E-mail this pageSustainable Development and Cultural Studies in Southern Mexico
Programs in Latin America |
Programs in ChilePrograms in Mexico
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Why Southern Mexico Program?
SUNY Plattsburgh Latin American Studies faculty members direct this program and are onsite throughout the semester. They partner with the Centro de Encuentros y Diálogos Interculturales in Oaxaca. You will study grassroots, community-based development in Chiapas and Oaxaca in this unique Fall semester program that combines an immersion experience in Spanish language with field study of rural and indigenous-based social change and culture.
- Terms: Fall (end of August thru mid December)
- Eligibility: be enrolled in a US college or university; minimum sophomore standing at the time of participation; minimum 2.5 GPA; some Spanish.
- Credits: 18 credits, undergraduate
- Application Deadlines: March 15
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit the SUNY Application by March 15. You may download a copy from our website, or e-mail us for a copy at globaleducation@plattsburgh.edu. (Note: the 85.3kb SUNY Application PDF file requires the latest version of Acrobat Reader, which is available as a free download. )
Courses and Academics
You will take six weeks of intermediate-to-advanced Spanish; study social change theory that has arisen in response to neo-liberal globalization; and engage in individual research projects during the second half of the semester. Projects are supported by a course in ethnography. You will have access to community activists and academic mentors, such as the resident faculty from SUNY Plattsburgh and staff from CEDI.
The program includes weekly field trips to areas of ecological, cultural, and historical interest in a region that includes the richest archeological sites in Mayan and Zapotec Mexico. These excursions have included visits to archeological ruins, women-owned textile cooperatives, organic coffee cooperatives involved in the global fair trade system, community environmental projects, nongovernmental organizations, human rights groups, activist centers, and communities that have enhanced their autonomy since the Zapatista uprising of 1994. The semester also includes a week-long residence in an indigenous community.
Spanish Language (6 credits): Two courses (3 credits each), at the intermediate or advanced level, depending on student's completed coursework and testing level.
Latin American Studies 304/Sociology 304 Sustainable Communities and Cultural Studies (4 credits): Students will consider philosophies, theories and aspects of development, especially from indigenous perspectives. Includes meetings with nongovernmental organizations and community activists, as well as fieldtrips to communities and project sites. Course is bilingual, English- Spanish.
Latin American Studies 334/Sociology 334/ Spanish 334 Ethnography in Southern Mexico (4 credits): Eight-day field trip throughout the state of Oaxaca, visiting a variety of environments (cloud rainforest, co astal region, coffee-growing highlands), communities and indigenous peoples. Independent residence in rural indigenous community for ethnographic research. LAS334 and SOC334 are bilingual, English and Spanish. SPA334 fieldwork and written work are in Spanish. .
Latin American Studies 401/Interdisciplinary Studies 401 Southern Mexico Independent Research Project ( 4 credits): Each student will design and complete an independent research project, based on his/her individual interests and academic major. Students can draw on faculty and local experts specific to their topics for guidance and assistance.
Region and Program Location
The highland region of Southern Mexico is characterized by indigenous communities supported by horticulture, coffee cultivation, and work abroad. Cloud forests dominate the higher altitudes. Temperatures increase near the Pacific coastal region where volcanic soils support large-scale sugar, coffee, and cotton cultivation. On the border with Guatemala lies the Lacandon rain forest while to the west is the Isthmus region of Oaxaca with its rich fishing cultures. The program is based in Oaxaca City and San Cristóbal de las Casas. Oaxaca is an exciting locale with a colonial center city, surrounded by archelogical ruins and thriving communities of potters, weavers, and wood carvers. San Cristobal de las Casas, the capital during the colonial period, is located amid rolling mountains at 7,000 feet. Its name and tradition of progressive or liberation Catholicism honors a 16th century bishop who sought to protect the indigenous people from exploitation
2008 Estimated Costs Per Semester
- New York State Residents: $8,000
- Non New York State Residents : $10,500
- Includes:
- SUNY Tuition: $2175 for New York State Residents / $5305 for non New York State Residents
- Semester Abroad Fee (includes housing): $5825 for New York State Residents /$5195 for non New York State Residents
Other costs you will have to participate in this program:
- Application fee: $35 due when you apply
- Deposit: $350 due May 1
- International Health Insurance: $397 (you may waive SUNY insurance if your insurance covers you outside the United States and meets other minimum coverage levels)
- Roundtrip Airfare: fares vary drastically
- Passport: US passports currently cost $110
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you would like more information about the Study Abroad and Exchanges program at Plattsburgh State, please contact or visit us at:
Global Education Office101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 564-2321
Toll-Free Phone: (800) 388-6784
Fax: (518) 564-2326
E-mail: globaleducation@plattsburgh.edu
Location: We are physically located at 102 Broad St. on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, which is the brown house that sits at the corner of Broad and Beekman Streets across from the Kehoe Building.