International Service-Learning: Mexico

  Mexico

• Guadalajara: 
Guadalajara

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer 
Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Spring, Fall, Summer

Description: You will spend a semester or year in Guadalajara developing your Spanish skills; living with a Mexican family; studying Spanish language and Mexican contemporary issues; and serving approximately 20 hours a week in an established service agency. Your volunteer service immerses you in the culture and deepens your understanding of Mexican society in a way that goes beyond that experienced in traditional study abroad programs. It also facilitates your mastery of Spanish.

Academic Study

The program is based at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG), one of the leading universities of Mexico. UAG was founded as Mexico's first private university over 70 years ago and has been a pioneer in service-learning. Students take two required courses for a total of 10-22 credits. A transcript is issued by UAG upon successful completion of the program.

Volunteer Service

In Guadalajara, many agencies address the needs of street children, those abandoned or abused; those as young as four years old who work in the streets selling gum or other goods; and those whose parents work long hours or are in prison. Many IPSL students work with these children, providing teaching, recreation, and companionship. Other service opportunities include special education, teaching English, or working with Mexican social workers on programs designed to help the poor.

Highlights: The blending of the great Meso-American and Spanish cultures has made Mexico one of the worlds most rich and glorious cultures. Its architecture, music, and folk artas well as foodare appreciated throughout the world. As part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexico struggles to achieve economic parity with Canada and the U.S. It works to strengthen its democratic institutions and broaden the participation of its citizens in economic prosperity and education. Guadalajara, the nations second-largest city, is the capital of the State of Jalisco, which has given the country much of its distinguished character, justifying the traditional slogan, Jalisco is Mexico. It is an ideal place to experience this great nation in all its variety and complexity.

Qualifications: IPSL welcomes applicants from all nations and backgrounds. Language requirements for selected programs. Minimum age is 18. College students and graduates are encouraged to apply.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: IPSL participants are typically U.S. undergraduate students who want to study and volunteer abroad. They generally take 3-4 academic courses (12-15 credits) and do community service (12-20 hours per week). Participants want an integrated experience where learning and service work together.

Age Range: 18-30+

This Program is open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership's Mission Statement: The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership has two related missions: 1) offering programs uniting academic study and volunteer service to the community in international/ intercultural settings that are models for the practice of service-learning, and 2) promoting the theory and practice of service-learning through research, publications, conferences, and training.

Year Founded: 1982