Academics
The Center for International Education (CIEL) at Universidad La Salle takes pride in promoting intercultural programs designed to build bridges between Mexico and other nations. Through intellectually-challenging and emotionally-stimulating learning experiences, they bring students face-to-face with Mexican culture.
This summer service learning program is open to current students and recent graduates. For those students wishing to pursue academic credits, they may work with their college to pursue internship credits for the work done in their NGO and/or Spanish language credits for the Spanish classwork.
All students in the ACM Mexico Summer Program will participate in several areas of study for the duration of the program:
Structured service learning/work experience with a non-governmental organization
(80-100 hours, 6-week option)
(120-180 hours, 8-week option)
Prior to arrival in Mexico City, and at the beginning of the program, staff from the Center for International Education (CIEL) will help place students in a non-governmental organization (NGO) that meets the needs of the student, and is appropriate for their Spanish language abilities. There are a wide variety of organizations from which to choose, and the CIEL staff will work with the individual needs of each student to find an organization that is a match for their interests. Students will be placed in that organization for the duration of their stay, spending approximately 20 hours/week doing work there. For a more detailed listing of organizations, please refer to the internship power point or the internship directory. Note: Students may extend their stay to eight weeks (at pro-rated costs) to secure additional hours toward possible internship credit at their home campus. If a student is interested in getting internship or service learning credits from their home campus, they should work closely with their faculty advisor prior to participating in the program. They should also alert ACM, so staff can help assure that the student completes any requirements needed to qualify for credit.
Intensive Spanish language instruction (40 hours)
Upon arrival to Mexico City, students will take a Spanish language placement exam. They will then be placed into the appropriate level of language instruction, taking Spanish language classwork at Universidad La Salle for the duration of the program. Approximately 8 hours/week will be spent in Spanish language class. Students will be given a university transcript upon completion of the class. Please refer to the course descriptions page for detailed information about the Spanish language course. Since the amount of instruction is comparable to a typical college class, students who wish to pursue academic credit for the Spanish language class should work closely with their faculty advisor prior to participating in the program.
Classes on Mexican History, Culture, Traditions, and Intercultural Awareness (12 hours)
Throughout the program, students will also experience a variety of classes on Mexican history, culture, and traditions. These classes give students additional perspective on the culture within which they are living, studying, and working. Various speakers will speak on different topics each week, bringing a variety of viewpoints to these areas of cultural awareness.
Field trips
Throughout the six-week program, students will also have the opportunity to go on several day field trips, such as:
- Historic Downtown Center
- Basilica of Guadalupe/Pyramids
- Coyoacán, Frida Kahlo Museum
- Xochimilco/Dolores Olmedo Museum
- Chapultepec Castle and the Museum of Anthropology