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Mexico Summer Program: Service Learning & Language Immersion

Mexico City, Mexico

A modern metropolis of over 22 million people, Mexico City is home to numerous civic organizations working to improve the situation of Mexicans living in one of the planet's largest cities. This commitment to civic action and development through volunteering attacts a diverse cross-section of people to this vibrant urban setting. With a fascinating blend of Colonial and Aztec roots, this cosmopolitan capital city of a country of over 100 million inhabitants has become a thriving center for commerce, finance, cultural activities, and the arts. For students interested in immersing themselves in an urban environment where Spanish language and the cultures of Mexico come together, and where a commitment to positive social change is of the utmost importance, look no further than spending a summer in Mexico City.

The ACM Mexico Summer Program: Service Learning & Language Immersion is a new short-term summer program starting in the summer of 2010. This six-week program (with the option to extend to eight weeks) takes students into the heart of Mexico City, where they will be immersed in Mexican culture and Spanish language. A key component of the program is placement in a non-governmental organization (NGO) for the duration of the program. There will be a variety of organizations available to work with, and students will be actively engaged in service learning work with their specific organization. Upon arrival in Mexico City, the NGO placement will be determined by both interests of the student, and their Spanish language ability.

In addition, students will take a Spanish language placement test, and will then take intensive Spanish language classes for the duration of the program. A variety of other classes on Mexican history and culture, along with an assortment of field trips, help to round out the academic experience of living in Mexico. While in Mexico City, students will stay with host families, further immersing themselves into Mexican culture.

For more detailed information, please use the links located on the left-hand side of this page.

This program was established with generous support from the MacArthur Foundation.

Quick Facts

Term: Summer
Language prerequisite: Spanish
Language of instruction: Spanish
Living arrangements: Host family

Application deadlines

March 15, 2010

Summer 2010 program

If the deadline has passed and you are interested in applying, contact the ACM Office immediately. Late applications may be accepted on a space-available basis.