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Home >> Diversity & Cultural Competence >> Travel Study to Mexico

Service Learning in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México

Goals

• Learn about Latino culture and life in Mexican cities and towns
• Learn about the role of the family and social services in providing care for vulnerable groups in Mexico
• Learn about the impact of immigration in Mexico
• Cultural experience by immersion
• Service learning

Requirements

• Two seminars prior to trip (during summer 07)
• Reading assigned prior to trip
• Travel together during trip
• Complete activities during travel seminar
• Participate in group reflection activities
• Journal daily while on trip
• A follow-up seminar after return from seminar
• Turn in written assignment one month after seminar.
• Participate in a presentation at the School of Social Work about the experience (Fall 2010)

Why Go?

• Better understand many of the immigrants in Iowa and the United States
• Experiential learning related to diversity
• Compare social and health services in a developing country and the USA
• Learn or improve Spanish
• Service learning experience

Application Process

• Application Form through Study Abroad
• Apply for Financial Aid through Study Abroad (Apply before March 9!)
• Interview with Susan Murty
• Limited to 15 students, both undergrad and grad students
  http://international.uiowa.edu/study-abroad/
  http://international.uiowa.edu/study-abroad/programs/crsprgdetail.asp?s=20111&rID=5&cID=88&pID=258&Crumb=123
  http://international.uiowa.edu/study-abroad/funding/default.asp

Student Comments

• "This trip has greatly impacted my personal and professional life. I would recommend that anyone with the opportunity to travel abroad and do service learning to take it. It truly is a life changing experience that will remain with you forever."
• "I really enjoy getting to know people who are living here like Alicia. I think that's what is making it so great is just getting to know them and their lives."
• "It was just kind of a jump for me to do this… I've had such good experience here that I'm going to be more willing to do this again. Do other things or even like little things like just take a risk. Things I normally wouldn't have done or gotten out of my like comfort zone. I think I'd be more willing to do that now."
• "You may not recognize your growth right now but later on you'll see how this has really been a growing experience a changing experience personally and professionally."