Summer Programs
.jpg)
July 3 - July 30: Mexico City (2 weeks) and Tlaxcala (2 weeks) - "Mexican social movements - urban and rural" covers the practice, theory and context of Mexico's most dynamic urban and rural social movements, including urban housing cooperatives, campesinos, ex-Braceros, and organized sex workers. The program focuses on the dynamics of immigration, the impacts of NAFTA, and the anti-capitalist orientations of social movements in search of autonomous alternatives. The program costs $2800 and students can receive a maximum of 5 credits. Here is the complete syllabus and schedule.
The Mexico Solidarity Network and the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), one of Mexico's most prestigious public universities, offer summer study abroad programs in Mexico. The programs utilize the modular system developed at the UAM - a student-centered pedagogy that emphasizes discussion, student presentations, group reflection, workshops with social actors on front-line struggles, and integration of theory with hands-on experience. Professors are organizers/academics with years of firsthand experience in popular struggles in Mexico and the United States. Course work includes required readings, discussion-based classes, workshops, field trips, and site visits.
Important Admissions Information:
All applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Applicants are NOT required to be enrolled in a college or university in order to participate in the program. Preference will be given to people who: a) exhibit a history of commitment to grassroots political struggles, b) are highly motivated and open to new experiences, c) are from low-income families, especially those from families who recently immigrated to the US. There are no refunds for the MSN summer study abroad program after the first day.
Application procedure
Application deadline for summer programs is March 31st.
To apply for the Mexico Solidarity Network Summer Study Abroad program:
1) Download the Approval of Participation form for the Taxcala/DF and Chiapas programs. Also download the appropriate syllabus/schedule (either the Zapatista Program in Chiapas or the Social Movements Program in Tlaxcala and D.F.). Next, bring both the Approval of Participation and the syllabus/schedule to your school's study abroad advisor and/or your academic advisor to ensure that your institution will give credit for the program. Our summer program is currently accredited by the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, which issues diplomas and transcripts. After you and your advisor complete the Approval of Participation form, send it to us via e-mail, mail, or fax (contact information listed below)
2) Download, complete, and send us your application. To pay the $25 application fee, go here and fill out the donation page making sure to write the semester you are applying to by writing "SAP [semester and year, e.g. Summer 2011]" in the comments box. You can also send a check made out to "Mexico-US Solidarity Network" and mail it to the address below or call our office and give us your credit card information.
3) Forward the Reference Form to your two references for completion. Ask them to send their completed forms to us by e-mail, fax, or snail mail (info below).
5) Once we receive your completed application (including references and application fee), we will arrange a telephone interview with you. Offers of admission are generally made within two weeks of the interview and reciept of references.
6) Within two weeks of your acceptance, you must fill out and send in a Confirmation of Participation form and make a non-refundable deposit of $500 in order to reserve your place on the program. Also, please read and become familiar with our Conditions of Participation.
7) There is a $300 discount for participants who pay tuition by March 15th.
Otherwise, full payment of program fee is due by April 30th.
8) You and your physician will also need to fill out the following medical form in conjunction with a scheduled medical examination. Please make your doctor's appointment early as it can often be difficult to see doctors at the last minute.
9) Email, mail or fax the remaining materials at least one month before the start date of the program:
a. flight information
b. clear copy of passport
c. release form
10) Use this checklist to make sure you're on track with your application process.
Payment Breakdown and Instructions
4-week programs
$1,500 tuition
$1,300 room, board and ground transportation
All tuition, fees, and donations can be made by credit card or check. Click here for instructions to donate with a credit card. Otherwise you can send a check or money order to our physical address listed below.
Scholarships
The Mexico Solidarity Network offers a limited scholarship program. For more information and an application, go to fees and payment schedule. The deadline for scholarship applications for the Summer programs is March 15th. Scholarship applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
*For more information, please contact us via your preferred medium, estamos a la orden a:
Mexico-US Solidarity Network
3460 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60625-5139
office: (773) 583-7728
fax: (773) 583-7738
msn@mexicosolidarity.org
