Study Away Catalog / Semester & Year Programs / Featured Programs
Oaxaca - Mexico: Development, Culture and Social Change
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.
Academic Program:
(16 credits, select 4 of these 6 courses, all taught in Spanish)
- Anthro 337: Anthropology of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec
- INTC 246: Cases in Third World Development
- Spanish 322: Latin American Culture and Civilization (focus: Mexico)
- Spanish 302/402 : Intensive Spanish in Oaxaca, Mexico
- Spanish 433: Special Topics in Latin American Literature and Culture
- COOP 477: International Work Experience
Program Highlights:
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Comprehensive program orientation includes visit to a local Oaxacan community.
- Study tours include visits to archeological sites, aritsan 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.
Cost:
The university comprehensive fee for fall 2008 covers this academic experience (instruction and academic credit, home-stay and two meals a day, 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.
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
Application Process:
Application form. Completed application materials are due to the Wang Center by March 10, 2008. 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 (also due by March 10th) and an interview are required for students who want to participate in internships.
For more information contact:
Dr. Tamara Williams, Program Director, Semester in Oaxaca (253) 535-7678 or williatr@plu.edu
Paloma Martinez-Carbajo, Assistant Professor of Languages and Literatures (253) 535-7311 or martinaa@plu.edu
Amy Fox, Acting Director of Study Away (253) 535-8754 or foxae@plu.edu
Wang Center for International Programs (253) 535-7577 or e-mail: wang.center@plu.edu or sojourn@plu.edu (peer advising)
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.