Migration and Globalization: Engaging our Communities 

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. See Course Descriptions. 

u Keep current about what is happening with the current students by reading our blog page. 

Sample Spring Semester Schedule 

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. More housing information.

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

 Full course descriptions

Fieldwork Options:

During the second half of the semester, students may choose to complete and internship or independent study.

Internships and Independent Studies may be taken for credit in:

- History

- Interdisciplinary Studies

- Political Science

- Religion

- Spanish

- Women's Studies

To learn more about field work opportunities offered through Center for Global Education semester programs see the Internship or Independent Study pages.

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 October 15 for the spring term; early application is encouraged to ensure a place in the program. Application form.

Cost: 
The comprehensive fee for the program is $16,375 (2008-09 academic year). This includes tuition, room and board, medical/emergency insurance, regional travel seminars, and in-country costs. Students are responsible for their travel to and from the program, books and personal expenses. Contact the Center for Global Education with questions or for information about our scholarships for students from historically disadvantaged groups (e-mail: globaled@augsburg.edu or 800-299-8889).