International Programs

Study Abroad Information for Linfield Students

Semester Abroad in Mexico

image of country
Students descend the pyramid.

Study for a semester at the Instituto Cultural Oaxaca A.C. Experience the rich culture of Mexico while studying and living with a Mexican host family.

Nestled in the central valley of the state of OAXACA, this beautiful city is located 300 miles southeast of Mexico City and 120 miles from the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast. The tropical mountains and valleys that surround the city create a microclimate that hosts many thousands of plant varieties and, combined with the altitude of 5,000 ft., ensures mild weather conditions.

Dates: Linfield's semester abroad program in Mexico is offered during spring semester. It takes place from the beginning of February to the end of May.

Selection Criterium: This program is open to students in good academic and social standing who have completed at least one semester at Linfield with a minimum 2.75 cum. GPA. 1 year of college-level Spanish at the time of application is required; 2 years are preferred. Preference is given students who have maintained a B average in their Spanish classes. Participants must take or audit a Spanish language course during the semester directly preceding their semester in Oaxaca. Selection can be competitive, based on language proficiency, written application with essay, interview and students must be in good academic and social standing.

Curriculum: IDST 031 - Intercultural Communication: Departure and Reentry; 1 credit. Students take one language course at the Instituto: MLSP 320/MLS 321 or MLSP 370/MLS 371 Spanish language practice, 5 credits. Other required and elective courses vary each spring, depending upon the academic and teaching area of the accompanying Linfield faculty director. A list of courses will be available six months prior to the start of each spring semester.

For spring, 2014, other than Spanish language, students will take:

EDUC 250 Language Policy, Issues and Advocacy for ESOL with Professor Kena Avila. Analyze and evaluate the historical, political,socio-cultural, and linguistic issues related tolocal, state, and federal laws and policies regarding English Language Learners (ELL), their families, schools and community. Assess and advocate for ELL students to develop policies and systems of support for ELL students. (Prereq: EDUC 150, 230; 3 credits)

IDST 275 Oaxacan Anthropology, Spanish immersion with Dr. Jorge Hernandez-Diaz (4 credits, IS, VP or GP)

IDST 280 Practices in Community Interaction, Spanish immersion (2-3 credits)

ICO cultural workshops: weaving, cooking, dancing, music, Mexican History, etc (no credit)

Electives:

MLSP 480 Independent Study (1-2 credits)

Internship: According to major and approval by advisor (1 credit)

Field Trips: Included are many faculty-led field trips to archaeological sites, craft villages, natural and historical monuments.

Housing: Students live with host families in Oaxaca.

"Volunteering and teaching English to the Zapotec community of Teotitlan del Valle was a life changing experience. It allowed my love for helping others to flourish as well as tied closely to my future aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator!" Peter Sequeira '11

Study Abroad Information for Linfield Students

Semester Abroad in Mexico

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