Mexican Social Movements

  Mexico

• Mexico City: 
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)
• Central Highlands: 
Ciudad Juarez

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer 

Description: The Mexico Solidarity Network offers an academically rigorous study of the context, theory, and practice of Mexican Social Movements focusing on grassroots activism. Rather than just dealing with NGO staff, participants live in communities and with families active in some of Mexico's most dynamic living social movements.

This direct interaction with some of Mexico's most important social movements allows a unique integration of theory and practice. Our aim is to provide students with important lessons for their organizing work back home and an in depth appreciation of the struggles of:

* Indigenous Communities (Chiapas)
* Campesinos, ex-US guest workers, and organized sex workers (Tlaxcala)
* Autonomous urban organizing around housing and culture (Mexico City)

The Program is accredited by the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana in Mexico City. Hampshire College is the US school of record and issues formal transcripts upon request. The program is also recognized by the State University of New York (SUNY) system, New Mexico State University, Appalachian State University and more than 80 other institutions.

Highlights: Chiapas-Tlaxcala-Mexico City program:

Fall and Spring semesters: Earn 16 credits studying Mexican social movements in Chiapas, Tlaxcala, and Mexico City. The program focuses on the theory and practice of Mexican social movements, with important lessons for activism in the US context. This hands-on course includes workshops with the Universidad de la Tierra, autonomous local government in Oventic, the National Assembly of ex-Braceros, the National Urban-Campesino Council, and urban barrio organizations. The Spanish language component focuses on verbal communication skills.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD 3,900 - USD 8,500

The USD 8,500 program fee breaks down as follows:
- Tuition and books: USD 5,000
- Room, board and ground transportation: USD 3,500

Summer Semester
Your program fee of USD 3,900-USD 4,500 covers:
- 8 semester credits for courses accredited at the undergraduate or masters level by the Universidad Autónomo Metropolitano - Xochimilco (UAM-X)
- Food, lodging and ground transportation within Mexico
- Most books and reading materials
- Emergency health insurance

Experience Required: yes

Students must be at least 18 years old and have completed one year of university level Spanish or equivalent in high school or independent study. Preference is given to students who are currently involved in community-based organizations and/or grassroots political work.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Scholarships are Available. Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Mexico Solidarity Network's Mission Statement: The Mexico Solidarity Network struggles for democracy, economic justice and human rights on both sides of the US-Mexico border. Civil society must take the leading role in fomenting social change by developing democratic spaces and empowered communities that are outside of party/establishment structures, but always interacting with those structures. The Mexico Solidarity Network is a grassroots-based organization dedicated to profound social change that challenges existing power relationships and builds alternatives. We offer an academically rigorous, first-hand experience with Mexican social justice movements in our fall, spring and summer programming. Programs focus on grassroots activism, political science, sociology and Spanish language learning in Chiapas, Tlaxcala, and Mexico City, Mexico.

Year Founded: 1998