INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE

UMD Programs in Mexico

The University of Minnesota Duluth offers short-term programs to Mexico. Mexico of today ranks high among countries by total land area as well as population. About 108 million people live in Mexico, making it the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. The capital, Mexico City, also ranks among the most populous in the world with over 8.7 million inhabitants in the municipality and over 19 million in the greater area. Mexico's rugged mountains, sandy beaches, climate that ranges from temperate to tropical, and incredibly diverse ecosystems all add to the country's unique character. Mexico has a rich history, the lands ruled by native civilizations for almost 3,000 years. Spanish conquests in the 16th century led to a 300 years of colonial rule. After a long battle for independence, the country faced many years of instability with power struggles, revolutions and wars. Today, Mexico still faces numerous social and economic challenges as well as environmental.

Students will become more fluent in the Spanish language while living with families and attending class where all instruction and conversation will be conducted in Spanish. Students will also learn and experience Mexican history and culture.

Winter break program -- not offered during 2007-2008 academic year.

Students will explore social, socioeconomic, environmental, human rights, and political issues with special focus on gender and the indigenous people in Mexico; examine the complexity of gender, class, and ethnicity at various sites in Mexico; and visit with local non-governmental organizations and interact with indigenous community members.