Location | Academics | Housing | Dates/Deadlines | Program Costs | Eligibility/How To Apply

CWU Many Mexicos: A Cultural and Environmental History, Mexico - Spring Break Programs

Location

Oaxaca City , population 250,000, is where the first four days of the program will be held. Here, you’ll experience the grandeur of Spanish colonialism and Mexico’s indigenous past ( Monte Alban) and present (Zapotec/Mixtec culture). A lively city center (the zócalo) is an excellent place to sit in a café and watch the street performers, passers by, and street vendors.

The next stop of the trip is the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca. The biologically diverse Oaxacan coast is experiencing rapid development as one of Mexico’s premier eco-tourism destinations. As a consequence, the region faces many challenges balancing development with good management of a variety of natural resources such as coral reefs, mangroves, and turtle nesting areas, among others. Participants with interests in environmental and development issues will find much to study.

Lastly, two days in Mexico City provide a look at megacity life in a group format with experienced trip leaders. Mexico City, the world’s second largest metropolitan area, is widely known for its huge population, but did you know that it was built on the ruins of the ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, and that it contains the longest north/south contiguous urban road in the world? Starting in this fascinating city will provide participants with an important reference point for their exploration of other natural and cultural sites visited during the trip.

For a sample itinerary, please click here.

Academic Departments

This program is open to students of all majors, and is a great choice for history, anthropology, geography, environmental studies, Spanish, and Latin American studies students.

Classes Offered

In Oaxaca City, students will examine pre-Columbian and colonial Mexico as well as the role of this city in Mexican history. A visit to the Monte Alban archaeological site, an organic paper workshop, indigenous villages, and marketplaces are among the excursions planned, and will provide many opportunities to interact with the people of Oaxaca. .

On Oaxaca’s Pacific Coast, students will witness Mexico’s environmental and cultural diversity through a study of national park management, tourism development, coffee production, and many other industries that lie at the intersection of people and nature.

In Mexico City, the students will experience and study Mexican diversity in the world’s second-largest metropolitan area. In and around the capital city, students will be introduced to ancient history, modern museums ( Museum of Anthropology and History, Chulatapec park), and everything in between. Lectures to help orient participants to the city and country will be delivered on topics such as Mexican history and Mexico’s ancient civilizations.

Students will be registered during the winter quarter for three credits of ANTH 498, ENST 498, HIST 498, or LLAS 498: Many Mexicos. Course content is delivered through a combination of excursions, morning lectures, assigned readings, and evening group discussions. Course grades are comprised of participation and a 10-page final paper. By the end of this course, students will gain a greater appreciation for and knowledge of Mexico’s diverse history, peoples, cultures, and regions.

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Housing

Students will stay in shared hotel accommodations in each location. Tentative locations include the Casa Gonzalez in Mexico City, Mision de los Angeles in Oaxaca City, and El Alquimista on the Oaxaca’s Pacific coast.

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Program Fee

The program fee will be between $1,550 and $1,725, depending on enrollment and currency fluctuation.

Program Dates & Application Deadlines

• Spring Break: (March 13, 2008 - March 24, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: December 1 (rolling admission - apply early!)

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Sample Program Budget

See our What Does It Cost page for more information on fees & deposits you may be responsible for.

Financial Aid

Most forms of financial aid and scholarships apply to the cost of study abroad programs. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor at their home campus for specific information about awards and eligibility. You can also visit our What Does it Cost web page.

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Eligibility

• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Minimum Class Standing: Freshman
• Good academic standing
• No current disciplinary record
• An interview may be required

How to Apply

Before you begin your application, we highly recommend that you see a study abroad advisor to ensure that you have all the information you need about program logistics and eligibility. CWU students can call 963-3622 or drop by the International Center, Room 101 (across from L&L), to schedule an appointment.

• Apply Here

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More Information

Contact:

Dr. Michael Ervin, History and Dr. W. Warner Wood, Anthropology
ervinm@cwu.edu, woodw@cwu.edu

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice. Contact Study Abroad & Exchange Programs for more information.