Social Work in a Latin American

Offered on site in Cuernavaca, Mexico, the Social Work in a Latin American Context program was jointly created in 2003 by a collaboration of CSWE accredited social work programs in the Minnesota/South Dakota area.

The mission of the program is to: develop cross-culturally competent, ethical social work professionals with a global perspective by providing a semester of transformative, experiential learning focused on social and economic justice.

Location:
The program is based in Cuernavaca, a city known for its perennial springtime (70-80 degrees). Cuernavaca, the capital of the state of Morelos, is about 50 miles south of Mexico City. Both the city and the state are important in Mexican history: the palace of the conqueror Hernan Cortez borders the central plaza in Cuernavaca and Morelos is known as “the cradle of the Mexican revolution” of 1910 led by Emiliano Zapata, who was born in a small town near Cuernavaca. A city of more than one million, Cuernavaca is also known for its innovative grass-roots education programs, economic cooperatives, and base Christian communities inspired by liberation theology.

Housing
The Center for Global Education maintains two houses in Cuernavaca which will be your home base during the semester. It is located in Colonia San Anton, across the street from the language school where you will take your Spanish classes and just a 15 minute walk from downtown Cuernavaca. Approximately four students will share a room. There is also common living space for classes, study and leisure time, as well as a small library. Meals (including vegetarian options) are prepared and served on the premises.

Homestay
You will spend four weeks living with a local working class family in Cuernavaca.

Staff
Courses will be taught both by Augsburg’s adjunct professors based in Mexico and a social work professor from one of the CSWE accredited co-sponsoring schools. In addition, the program is supported by a Mexican Social Work Advisory Council that provides guest lectures and assistance with program activities. You will also be assisted by an intern/resident advisor who lives in the house and assists in planning house meetings and activities.

Community Service and Internships
The program offers the option of community service opportunities. In addition, field experience placements are available for students with intermediate to advanced language proficiency (a limited number of placements are available for students with fewer Spanish language skills).

Requirements:
The program is intended for sophomores, juniors and seniors at the consortium schools (please check with your social work program to see when it works best in your curriculum). Students from consortium schools are given priority in admissions, and the selection of students is made at each participating school. Students are accepted from other CSWE accredited institutions on a space-available basis. One previous college-level course in Spanish or its equivalent is required. This can be done in January in Mexico before starting the program, if necessary. Students from non-participating schools should be social work majors and have completed an introductory social work course.

Credit:
The equivalent of four courses or 16 semester hours.

Application Deadlines:
October 15 for the spring term.

Cost:
The overall cost covers tuition, room and board and all program costs in Mexico. Students are responsible for their travel to and from the program. The price is comparable to room, board, and tuition at Augsburg College. Contact the Center for Global Education for specific information. (e-mail: globaled@augsburg.edu or call 800-299-8889).

For more information, go to: http://www.augsburg.edu/global/spa/swksem.html