2008 Woodie Awards
To Mexico, With Love breaks down barriers, opens eyes
Tania Banegas
Issue date: 10/14/07 Section: College News
- Page 1 of 1
|
For that reason, Campus and Community Life decided to take action in 2004 by creating the "To Mexico with Love" program with the support of the Office of International Affairs and other schools.
"It really evolved out of the need [for Spanish speakers]. The program is a response to the changes in demographic in the city," said Michelle Verduzco, director of Campus and Community Life.
The program consists of four weeks of cultural immersion in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Students live with host families, which provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a great way for students to practice Spanish and better understand the Mexican lifestyle.
Participants also have the opportunity to attend a language and culture school, IDEAL, from Monday through Saturday.
Twice a week, they are required to volunteer at one of the three service sites (hospital, school and an after school program) while attending Spanish classes.
"It's a good way to help students learn about the community and to build cultural confidence in terms of working with people who are originally from Mexico," said Verduzco about the service learning.
On the weekends, students have the opportunity to travel to exciting places like Mexico City, La Basìlica de Guadalupe, Frida Kahlo Museum, Palacio Bellas Artes, the National Museum of Anthropology and Las Estracas (a natural water spring).
"Students will live the daily life in Mexico," said Carlos Brito, assistant director of IDEAL, "We encourage students to open their mind to know the world."
Criminal justice student Lisa Heath participated in the program last year.
"This [program] opens your eyes to so many things," Heath said. "I was taking Spanish classes, but my Spanish was not very good. I was so afraid to make mistakes. This broke down the barriers. I don't worry about making mistakes, people at the school make you feel comfortable."
The program is open to all majors, but potential participants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 to be eligible.
The estimated cost for the trip is approximately $2,000, which includes airfare, room and board, language instruction, travel insurance, ground transportation in Mexico, and transportation to cultural sites.
Scholarships are available through the Office of International Affairs to fund the trip.
During the Spring 2008 semester, pre-departure sessions will provide students with basic information to prepare them for the trip. The sessions talk about the history of Mexico and how to better enjoy the stay in Mexico. The application deadline is March 7.
Current information sessions are happening now and will continue through the spring. For more information, visit http://mexico.iupui.edu.
Be the first to comment on this story