Mexico | Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Mexico

Social Services in Isla Mujeres, Mexico (SASS 575)

3 credits or 30 CEUs

Older woman sitting behind large display of bright orange flowers

This course is designed to familiarize participants with social service issues in Mexico. Participants will learn Spanish each morning, followed by visits to field sites and service learning projects with specific organizations. The experience challenges participants to compare Mexico with the United States, and to understand the strengths and weaknesses of social policies and social service organizations in both countries. This course acquaints participants with the historical and socio-political factors that influence the development of social services in the nongovernmental sector (private, nonprofit) and governmental sector in Mexico. The roles of the helping professions are explored via agency visits, lectures, and collaboration with Mexican professionals. The program is an intense small group experience in living, learning, traveling and studying. Programming and logistics are coordinated in Mexico by Karen Rosenberg, MSSA, LISW-S.

We invite alumni and other social work professionals to participate in our study abroad courses on a selected basis. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dr. David Miller.

Meet the course leader, Dr. Victor Groza

Meet the course leader, Dr. Zoë Breen Wood

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Planned Site Visits (Subject to Change)

DIF Program: DIF is the National System for Integral Family Development, a Mexican public institution of social assistance that focuses on strengthening and developing the welfare of Mexican families. Participants in this course will consult with DIF professionals working in programs addressing domestic violence, child protective services, mental health and addictions.

Women's Bead Cooperative: Meet local women artisans who make handcrafted beaded jewelry. Explore the role cooperatives have in the empowerment and economy of vulnerable populations and as a social support system for each other.

Cruz Roja University: Discussion of secondary trauma with first responders and emergency social work teams in Cancun.

Spanish Lessons: Take daily small group Spanish lessons designed for an array of student levels ranging from beginner to advanced.

Service Learning Projects: Volunteer with residents at Casa Hogar, a group home for neglected, abused and abandoned children and The Little Yellow School House, a school for special needs children. Participate in a public health diabetes clinic and meet with medical professionals and patients.

Optional Experiences: Participate in optional classes and excursions, in beaded jewelry making, batik art and Yucateca, Mexican cooking. Two one-day trips will be offered to the ancient Mayan archaeological site of Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the world, and a boat/snorkeling excursion to Isla Contoy, a national park and bird sanctuary (optional excursions not covered by the program fee).

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