Program Destinations
Cuernavaca, Mexico

In cooperation with the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College, APPLES is pleased to provide an opportunity for students to spend the fall semester in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

The program is based in Cuernavaca, Mexico, a colonial city of over one million inhabitants that is known for its perennial springtime weather. Cuernavaca has played an important role in Mexican history and is recognized for its innovative grassroots education. Cuernavaca is 1-1/2 hours drive south of Mexico City and 3-1/2 hours north of Acapulco.

In cooperation with the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College, APPLES is pleased to provide an opportunity for students to spend the fall semester in Cuernavaca, Mexico.The program is based in Cuernavaca, Mexico, a colonial city of over one million inhabitants that is known for its perennial springtime weather. Cuernavaca has played an important role in Mexican history and is recognized for its innovative grassroots education. Cuernavaca is 1-1/2 hours drive south of Mexico City and 3-1/2 hours north of Acapulco. 

A Heritage Scholarship program is available for students of Hispanic/Latino descent through the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, room and board, in country expenses and medical insurance.

Program Highlights

Term:  Fall 2008
Dates:  August 22 - December 14
Application Deadline:  January 31, 2008
Reflection Seminar:  Enroll in Spring 2009: Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 2-5pm (service) and Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 (seminar)

Timeline

January 31 :  Applications due to Study Abroad
Late February:  Applicants interview with APPLES
Early March:  Study Abroad notifies nominated participants
March 28, 2:00-5:00pm:  Intercultural Competency Workshop
March 29, 10:00-3:00pm:  Pre-Departure Orientation
April 13, 1:00-4:00pm:  Ropes Course and Reflection

Pre-Departure Orientation

In the spring, APPLES prepares students for their experience through a comprehensive orientation program focusing on issues related to cultural awareness, cross-cultural service, travel logistics, teamwork and communication.

The Orientation highlights the importance of linking the global experience with local service-learning, application and reflection after returning to North Carolina. In addition to the Orientation, students participate in a half-day Ropes Course and reflection experience prior to departure.

Cultural resources about Latinos/Hispanics
Tips on working with people of Latino/Hispanic descent

Academic Coursework

Learn about the central issues facing Mesoamerica, with emphasis on the experiences and empowerment of women. Students will engage in gender analysis of key social, economic, political, and cultural issues in Mexico and El Salvador; explore the inter-connectedness of race, class, and gender; and learn first hand from both women and men who are involved in struggles for sustainable development and social change. In addition, students will participate in small-group intensive language study.

The following courses are offered in English and Spanish: Intensive Individualized Spanish, Conversation and Composition, or Latin American Literature

• Women, Gender, and Social Change in Latin America
• Latin American Liberation Theologies
• Service-Learning Internship

Service Experience

While in Cuernavaca, participants experience100 hours of hands-on service with local, non-governmental organizations, deepening their understanding of Mexican culture and society and enhancing their own language skills. This allows for a level of interaction and practical experience that is hard to achieve in the traditional classroom, and thus supplements and complements the rigorous academic curriculum.

Participating in a service-learning placement allows students to:

• Deepen understanding of Namibian culture and society
• Have additional opportunities to practice and refine growing language skills
• Learn more about and practice skills needed for working collaboratively in a regional and a global context
• Strengthen capacity for cross-cultural understanding and communication
• Form valuable relationships with local persons and organizations
• Contribute in a positive way to the host community

Service placements are made based on language skills, interests, goals and the needs of the community. Agencies address the needs of the elderly, street children, alternative healthcare, HIV/AIDS, public policy advocacy and urban ecology.

Cuernavaca Service Agencies

Housing

Participants spend most of the semester living together dormitory-style in Augsburg’s study center in Colonia San Anton, close to downtown Cuernavaca. During the six-week homestay, students live with working families of modest means, in or near Cuernavaca.

Educational Travel

The fall program begins with an orientation at the U.S./Mexico border, and includes a 10-day educational seminar in El Salvador. In addition, day trips to Mexico City and to rural villages are offered, as well as opportunities for personal travel on weekends and during breaks.

Reflection Seminar

On returning to Carolina, students enroll in “Connections”, a 1-credit reflection seminar that compares the lives of new immigrants in North Carolina to that of their origin countries.

The seminar explores concerns for health, education and social justice through selected readings, class discussion and reflection. Returning students engage in local service-learning with newly arrived immigrants. As mentors, they provide assistance with activities supporting school achievement and facilitation of bilingual fluency for middle or high school immigrant youth.

To obtain contact information for the current GSL Chair, please refer to the APPLES' Organizers directory.