Cuernavaca, Mexico
Students will get a sense of Mexican culture on local and international levels. Study abroad starts at home, where students visit Chicago's Little Village community and continue on to Cuernavaca, Mexico.
While in Chicago, students will visit schools in Little Village and learn about Latino issues in education (May 17-20, 2010). While in Mexico, they will be enrolled at the Cetlalic Progressive Spanish Language School, live with a local family, tour local communities, and spend time in schools (May 29 - June 19, 2010).
The program focuses on the Mexican educational system and potential issues facing immigrant families in the United States. Students will get to hear about the lives and perspectives of Mexican teachers and administrators, along with an international perspective on K-12 schooling.
Requirements
- Undergraduate Education Majors only
- Major and overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
Cost
The costs will be determined by the Office of International Studies and will be made available in a separate document.
Credit
Students will receive 6 hours of credit for:
- C&I 398: Professional Practice-School/Community Involvement
- IDS 133.04: Intro to Mexican Culture, Politics & History
Application Deadline
February 26, 2010 (Summer 2011 TBA)
How to Apply
- Make an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor in OISP*, Fell Hall Room 308 (Ph: 438-5276)
- Pick up a study abroad application form along with: Faculty/Staff Recommendations
- Make an appointment with your Academic Advisor—discuss your graduation needs
- Make an appointment with the Faculty Director: Pauline Clardy
- Make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office—if you qualify
- Complete and turn in application along with required paperwork to Fell Hall Room 308 before the application deadline
Details
Housing
All of the students will be housed with local families. They will be paired with other students at the language school but not necessarily from ISU. All homes are located within walking distance or a short bus ride from the language school.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided by the host family. The students will be responsible for all other meals and food. Please note that the biggest meal of the day will probably be lunch, which will be served around 2pm each day.
Transportation
We would like everyone to travel together from Chicago to the language school and back to the U.S. Additional information about flights will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
Health Care
There are local doctors and hospitals if any of the students need emergency care.
Passport and/or Visa
Students must have a valid U.S. Passport. It takes on average about 8 weeks to receive your passport after submitting the appropriate paperwork. If you do not have a passport, you are advised to go ahead and apply for one before learning about your acceptance into the program.
Passports are valid for 10 years. Due to the short duration of the trip, students will not need to obtain a visa.
Immunizations
According to the Preventative Medicine Clinic, students should be sure to have their Tetanus Diphtheria up-to-date or TDAP (Tetanus Diphtheria and Pertussis). It is also recommended that participants obtain Hepatitis A and H1N1 vaccinations.
Pre-departure Orientation
The students will be required to attend an orientation conducted by the Office of International Studies. They will receive additional details upon acceptance into the program.
On-site Orientation
The language school will provide an orientation to the local area and be available for questions upon arrival in Mexico.
Scholarships
Scholarships might be available for students who demonstrate a financial need. On the application, you will be able to discuss your financial needs in order to participate in this program. If finances are your main concern regarding participation in the program, please speak to the program cooperation personally. Our goal is to make the program as affordable as possible. Please note that financial aid can also be applied to program costs.
Questions
If you have questions about the application, costs, financial aid, or payment, please contact the International Studies Office.
