The Yucatan Program immerses students in intercultural learning in Mexico for a full academic term. During this fourteen-week program, students develop the ability to communicate across barriers of language, culture and academic discipline. Students live with families in Merida and speak only Spanish as they take classes, conduct fieldwork and complete an independent research project.

Recent student projects include a study of the impact of maquiladoras based on interviews with workers, managers, and state officials responsible for attracting industry. Other projects range from an examination of the Caste War and social conflict in the 19th century to a study of the role of community-based organizations in the conservation of tropical rainforests.

The Yucatan Program has evolved over a decade to become the anchor of COA's International Studies Program, offering students the chance to gain experience and perspective as global citizens. "Most students move to a new intellectual plane," says Todd Little-Siebold, professor of history and Latin American studies. He adds that daily interactions with host families and community members enrich and deepen learning. "Through the home stays and projects, students learn to make themselves vulnerable to the world and form deep, abiding human relationships," he says. "Ultimately, they learn generosity."

Links

Todd Little-Siebold faculty page

Previous Years in the Yucatan:

Yucatan Term Abroad Winter 2004 

Yucatan Term Abroad Winter 2003

Yucatan Term Abroad Winter 2001

Yucatan Term Abroad Winter 2000

Yucatan Term Abroad Winter 1999

Yucatan Term Abroad Winter 1998