Oaxaca, Mexico

Development, Culture, and Social Change

Overview

Designed for advanced Spanish language students with an interest in Latin American Studies, this unique semester program explores the intersection of development, culture, and social change through the lens of the dynamic and evolving context of contemporary Mexico. Located in the southwestern Mexican state of Oaxaca -- declared "Humanity's Cultural Patrimony" by the United Nations -- the program explores and affirms the rich diversity of contemporary Mexican society and culture. It engages the issues that challenge the country's continued growth and establishes a foundation to understand the history of U.S./Mexico relations and the Mexican experience in the United States. Ultimately, the program strives to build knowledge and understanding of one of the United State's closest yet least understood neighbors.

Oaxaca Study Away Slideshow

Academic Program

(16 credits, select 4 courses, all taught in Spanish)

• ARTD 387: Oaxacan Arts
• ANTH 387: Mexican Anthropology 1909-2004
• SOC 387: Oaxacan Society
• HISP 302/402: Intensive Spanish in Oaxaca, Mexico 
• HISP 433: Special Topics in Latin American Literature and Culture
• HIST 377: History of Mexico in Oaxaca
• COOP 477: International Work Experience
• PHED 250: Salsa (1 credit, taken in addition to 4 courses)

Program Highlights

• Comprehensive program orientation includes visit to a local Oaxacan community.
• Study tours include visits to archeological sites, artisan craft and organic shade-grown coffee cooperatives, Pacific turtle rescue site, service learning projects with indigenous communities, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Mexico City.
• Workshops on Oaxacan cooking, herbal medicine, weaving, ceramics, and music.
• Home-stay and optional Intercambio with Mexican conversation partners.
• Credit-bearing academic internships at NGO's working on community health issues (AIDS and deafness), food security, economic development, indigenous rights and empowerment, gender equality , alternative tourism, and environmental protection. Lista de organizaciones  

Pre-requirement

Sophomore, junior, or senior standing; minimum 3.0 or higher G.P.A.; must be a student in good standing.

Completion of Spanish 202, preferably 301, at PLU or the equivalent

Demonstrated interest in one of the following: Latin American Studies and/or Mexican history, politics, economic development, and culture; Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Gender Studies, Ethnic Studies, Latino Studies, International Relations, cross-cultural education, literacy, international law, public policy/administration

Cost

The university comprehensive fee for Fall 2012 covers this academic experience (instruction and academic credit, home-stay and two meals a day and meal stipend, scheduled study tours, study abroad insurance, and visa fees.) Round trip air travel, personal excursions, and other miscellaneous expenses are not included in program cost. Financial aid applies.

Application Process

Completed application materials are due to the Wang Center by March 16, 2012 for the fall 2012 program. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due with the application. A $250 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation is due within 10 days of acceptance. NOTE: An additional application form and an interview are required for students who want to participate in internships. The internship application will be distributed to all students upon acceptance to the program.

For more information contact

Dr. Tamara Williams, Program Director, Oaxaca, (253) 535-7678 or williatr@plu.edu

Tanya Ulsted, Wang Center for Global Education (253) 535-7577 or ulstedtj@plu.edu

Pacific Lutheran University reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. Should circumstances require PLU to cancel a program, students will be notified immediately and confirmation deposits will be refunded.