Migration and Globalization: Engaging our Coummunities
Late January to mid-May
This is an intensive program that explores issues of migration, immigration, and globalization. It is ideal for students who are interested in working with Spanish-speaking populations in the United States, as it includes intensive Spanish language classes, an internship or independent research opportunity, and courses that help students understand the connections between globalization and migration and learn from diverse communities that are organizing for positive social change around issues of race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, gender, sexuality, economics, and the environment.
In addition to core courses in History, Political Science and Women's Studies, Internship and Independent Study courses may be transferred for credit in History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Political Science, Religion, Spanish and Women's Studies.
Sample Spring Semester Schedule
| Week 1: | Orientation in Cuernavaca and beginning of classes. |
| Weeks 2-6: | First Intensive Spanish course (3 hours/day, 4 days/week), plus HIS/WST 357 and option of POL/WST 341 |
| Weeks 7-12: | HIS/WST 357 and options of a second intensive Spanish course (3 hours/day, 4 days/week), POL/WST 341 or Internship or Independent Study |
| Week 10 or 11: | Spring Break |
| Weeks 13-15: | HIS/WST 357 and options of POL/WST 341 or Internship or Independent Study |
| Week 16: | Wrap up of coursework in Cuernavaca. |
After the semester ends there is an optional extension for a summer for a summer session.
Location
Our study center is located in Cuernavaca, a picturesque city in central Mexico known as "the city of eternal spring," noted for its innovative grassroots organizations and history of social struggle. Cuernavaca is 90km south of Mexico City.
Housing
The Center for Global Education maintains two houses in Cuernavaca which will be your home base during the semester. It is located in Colonia San Anton, across the street from the language school where you will take your Spanish classes and just a 15 minute walk from downtown Cuernavaca. Approximately four students will share a room. There is also common living space for classes, study and leisure time, as well as a small library. Meals (including vegetarian options) are prepared and served on the premises.
Home Stays
Then spend 5-6 weeks in a local household in the Cuernavaca area where you will be immersed in Mexican culture, develop closer relationships with the community and improve your Spanish skills. Longer homestays are available upon request. Lesbian and gay-friendly homestays also available. During regional travel, modest hotels and guest houses serve as accommodations.
Staff
The Center for Global Education has an ethnically and culturally diverse staff of North Americans and Latin Americans who coordinate educational programs. The program instructors are Augsburg College faculty who live full-time in Mexico and Central America, have advanced studies and are bi-lingual. In addition, a diverse pool of individuals and organizations serve as community resources. You will also be assisted by an intern/resident advisor who lives in the house and assists in planning house meetings and activities. Meet our staff in Mexico.
Regional Travel:
Program includes short trips to rural areas of Mexico to see how migration has impacted communities. In addition, the program offers day trips to Mexico City, as well as opportunities for personal travel on weekends and during breaks.
Curriculum
Most students will take four courses. Mexican History, Culture and Cosmovision (HIS/WST) is required. For the remaining three courses students may choose from:
- Globalization, Social Struggles and the Environment (Political Science/Women’s Studies 341)
- Internship: Working with Mexicans
- Independent Study
- 1 or 2 Spanish Courses
Internships and Independent Studies may be taken for credit in:
- History
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Political Science
- Religion
- Spanish
- Women's Studies
Community Service
Community service opportunities are also available for students who do not wish to complete a formal internship but would like hands-on experience serving in the community.
Requirements:
Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors at any college or university. Enrollment is limited; one previous college-level course in Spanish or its equivalent is required.
Credit:
The equivalent of four courses or 16 semester hours.
Application Deadlines:
Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis. Deadlines are November 15 for the spring term; early application is encouraged to ensure a place in the program.
