Social Work in a Latin American Context
Late January to mid-May
Offered on site in Cuernavaca, Mexico, the Social Work in a Latin American Context program was jointly created in 2003 by a collaboration of CSWE accredited social work programs in the Minnesota/South Dakota area. The program satisfies the curriculum requirements for the BSW degree and is in accord with CSWE accreditation standards. When space is available, it is open to social work majors from other CSWE accredited institutions who meet the pre-requisites for the program.
The mission of the program is to: develop cross-culturally competent, ethical social work professionals with a global perspective by providing a semester of transformative, experiential learning focused on social and economic justice.
BSW Mexico Consortium Members:
- Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN
- Bemidji State University. Bemidji, MN
Bethel University, St. Paul, MN
- College of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
- Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN
- St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
- St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
- University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD
- Winona State University, Winona, MN
Collaborative member of the program in Mexico:
- Escuela Nacional de Trabajo Social de la UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico) in Mexico City
The Center for Global Education at Augsburg College and its study center in Cuernavaca, Mexico collaborated on the development and implementation of this program. A visiting social work professor from one of the consortium schools accompanies students to Mexico and teaches the social work courses.
Location
The program is based in Cuernavaca, a city known for its perennial springtime (70-80 degrees). Cuernavaca, the capital of the state of Morelos, is about 50 miles south of Mexico City. Both the city and the state are important in Mexican history: the palace of the conqueror Hernan Cortez borders the central plaza in Cuernavaca and Morelos is known as “the cradle of the Mexican revolution” of 1910 led by Emiliano Zapata, who was born in a small town near Cuernavaca. A city of more than one million, Cuernavaca is also known for its innovative grass-roots education programs, economic cooperatives, and base Christian communities inspired by liberation theology.
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.
Homestay
You will spend four weeks living with a local working class family in Cuernavaca.
Staff
Courses will be taught both by Augsburg’s adjunct professors based in Mexico and a social work professor from one of the CSWE accredited co-sponsoring schools. In addition, the program is supported by a Mexican Social Work Advisory Council that provides guest lectures and assistance with program activities. 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
Community Service and Internships
The program offers the option of community service opportunities. In addition, field experience placements are available for students with intermediate to advanced language proficiency (a limited number of placements are available for students with fewer Spanish language skills).
Requirements
The program is intended for sophomores, juniors and seniors at the consortium schools (please check with your social work program to see when it works best in your curriculum). Students from consortium schools are given priority in admissions, and the selection of students is made at each participating school. Students are accepted from other CSWE accredited institutions on a space-available basis. One previous college-level course in Spanish or its equivalent is required. This can be done in January in Mexico before starting the program, if necessary. Students from non-participating schools should be social work majors and have completed an introductory social work course.
Credit
The equivalent of four courses or 16 semester hours.
Application Deadlines
October 15 for the spring term.
