Summer Study in Guadalajara, Mexico

Come join the Jefe Maximo this summer and study for 5 weeks in Guadalajara, Mexico. Yes, that's right, your fearless leader will be directing the Stone Center for Latin American Studies' Summer Program in Mexico. Information on the program can be found here. It's a great, well-established, and extremely fun program.

The program is centered out of the University of Guadalajara's Center for Foreign Students (or better known by its Spanish acronym as CEPE - Centro de Estudios Para Extranjeros)

There are lots of great things about this program. First, the course offerings are plentiful. You can study at just about every level of Spanish in the Tulane Spanish Department's curriculum -- 101, 102, 203, 325, and 336. But there are also a fair number of content courses as well. There are courses on Mexican Literature, Latin American Literature, Mexican Film, Mexican Culture, Mexican History, etc. etc., all in Spanish. And for those worried about their Spanish language skills, I myself teach a course on Mexican Politics in English just for Tulane Program students. The CEPE also coordinates community service volunteer opportunities at no cost to the students. So, there's something for everyone! In fact, if you want to check out some pictures of the CEPE and Guadalajara, check out my personal photo album of various pictures from a previous year's program.

In addition, the Tulane Summer in Mexico program also includes a variety of excursions and "fiestas." I lead a tour of the historic district of downtown Guadalajara in the first week of the program. I also organize a "bienvendio" (or welcome) fiesta and meal at a local restaurant for students on the Tulane Program. We'll take group trips to the surrounding communities of Tlaquepaque (Here's another Tlaquepaque link), the wonderful arts and crafts town of Tonala, the quaint Guadalajara neighborhood of Zapopan, home of the famous Virgin of Zapopan, the lake resort town of San Juan Cosala, the city of Tequila, famous across the world for a particular beverage that is as much a part of Mexican national culture as wine is to France, and many other places.

Guadalajara is also within striking distance from some of Mexico's most famous Pacific Coast beach resorts, the most famous being Puerto Vallarta.

The highlight of the extra-curriculars that I plan for the Tulane Group during the Summer Program is our long weekend trip to Mexico City. I charter a bus that takes us from Guadalajara to Mexico City and that stays with us for the entire weekend excursion. I put the group up in the very nice, comfortable Hotel Maria Cristina, which serves as our "Center of Operations" from which we strike out to visit the riches of Mexico City. We go to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, the Basilica and Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Chapultepec Castle and Chapultepec Park, Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky's homes in the lovely Coyoacan neighborhood of Soutern Mexico City, Bazaar Sabado in the Plaza de San Angel, the National Museum of History and Anthropology, the Zocalo (where we see the famous Diego Rivera murals in the National Palace and where we visit the massively impressively National Cathedral), the Alameda and the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Palace), not to mention strolling along the Paseo de la Reforma (a block off which is the Hotel Maria Cristina) and in the Zona Rosa (or the Pink Zone). If you want to see what you can look forward to as part of our Mexico City trip, take a look at another one of my personal photo album from a previous year's group excursion to Mexico City.

But that's not all! You'll get the unique opportunity to befriend and know Mexicans from Guadalajara since you'll be living and eating with Mexican families in their homes. These homestays are great for perfecting your Spanish-speaking skills, and they often result in lasting cross-national friendships. Usually, the houses where you'll be staying are also within walking distance or a short bus ride from the CEPE, and you normally share a room in their Mexican homes with another student on the Tulane Program (so you won't be too lonely for some company from home!). And I am always around and available to help you navigate your Summer Program experience, to work through any problems should they surface, and to make sure that your time in Guadalajara is both memorable and educational.

The cost of the program is $3,350 (airfare not included). And this amount covers the cost of 6-7 Tulane University academic credits, the various group events and excursions that I organize, travel health insurance, and meals and housing.

So, if you're itching to travel this summer, or if you're thinking of taking summer classes, or if you're just looking for a great, safe, and fun experience abroad this summer, COME TO GUADALAJARA -- it's certainly cheaper than staying in New Orleans and studying at Tulane in the oppressive heat of New Orleans summers, and it's a ton of fun! If you have any questions, I'm at your disposal.