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Service Learning in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Program Information | Location Information | Courses Available | Eligibility | Costs | Deadlines & Dates | Orientation | Housing | What's Next? | Photos | Helpful Links
| PROGRAM TERMS | Winter Break 2010 |
| PROGRAM DATES | January 6-16, 2010 |
| CLASS STANDING | Sophomore, Junior, Senior |
| DEADLINE TO APPLY |
Extended: November 1, 2009 |
| FEES | TBD |
| FINANCIAL AID | Yes |
| GPA | 2.5 |
| LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION |
English |
Program Information
This course provides students with a guided field experience in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Students will participate in service-learning activities in area schools and rehabilitation centers. The course will also include reflection, discussion and observation of Mexican culture and special education services in Mexico. Minimal Spanish speaking skills are desirable, but not required.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a beautiful city by the bay and has a population of over 300,000 friendly residents and covers more than 1,200 square kilometers. This is a city with modern infrastructure and conveniences that has somehow managed to maintain its unique Old Mexico charm, unlike so many of the other more glitzy resorts. In many any areas of Puerto Vallarta you will feel like you are taking a step back in time. A step back to a much simpler time, donkeys are still used for delivery in many parts of this unique city. Many of the crafts available here are made by local Indians who have been producing their wares using the same methods for hundreds of years.
A modern marina and cruise ship port attract visitors on ships and yachts from all over the world. The city's clean, friendly atmosphere, unique Old Mexico ambiance and incredibly diverse shopping possibilities attract International and Mexican tourists in droves. These unique attractions lure many of these visitors to return over and over again. Many of these tourists end up becoming full time residents or retiring in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta enjoys over 300 sunny days a year with temperatures averaging right around 83 degrees. Many visitors do not realize that Puerto Vallarta is situated on the same latitude as Hawaii and enjoys a similar sunny and tropical climate. English is widely spoken, especially in the downtown shopping and dining areas.
Courses Available
Students will complete FST 5081/CSD 5195: Special Topics: Service-learning in Mexico, which is a 3 credit course. Participants will also learn about the Mexican culture through fieldtrips and guided city tours.
Eligibility
Participants must be education majors (UECH, ElEd and Sec Ed and CSD). Participants MUST have a passport, valid for at least 6 months after their return to the U.S. Students also should be in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.5.
Costs
The program package cost is to be determined. A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account and a deposit of $400 will be billed to your student account upon your confirmation of participation. The remainder of the program fee will be billed through Student Accounts Receivable.
The program package includes:
- Tuition for 3-credit course
- Roundtrip airfare from Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Accommodation in Puerto Vallarta
- Three group meals
- Bus fare for class related service learning placements and field trips
- Cultural Insurance Services International health insurance
Students are responsible for the cost of meals other than the three group meals included in the program cost. The estimated daily meal expense is approximately $15-$20 a day. Other items not included are the cost of obtaining a passport and personal spending money. It is recommended that all participants bring additional money for personal and miscellaneous expenses.
Fluctuating currency exchange rates may increase or decrease the cost of your international experience. Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student. There are several study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students.
Deadlines & Dates
The application deadline is extended to November 1, 2009. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the class will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Program dates are January 6-16, 2010.
Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientations will be held. Pre-departure orientations will include information about financial aid information, international insurance, class work, travel tips and a general study abroad handbook.
Accommodations in Puerto Vallarta will be at the Villa del Palmar hotel. Students will stay in 2 bedroom suites.
What's Next?
Before applying, it is a good idea to follow the steps under steps to studying abroad. The IEO web site also provides information on financing, health & safety and other important information to consider when choosing to study abroad. When ready to apply, the UMD study abroad application may be downloaded from the IEO web site. Please complete the application with required accompanying materials and return it to IEO.
Contact Shannon Godsey or Mary Marchel for program questions. For application/registration and location questions, contact Leigh Neys at (218) 726-7053 or email: lneys@d.umn.edu.
