Mesa Community College

Program Description

Come experience the culture in this beautiful part of Veracruz, Mexico! A collaboration by Mesa and South Mountain Community Colleges and hosted at the School for Foreign Students (SFS) at the Universidad Veracruzana, this program offers an opportunity to participate in an international learning experience in the tropical city of Xalapa.

This 7-credit program in Education, Spanish, and Service-Learning allows students to be a part of local schools, where they will volunteer in Mexican classrooms in a variety of settings from Pre-K to secondary schools. Just being immersed in the wonderful cultural events of the Universidad Veracruzana is a big part of the experience!  Festival Junio Musical is celebrated in June and includes numerous cultural events that students can enjoy.  Participants will also benefit from workshops in Mexican history, traditional folkloric dance, and Mexican cuisine.   This experience is not only ideal for Education and Social Work majors, but for anyone wanting to improve their Spanish or wanting to learn more about the Mexican culture!

Estimated Program Costs

Program Fee: $2,527

INCLUDES:

• Academic facilities, cutural excursions, ground transportation, meals (except during cultural excursions), and travel insurance
• Room and board with host families in Xalapa
• Participation in SFS Cultural Immersion Program
• Worshops in history, dance, and cuisine
• Airfare is NOT included (estimated at $660).

Tuition: 7 credit hours

Registration Fees: $30 (for SMCC & MCC)

Download the Program Brochure

Xalapa Program Excursions

• Excursions to México City, Teotihuacan & Tlacotalpan (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
• Casual visits in charming cafés and local restaurants.
• Touring the world-renowned Xalapa archaeological museum.

Xalapa Program Details

• Participants reside with families in Xalapa, not simply learning about the culture, but living it!  The experience greatly enhances cultural understanding and Spanish language skills.
• The service-learning component enables participants to become familiar with the Mexican educational system, gain experience working with Spanish-speaking students in a classroom setting, and identify teaching and learning strategies that create positive learning environments for diverse student populations.  Numerous visits are made to school sites representing various grade levels of the Mexican educational system.
• Students participate in a Cultural Immersion Program and are paired with a cultural tutor selected for them based on their individual profiles. Together, they engage in activities common to university students and local residents. Activities vary from casual visits in charming cafes to touring the world-renowned archaeological museum in the city of Xalapa.

Program Courses (7 credit hours):

• EDU230: 10167 (SMCC) Cultural Diversity in Education (3 cr);
  Fulfills C
• EDU282AA 10168 (SMCC) or SPA282AA: (MCC) Volunteerism for Education/Spanish: A Service-Learning Experience (1 cr)
• SPA115: 19194 (MCC) Beginning Spanish Conversation I (3 cr)
• EDU298AC: 10169 (SMCC) or SPA298AC: 17827 (MCC) Special Projects (3)
  offered for students who have already completed EDU230 or SPA115

Dates to Remember

Information Sessions Location: Kirk Center - Maricopa Room

Tuesdays - 6:00pm - 6:45pm:
Sept. 13 & Sept. 27, 2011
Oct. 11 & Oct. 25, 2011
November 8, 2011
Jan. 31 & Feb. 14, 2012

Wednesdays - 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Sept. 14 & Sept. 28, 2011
Oct. 12 & Oct. 26, 2011
November 9, 2011
Feb. 1 & Feb. 15, 2012
Financial Aid Specialist Available!

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Program Application Deadline: March 23, 2012

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early to reserve your place!  Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Complete the 2012 Application - this pdf file can be completed on your computer and then saved and printed.

Submit directly to the Program Director or to the Study Abroad Coordinator.

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Scholarship Deadline:

March 1, 2012

Get information on scholarships, grants, and financial aid for study abroad here.

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Payment Deadline:
March 23, 2012

Download the helpful guide: How to Pay for Study Abroad   updated 11/1/11.

Download the How to Pay for Xalapa Study Abroad here.

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Mandatory Orientation:

April 14, 2012 from 9 am - 1 pm in LB145 in the Elsner Library at the Southern & Dobson campus.

You must attend the mandatory general study abroad orientation. There may be additional required meetings for your specific program. Contact the Program Director for details.

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Program Director

Dr. Eufemia Amabisca
Teacher Education Program
Phone: 602-243-8019
Office Location: SMCC LA312
Email: eufemia.amabisca@smcmail.maricopa.edu

Passports

A valid passport book or card is required to enter or re-enter the United States.
  > > Passport Info Here

Photo Gallery

Program Location

Xalapa, a picturesque city in the coffee growing country of the Mexican state of Veracruz, is a favorite with both Mexican and international visitors alike. Known as the "City of Flowers", Xalapa is in an area of impressive natural beauty and remarkably rich archeological and anthropological resources. At 4,200 feet above sea level, this state capital is surrounded by mountains, which include the snow-capped incactive volcano, Pico de Orizaba, the highest in the country. The climate is moderate, with cool nights and warm days freshened by spring-like showers.