Social Work in a Latin American Context in Cuernavaca Mexico
Please be advised that the information below is preliminary information. Check back often for more details or stop by the Education Abroad Office to speak with an advisor about the program.
Program Liaison: Professor Mary Kay Brennan
Approved participants maintain enrollment at Seattle University and pay tuition directly to Seattle University. This cost includes tuition, field research trips, pre-departure reading materials, CGE medical insurance, pre-departure and onsite orientation, airport transfers, and the services of a Resident Director. Room and board fees are paid directly to CGE. Airfare from the U.S. and personal funds are not included. The university maintains all financial aid including institutional scholarships.
In partnership with Augsburg college students in the Social Work program have the opportunity to study abroad in Cuernavaca Mexico during the Winter and Spring quarters.
The mission of the program is to: develop cross-culturally competent, ethical social work professionals with a global perspective by providing a semester of transformative, experiential learning focused on social and economic justice.
Location: The program is based in Cuernavaca, a city known for its perennial springtime (70-80 degrees). Cuernavaca, the capital of the state of Morelos, is about 50 miles south of Mexico City. Both the city and the state are important in Mexican history: the palace of the conqueror Hernan Cortez borders the central plaza in Cuernavaca and Morelos is known as “the cradle of the Mexican revolution” of 1910 led by Emiliano Zapata, who was born in a small town near Cuernavaca. A city of more than one million, Cuernavaca is also known for its innovative grass-roots education programs, economic cooperatives, and base Christian communities inspired by liberation theology.
Housing: The Center for Global Education maintains two houses in Cuernavaca which will be your home base during the semester. It is located in Colonia San Anton, across the street from the language school where you will take your Spanish classes and just a 15 minute walk from downtown Cuernavaca. Approximately four students will share a room. There is also common living space for classes, study and leisure time, as well as a small library. Meals (including vegetarian options) are prepared and served on the premises.
Homestay: You will spend four weeks living with a local working class family in Cuernavaca.
Staff: Courses will be taught both by Augsburg’s adjunct professors based in Mexico and a social work professor from one of the CSWE accredited co-sponsoring schools. In addition, the program is supported by a Mexican Social Work Advisory Council that provides guest lectures and assistance with program activities. You will also be assisted by an intern/resident advisor who lives in the house and assists in planning house meetings and activities.
Community Service and Internships: The program offers the option of community service opportunities. In addition, field experience placements are available for students with intermediate to advanced language proficiency (a limited number of placements are available for students with fewer Spanish language skills).
Requirements: The program is intended for sophomores, juniors and seniors at the consortium schools (please check with your social work program to see when it works best in your curriculum). Students from consortium schools are given priority in admissions, and the selection of students is made at each participating school. Students are accepted from other CSWE accredited institutions on a space-available basis. One previous college-level course in Spanish or its equivalent is required. This can be done in January in Mexico before starting the program, if necessary. Students from non-participating schools should be social work majors and have completed an introductory social work course.
Participants are also required to have a strong Spanish language proficiency and must have completed Spanish classes through 135.
Click here for Seattle University elegibility requirements.
Credit: Students can earn 27 quarter credits on this program (18 semester credits). Please see the course equivalency matrix on the Social Work in a Latin American Context flyer.
For more information on the Cuernavaca program visit the Augsburg College Website
Application: Complete the SU Education Abroad Global Application, linked below, in addition to a CGE Application. Both applications, and all supporting documentation, should be submitted to the Education Abroad Office, PAVL 124, by the published SU deadlines. Please read the directions carefully on both applications to ensure that all materials have been submitted.
Deadline: February 15, 2013
Related Documents
Mexico -- Social Work in a Latin American Context
Related Links
Mexico Country Specific Information