Leadership & Consensus Decision-taking for Social Change with Living Routes

  Mexico

Rural Areas

Term: Winter 
Dates: January 3 - 24

Description: Study abroad in Mexico and learn the skills needed to bring a group together around a common vision and effect positive change. Working with "usos y costumbres" (traditional ways of doing things), students assess the needs of the emerging ecovillage at Huehuecoyotl or a neighboring national forest and design and complete a community service project that will benefit those who live in the area. Working in small groups under the guidance of expert faculty, students practice the skills and stories that make responsible leaders effective in formulating and carrying out a successful vision for the future.

Located in the volcano belt of central Mexico, Huehuecoyotl was founded over 20 years ago by a diverse international group of artists and musicians, political activists and ecologists. Since then the community has evolved into a thriving residential community and learning center for permaculture design, consensus process and cross-cultural understanding. Huehuecoyotl is a showcase for green (and beautiful) building and ecological site planning and design. Community members are bilingual (English/Spanish) and opportunities to practice Spanish abound.

Highlights: Learn to use consensus decision making techniques to acheive real world solutions as you earn 4 transferable credits from UMass Amherst. Learn about sustainable lifestyle practices and become part of a community living in harmony with its natural environment. Visit sites dating from the Aztec empire, the Spanish conquest, the Mexican Revolution and the contemporary fight against globalism and reflect on the cultural implications of these historic phenomena. Brush up on your Spanish speaking and comprehension through optional conversation classes nightly.

* Visit sites dating from the Aztec empire, the Spanish conquest, the Mexican Revolution and the contemporary fight against globalism and reflect on the cultural implications of these historic phenomena

* Under the shadow of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanos, walk rugged and beautiful mountain trails used for millennia

* Visit Xochicalco, Tepoztlan and sights of historic and cultural interest

* Enjoy the crafts, theatre and music of indigenous artists from throughout Mexico

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 2,550

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-12

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home