Oaxaca is one of the most interesting and diverse states in Mexico. With 1/3 of its residents speaking one of 16 different indigenous languages, they have maintained much of their culture and identity, more so than most other places in Mexico. Oaxaca celebrates its diverse culture with traditional music and dance, art, and rich cuisine. Home stays will provide the students a unique study abroad experience and the opportunity to exchange ideas and practice their Spanish. The students will learn from local sociology professors about migration patterns among indigenous and mestizos from Oaxaca, within Mexico and the effects and impacts in the local communities when they leave the country and head North, to the US. Furthermore, students will learn about sustainable development, how interest-free micro-loans help women start or expand their small businesses, which could be anything from weaving rugs to raising chickens, making tortillas, or selling flowers in the local market. Students will have a chance to come in direct contact with these women and visit their communities through "Fundación En Vía" and have an authentic cultural experience.
All classes will be held at the prestigious and renowned Instituto Cultural Oaxaca (ICO), the oldest language school in Oaxaca city. It is located on the grounds of a beautiful 19th Century estate. Participants in this program will be able to visit archaeological and historical sites in Oaxaca city and its surroundings. Finally, the students will celebrate the Mexican Independence Day in the city center.
Dates
August 24 - September 18, 2020
- Students need to arrive in Oaxaca by August 23, 2020 and may leave on September 19, 2020.
Courses
Classes will be held at the Instituto Cultural Oaxaca, a language institute housed in a Colonial style home surrounded by lush gardens.
UPDATED – STUDY ABROAD POLICY
Students can take a maximum of 15 credits towards the major in Spanish, a maximum of 12 credits towards the minor in Spanish, and 10 credits in Spanish for General Studies credit, through study abroad program. |
SPAN 393: Migratory Impacts on Communities in Oaxaca (3 Credits, VLPA)
The seminar will address the experience of human migration, understanding it from the perspective of Oaxaca, viewing it as a territory of multiple motilities, where we will observe displacement, transitory migrations, and both the deportation and reception of displaced people. The seminar will address the experience of human migration, understanding it from the perspective of Oaxaca, viewing it as a territory of multiple motilities, where we will observe displacement, transitory migrations, and both the deportation and reception of displaced people. We will address a critical reflection of the use of the category "indigenous" in these migrations and address their specific attributes. Finally, we will conclude with the dilemma that confines the younger generations of children of Oaxaca immigrants in the United States to better understand their struggle with belonging and identity.
Learning goals include:
By the end of this course, the students will have a better understanding of:
-The impact of migration among the indigenous and mestizo communities in Oaxaca
-The effects of migration for the ones that stay behind and those who have to move away
-The issues that younger generations faced regarding identity and belonging.
SPAN 393: Sustainable Developments Case Study in Oaxaca (2 Credits, VLPA)
The course will provide an introduction to sustainable development as the guiding principle for international development. Students will have a clear understanding of the impact the UN Sustainable Development Goals have had in Oaxaca by examining the environmental, economic and social aspects of development. Students will analyze the contemporary challenges of the SDG's and will learn about the efforts from the varying stakeholders including Government, the International Community, NGOs and civil society. Finally, students will be able to compare and analyze the socio-economic impact of micro-loans among indigenous women.
Learning goals include:
By the end of this course, the students will:
-Have a foundation in sustainable development. Also learn how the UN sustainable development goals are being met in Oaxaca
-Be able to analyze the political, economic and social efforts made by the Government, International Organizations, NGOs and Civil Society by seeing a specific approach on some of the initiatives made in Oaxaca
-Study the practical case of "Fundación En Vía" with its particular model that provides opportunity to women, (including indigenous women) through micro-loans to better support themselves and their communities.
Requirements
Successful completion of SPAN 203, 216 or have 300 level or higher proficiency in Spanish by the end of Summer 2020.
Application
To apply to the program, please visit the UW Study Abroad Office webpage for the program and click on the Apply Now button.
Additional Links
Contact Information
Questions about the program can be answered by:
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Maria Gillman |