Immersive and Enriching!

My experience with “Mexico: Migration, Borders, and Transnational Communities” was invaluable to my personal, academic, and professional development. My coursework and immersion in Oaxaca, Mexico gave me the opportunity to expand and sharpen my understanding of Spanish by pushing me to engage with others in a variety of contexts using my second language. The experience furnished me with an intimate understanding of migration in and through Mexico. The program also featured opportunities to explore various aspects of Mexican culture, including the history, art, and architecture of Puebla, the lush natural resources and grand mountains in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, the indigenous influences and artful handicrafts in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca, and the cultural and linguistic diversity of Chiapas. These experiences brought the culture to life and allowed me to become personally acquainted with the traditions and customs of each community. Through my time in Mexico, I will be a more linguistically proficient and culturally competent student and professional capable of offering unique and vital perspectives and insights to discussions on immigration, U.S.-Mexico relations, and cultural awareness in an increasingly globalized world.