Semester in Mexico

The Program in Guadalajara

Often called the most Mexican of cities, Guadalajara is Mexico's second largest city. It is also a city of riveting contrasts between prosperity and poverty. During the fall semester at Guilford students travel to Mexico for a semester of study. Students enroll in the Center for Foreign Students (CEPE) at the University of Guadalajara.  

Course work will focus on language, culture, and community development, which is an innovative experiential learning component. By taking classes at CEPE with Mexican faculty, living in the home of a middle class family, joining student activities at the center, and immersing themselves in the community development course in poverty in low-income communities, students develop a rich understanding of the variegated life and culture of Mexico.

Requirements

A minimum of two semesters of college-level Spanish, or the equivalent, is required before applying for the Guadalajara semester. The typical language class has 10 students. Topical courses focus on culture, economic development, Mexican art, Mexican history, and the crisis in Central America.

In mid-August, students travel to Mexico for a semester of study arranged through the Foreign Student Studies Center at the University of Guadalajara. Following an initial orientation to the city, students will take up residence with a middle-class Mexican family as arranged by the University of Guadalajara.

The Courses

Topical courses: Students should find attractive complementary courses from a list that includes economic development, literature, culture and history, art, and the crisis in Central America. All courses are taught in Spanish.

Community Development: A special feature of the semester is the unique opportunity to develop language and primary research skills in a field project that involves students with social groups and problems they might not otherwise encounter. Through on-site experience, students will be able to see what it means to live in circumstances of "underdevelopment" while working with and getting to know a variety of people. The project will be part of an established program in a context that makes for self-confidence and success. Students will study theory, develop skills, and engage is group process discussions during classes conducted by a faculty member who will also supervise the field study.

Housing

At the orientation, the students will disperse to take up residence with welcoming families arranged by CEPE. These middle-class homes are carefully selected and are ususally within walking distance of classrooms and the library.

Expenses

The basic cost of the Semester in Guadalajara, from August through mid-December, is usually the equivalent of full residential semester at Guilford, plus airfare. (Unfavorable exchange rates may require the addition of a surcharge in order to maintain the quality of the program). This includes all instruction and fees at CEPE, housing, program-related travel and admission fees. Additional expenses will depend upon your own preferences. All federal, state, and college financial assistance, with the exception of work-study funds, is applicable to the Fall Semester in Guadalajara.

Application*

Junior or senior level students may pick up an application from the Office of Study Abroad Programs located in the International Center.

*Students must have special permission from the Study Abroad Director to participate in more than one semester abroad program.