The University of South Florida's international programs educate and train students to prepare them for positions in the changing global economy, culture and polity. The Latin American and Caribbean region is just next door. It is also the United States' most important import and export market, surpassing trade flows with the European Union. In addition, it is an area of enormous cultural and ecological diversity and cultural creativity. The need to understand this rapidly changing and expanding area of the other America is fundamental for those who are interested in conducting business in the region, who are involved with security issues, or who wish to engage in artistic contemplation. This certificate, offered through USF's Latin American and Caribbean Studies Department, provides students with the opportunity to benefit from lectures by distinguished writers and scholars and to travel to various locations under the Study Abroad credit course. Students can apply up to 12 hours of the credit earned through the certificate to the master's program.