes transportation, lodging, food, research costs, personal contribution, etc.

My Magellan project initially was to investigate how a country participating in the world cup can help economically and personally in a country. My country of choice was Costa Rica. How ever, I decided to change my proposal and project overall. Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world who does not have a operating military. Costa Rica is one if not the safest country in Latin America. This is big shock for me, since El Salvador and Honduras (one of the most dangerous countries in the world) are only one country away from Costa Rica. Central America was also a major hot spot for conflicts during the cold war, in which Costa Rica was able to stay away from. I also personally visited in El Salvador, and I seen both armed police and soldiers around. Going to a country where neither the police is heavily armed or the military is not present will definitely be a culture shock, but also a interesting experience.

I will be conducting interviews and surveys at Costa Rica National University (UNA). More specificly, I will be working with the History department. I want to know more of Costa Rican history and know what has led and effected the decision they took to abolish the military. I also want to know how the students feel about the nation not having a military. I intend to have a survey where it ask "Do you feel Costa Rica should restart and fund for a military?" with three answers: Yes, Neutral, and No. This will also come with a section where they will explain why they chose the answer. These surveys will be anonymous and chosen randomly throughout the history classes at UNA.