Xalapa, Mexico

Not Offered in 2013

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 Fees: $2,527 includes
  • Academic facilities, cultural 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
  • Workshops in history, dance, and cuisine
  • Airfare is NOT included (estimated at $660).

• Tuition: 7 credits
• Registration Fee: $30

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 residing with families in Xalapa do not simply learn about the culture, but live 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.

Courses Offered (7 credits)

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