Live, Learn and Lead in Springfield’s Mexican Sister City

Not everyday does someone have the opportunity to turn compassion into action and see true results of their work.  Participants will see such satisfaction in this study and service trip to Mexico. This program will introduce students to Mexico in its multifaceted aspects.  Students will explore Mexico’s geography, economy, its peoples, history, literature, and politics to gain a better understanding of the formation of a New World country.

Students will also have the opportunity to work together with the local community in a service-learning project that provides a unique volunteer opportunity to assist the city’s department of human services. Students will ready many neighborhoods in Tlaquepaque for the torrential summer rainy season that typically begins in July. These rains displace many families from their homes due to flooding that can occur within the city.  Service efforts will involve stocking neighborhood safe havens with food, cots, clothing, toys for children, etc. This service experience is part of a collaborative effort with Drury’s Spanish Department to introduce students to the country’s rich history, its peoples, and its complex relationship with the United States.     Tlaquepaque, Mexico is a Sister City partner with Drury’s home city of Springfield, Missouri.  Participants on this trip will not only live, learn and lead in a beautiful and fun city and meet its charming people, but will also serve as Sister City representatives from their Sister City in Springfield, Missouri.  Students will have the opportunity to meet city dignitaries, city leaders, college students from the University of Guadalajara, and friends of the Springfield-Tlaquepaque Sister City relationship.  There will be bountiful opportunities to see unique facets to Mexican city government and tourism.

Dates of travel: May 22 – June 12, 2010
Program Fee*: $3,200 per student
Tuition for 5 credit hours: $905 per student
Tuition for Leadership 1 credit hour: $181 per student
Personal Expenses**: Approximately $500 per student

Total Approximate Cost: $4,286 per student

First Non-Refundable Deposit: $500 due December 1, 2009

Remaining balance due by March 1, 2010 (refund policy explained in program description handout)

* Program fee includes airfare, health insurance, all housing costs, weekday breakfast and lunch meals, all planned group transportation expenses, project t-shirt, and service project supply costs.  Prices are subject to the fluctuation in the value of the dollar in foreign markets. 

**Personal expenses include weekday evening meals, all weekend meals, souvenirs, passport costs, textbook, personal items, etc.


Courses (6 hours):

SPAN 381: Cultures of the Hispanic World: Mexico (3 credit hours; satisfies the “Minorities and Indigenous Cultures” GP21 requirement)
 
SPAN 315-320: Service to the Hispanic Community (2 credit hours)
Spanish majors and minors must sign up for two service courses. These courses are required.

PDEV 284: Leadership and the World (1 credit hour)


For more information, please contact:

Dr. Elizabeth Nichols
enichols@drury.edu
(417) 873-6925
Or:
Mr. Ed Derr
ederr@drury.edu
(417) 873-7457

Related Links:
Quinta Don Jose B&B Hotel
www.quintadonjose.com

Springfield Sister Cities/Tlaquepaque
www.springfieldmogov.org/sistercities/tlaquemap.html