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Some students crack a textbook and learn Spanish.
But others can learn Spanish and receive course credits by actually living in Mexico.
Wesleyan’s International Programs department will travel to Cuernavaca, Acapulco and Mexico City, Mexico from July 11 to 25. The majority of the trip takes place in Cuernavaca where students pick two out of three upper-level Spanish courses to study while they stay with Mexican families.
“We want to give students an experience that’s beyond what they would see as a tourist,” said Marie Boisvert, director of international programs. “The real value in the study abroad experience is seeing how everyday people in Mexico live, what their everyday life is like and experiencing their culture more firsthand.”
Boisvert used the example of staying in a beach resort to illustrate a tourist’s disconnection with the real essence of a location.
“If you never explore beyond that, you’re not going to have a real sense of what it is to experience the culture,” she said.
There are both obvious and hidden benefits to studying abroad. Complete language immersion is an advantage taking courses in Mexico has over taking courses in a Wesleyan classroom, Boisvert said.
“Instead of going home and speaking English, ordering something at the store or getting around here speaking English,” she said. “If you’re in Mexico, you have to do everything in Spanish. You’re thinking in Spanish and your language capabilities grow exponentially.”
Roberto Gomez, assistant director for the Language Education Travel Service, said that seeing how the Mexican people live and play helps students understand immigrants in the U.S.
“Students often express how their experiences in Mexico broadened their understanding and increased their appreciation for the people of this country,” he said. “They have expressed their amazement at the way Mexican families display their emotions, respect and family unity in the home. Some of their preconceived ideas are dispelled.”
Gomez said studying in Mexico allows students to see the riches, grandeur and poverty of Mexico, something which cannot be shown in a classroom.
“In the classroom, they couldn’t see or understand why there are so many street vendors in Mexico—some as young as 5 years old,” he said.
The trip also creates a sense of community which helps students perform better academically and can increase their chances of earning a degree, she said.
“Once you feel that connection, you’re more likely to graduate,” Boisvert said. “Research suggests that study abroad helps students persist to graduation in a four-year degree.”
Dr. Amy Bell, associate professor of Spanish who leads the trip, attests to the benefits of studying abroad. As both of her parents are retired professors of German, she said traveling abroad is “in her blood.”
“I’ve been going on programs like this since I was an undergraduate,” she said. “It’s the best thing.”
Bell said living with families helps students think, act, eat and drink like them. Past experiences have resulted in lifelong friendships.
“It’s always the same families, so evidently it’s a positive experience,” Bell said. “Otherwise, the families would say, ‘no mas.’”
Students accustomed to strict schedules are in for culture shock.
“If you’re used to everything being done on time, that’s just not the way,” Bell said. “If they close for siesta you’re not getting your product. Just have a beer.”
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