This travel seminar explores the contemporary issues
surrounding migration from Mexico to the United States with specific emphasis on
Minnesota. There has been a marked increase in the number of Mexican immigrants
arriving in the Twin Cities area during the fifteen years since NAFTA, and
social workers must enhance their ability to provide culturally competent social
services to this population. This seminar will enable social work students to
understand the social, geopolitical and economic factors fueling this exodus as
well as to develop an appreciation for the Mexican culture and the family lives
of migrants. Through site visits, interaction with migrant families,
observation, and participation, students will gain hands-on experience with the
issues surrounding migration that will be supplemented by reading, journal
reflections and group discussions. Topics to be addressed include the rich
history and culture of Mexico, reasons for migration, and the effects of
migration on the immigrant and his or her family. We will also explore the
effects of migration on communities both here and in Mexico.
Barbara Lehmann
Barbara Lehmann says small
classes, individual attention, a nurturing environment and a faculty that has
more than 100 years of combined experience in social work are reasons why
Augsburg is the best place to study sociology. “Learning is a growth experience,
it can be fun and painful. Not only is it critical to be supportive of the
students, but you need to accept all of your own peculiarities.” To be an
effective teacher, Barbara says not only do you need to understand the material,
you need be have self-respect and empathy with the community. Her proudest
accomplishment is earning her Ph.D. at the age of 47, after 20 years of
practice. She also recently participated in a trip to Namibia through Augsburg.
