Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute

The Mission of the Institute of Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACSI) at the University of Georgia:

To engage academic and community members (scholars, K-16 teachers, artists, activists, members of civic and political organizations, and others) in creative, intellectually stimulating, inter/ cross-disciplinary, diversity-oriented activities in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and the other languages of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
To provide a supportive environment for students, faculty, and members of the community with expertise and interest in LAC and to provide the occasion for them to cooperate, collaborate, and productively meet and interact with one another.
To train students in theory, methods, and research relating to LAC and meet the standards of nationally recognized centers of LAC.
To create and disseminate new knowledge about LAC as well as to strengthen and facilitate LAC interdisciplinary research in order to prepare better leaders and more informed citizens in Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation at large in the areas such as teaching, research, business, the arts, and government.

LACSI seeks to fulfill its mission in the following ways:

Through its degree and certificate programs; new course development including service learning; study abroad; student and faculty exchanges; outreach to schools, the arts, the community, the media, and professional schools; guest speakers and other sponsored events;
Through research and outreach support (research and travel grants; disseminating information; writing and providing assistance with grant proposals)
Strengthening academic and public community (collaborating with other universities; supporting student and community organizations; maintaining ties with alumni; providing internships; hosting social events)