Pre-Departure Guide Mexico Summer 2019

Home , Chihuahua City, Pulqueria, Zacatecas City

Mexico Summer 2019 Page 1

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Academic Information E. Locale and Facilities A. Faculty and Staff in Mexico 1. Cuernavaca 2. Currency Exchange B. Who to Contact 3. Time C. Book List 4. Weather Conditions D. Registration and Course Information 5. Housing: Facilities and House Rules 1. Registration Information and Dead- G. Communication lines 1. Mailing Address 2. Guidelines and Recommendation for 2. Phones and Phone Numbers Course Registration 3. Computers, Email. Internet Access 3. Information regarding Registration 4. Library Resources for Spanish Courses 5. During Homestay 4. Class Schedule and Contact Hours H. Travel Information E. Related Components 1. Arrival in Cuernavaca 1. Orientation 2. Entry Requirement 2. Excursions 3. Travel within Mexico 3. Concurrent Programs 4. Visits from Family and Friends 4. Living/Learning Environment I. Extracurricular Activities in Cuernavaca 5. Homestays 1. Exercise Options, Sports and Hobbies F. Tentative Calendars and Schedule Infor- 2. Recommended Activities/Locations mation 3. Religious Life J. Money Matters II. General Information K. What To Bring A. Safety and Security 1. General Recommendations 1. Registration with U.S. Embassy 2. Suggested Packing Check List 2. Travel Alerts in Mexico 3. Security Measures at Augsburg Study Map of Mexico and U.S. State Department Center Country Information 5. Travel Advice D. Health Information Advice from Former Students 1. Pre-Departure Resources A. For Students of Color 2. Insurance B. For White Students 3. Common Health Concerns C. For Persons Identifying as Recovering 4. HIV/AIDS Alcoholics or Addicts 5. Dengue Fever D. For Students with Mental Health Issues 6. Zika Virus from Former Students 7. Other Health Concerns E. For LGBTQ Students 8. Health Care Providers F. For Straight Students 9. Alcohol and Drug Abuse G. The GSA (“Gay-Straight Alliance”) 10. Mental Health 11. Diarrhea, Cholera, Typhoid and Dys- Appendices entery Prevention A. Augsburg University Policies B. Education for Life C. Cultural Awareness

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 3

CGEE FACULTY AND STAFF

Primary CGEE Faculty and Staff Working with the Mexico Summer Sessions

Antonio Ortega, Instructor and Summer Pro- Dr. Ann Lutterman-Aguilar, Mexico Site Direc- gram Coordinator or- tor and Instructor [email protected] lutter- Antonio has nearly [email protected] completed his doctor- In 2011, Ann earned ate in History, as he is her doctorate in in- currently in the process ternational feminist of writing his disserta- theologies from the tion. He earned his San Francisco Theo- Master’s degree in His- logical Seminary, tory at the Centro de which is affiliated with the Graduate Theologi- Investigación y Docen- cal Union at University of California- cia en Humanidades (CIDHEM) and his Licencia- Berkeley. She previously earned a Masters in tura (undergraduate degree + the equivalent of a Divinity (M.Div.), with a focus on Feminist The- one-year M.A.) in Accounting at La Salle Universi- ology and Latin American Liberation Theology ty in Mexico City. Antonio is a Certified Public from Yale University and her B.A. in Peace and Accountant who worked for several years in the Global Studies from Earlham College. In 2000, Mexican stock market. However, he wasn’t hap- she completed a certificate program in Inter- py wearing a suit and tie or living in Mexico City. cultural Communication. Prior to joining the He then went to Oxford, England, where he stud- CGEE-Mexico staff in 1993, Ann worked as a ied English, but after a year he felt homesick, so campus minister at Penn State University and he moved to Cuernavaca, where he has lived hap- in a refugee camp in El Salvador during the rev- pily ever after since 1990. Prior to joining CGEE in olution there. Her prior experience also in- January of 2003, Antonio spent several years cludes activism and volunteer work with HIV/ teaching English and working at CETLALIC Alter- AIDS patients, in homeless shelters, battered native Spanish School, where he promoted the women’s shelters, and a rape crisis center and school and coordinated the Gay and Lesbian hot-line. Her primary academic interests are in Studies Program. In 1999, Antonio received a the areas of intercultural communication, ex- Teaching Certificate from the Anglo American periential education, and religion, gender and School. He is also a founder and active member social change. She enjoys hiking, reading nov- of Grupo CD4, a non-profit organization devoted els, singing, playing piano, and participating in to fighting AIDS through sexual education. His community organizations that empower wom- primary academic interests are LGBT issues, liter- en. Ann is involved in the overall administration ature, and history. He enjoys traveling, movies, of the Mexico site, as well as teaching Religion reading, and writing. Antonio works with Lisanne and Women’s studies courses. During the sum- to set up the internships and facilitate the intern- mer, Ann will serve as the local registrar and ship seminar. liaison with the UNIVERSAL Spanish language school. Ann is proudly a dual citizen of Mexico and the U.S.A.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 4

Lisanne Morgan, Homestay Coordinator, Intern- Additional CGEE Staff in Cuernavaca ship Co-Coordinator and Program Coordinator [email protected] Laura Castro, cook. Lisanne earned an Laura started working at CGEE in 2018. She lives Honorary B.A. in in the Nahua indigenous village of Amatlan de Latin American and Quetzalcoatl and has previously cooked in hotels Caribbean Studies and with European families. She has one daugh- and Spanish from ter Ximena in College now. York University in Toronto. Before she Moisés (“Moi”) Aguilar Vargas, Grounds and began consulting for Maintenance Manager CGEE in 2002, she Moisés started working at CGEE in June of 2007, worked as a Program Director for the Cuernavaca just a week before he and his wife Monica had Centre for Intercultural Dialogue on Development their first child, Jatniel. He enjoys learning new (CCIDD) from 1995-2001. There she led groups things, dancing, and music. from the U.S. and Canada, facilitating a program for those interested in developing an understand- Ismael Canul, Driver ing of the political, social, cultural, and economic Ismael was born in Cuernavaca. He is married (to realities of Mexico through experiential learning. Lupita) and has three children: Felipe, Paco and After leaving CCIDD, Lisanne worked as a free- Erika.He is a taxi driver and has been working lance translator and consultant. She has also co- with CGEE since 1996. Ismael likes to listen to all ordinated and facilitated exposure programs to types of music, watch movies, and read the news- the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Cuba, paper. Chiapas, and Mexico City. Although she had previously worked as a consultant with CGEE, she Victor Colin, Cook joined the CGEE team more formally in January of Don Victor has helped out in the kitchen off and 2003. During her time with CGEE, she has spent on for several years. one semester in Cuba and another in Namibia, although most of her work has been in Mexico, Javier Resendiz, Night Watchman and Driver which has been her home since 1995. Lisanne is Javier started working for CGEE as a driver in responsible for coordinating students’ homestays 2010 and is currently one of our night watchmen. with Mexican host families and setting up, facili- He is from Cuernavaca but has also lived in the tating, and translating many of the experiential U.S. Javier has two sons. He enjoys driving and components of the program. She also sets up the practicing his English with students. internship placements and facilitates the internship seminar in coordination with Antonio Orte- Moisés Rios, Night Watchman and Driver ga. She also assists in teaching courses, particu- Born in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Moisés (who is larly as they relate to homestays and other expe- married to Isabel) works as one of the night riences in Mexico. In addition, Lisanne works with watchmen at CGEE. In addition to his job at CGEE, short-term courses that come to Mexico and Moisés drives a taxi for the local radio taxi com- travel to other countries. pany, Monarca, and thus also serves as one of the drivers on the students’ many excursions in and around Cuernavaca. As a result of his job, Moisés enjoys meeting the students and practicing his English with them.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 5

Natividad(“ Naty”) Rosas, Office Manager Registration for Courses, including any potential Naty was born in Mexico City and has worked at changes: [email protected] and cc orte- CGEE since 1991. Presently, she does administra- [email protected] and cgeemexi- tive work and oversees payroll and daily, weekly [email protected] and monthly budgets. She has two daughters and three granddaughters. Naty would love to Roommate Assignments and other pre-semester practice her English with participants. She has surveys: [email protected] lived in Puebla, Mexico, D.F., Cuernavaca and Los Angeles, California. Naty likes to cook, to dance, Travel Information (your arrival and departure sing Kareoke, and get to know people. times): [email protected] and cc ander- [email protected] Isabel Sanchez, Cleaning Staff Born in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Isabel has lived Travel Information II (your independent travel here her entire life. Isabel originally worked at within Mexico while on the pro- CGEE in the 90s, and returned in 2006. Isabel has gram): [email protected] and cc lutter- five children and four grandchildren. She works [email protected] hard at home and loves taking care of her children. She is married to Moises Rios.

WHO TO CONTACT

The following pages are filled with lots of important information as you prepare for the program. As questions arise, please refer to this sheet to find the appropriate person to address your concern!

Books: Reserving Used Textbooks to Purchase in Cuernavaca: [email protected]

Course Information (Questions): [email protected] and ander- [email protected]

Homestay Information: morganl@augsburg edu and cc [email protected]

Housing at CGEE houses (students arriving early or any questions before your summer session): [email protected]

Internship Questions: [email protected] and cc [email protected]

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 6

BOOKS TO PURCHASE

Listed below are the books you will need to pur- Recommended Mexico Guides: chase for each course. You can purchase the fol- We encourage you to purchase a Mexico guide- lowing books through CGEE-Mexico in Cuernava- book such as The Lonely Planet or The Berkeley ca or over the Internet through amazon.com, Guide for use on weekends and after your pro- barnesandnoble.com, half.com, powells.com, gram ends, as well as a blank book to use as a abe.com, alibris.com, directly from the publisher journal. We have some old guidebooks you can (in the case of Spanish books), or from another borrow, but they are not be the most up-to-date. book service. Many of these companies also sell used books. Recommended Supplementary Spanish Texts: Spanish/English dictionary (a requirement for all In addition, CGEE-Mexico has used copies of Spanish classes) many of the textbooks in Cuernavaca for the equivalent of U.S. $10 or $20, depending upon Libro de sintónimos y antónimos para estu- the book. If you want to order one or more, diantes. Barrons. ISBN 0-7641-1447-6 please email [email protected] immedi- (recommended for Spanish 311 and 316) ately to find out if the book(s) you want are available and to reserve book(s). II. Required Course Texts

You will probably need to buy some of the books ART 231: Pre-Colombian, Colonial, and Contem- listed below before you leave the U.S., so be sure porary Mexican Art (art history course at Univer- to order them immediately! Be sure to place your sal taught in English for fine arts credit) . We do orders at least four weeks in advance. Spanish have several used copies of these books, so books from Heinle publishers can be directly or- please email [email protected] to re- dered from them at www.heinle.com. Again, be serve one to purchase. sure to place your orders several weeks before Fernandez, Justino. Translated by Joshua C. Tay- departure from the U.S. unless you have reserved lor. A Guide to Mexican Art. From its Begin- used copies from CGEE-Mexico. Please see infor- nings to the Present. Chicago: University of mation listed below. . Please see information Chicago, 1969. Used copy: $10 USD. listed below. Helm, MacKinley. The Mexican Painters: Rivera, Orozco, Siqueiros, and Other Artists of the So- I. Recommended Books cial Realist School. NY: Dover Publications, 1968. Used copy: $10 USD. Recommended Pre-Trip Reading: We believe that this book provides an excellent Internship Course introduction to Mexico. You are strongly encour- Sweitzer, H. Frederick and King, Mary A. The Suc- aged to read the following book before and/or cessful Internship: Transformation and Em- during the program: powerment in Experiential Learning, 3rd Edi- tion. Brook/Cole, 2004. We have lots of used O’Neil, Shannon K. Two Nations Indivisible: Mexi- copies of this book for U.S. $10. co, the United States, and the Road Ahead. NY: Oxford University Press, 2013.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 7

III. Spanish Courses SPA 231: Precolumbian, Colonial, and Contem- We have some used copies of some of the Span- porary Mexican Art ish books. If you want to purchase a used copy of If you are taking the class in Spanish, please bring these books at half price, please email CGEEmexi- $40 USD to purchase the reading packet. [email protected] immediately to find out if the books you want are available and to reserve SPA 316: Conversations in Cultural Context one. There is a slight chance that your college Chreffler, Sandra, Kiddle, Mary Ellen, and library may have a copy. Otherwise, you will Wegmann, Brenda. Perspectivas, Octava need to order texts over the Internet. Be sure to Edición. Heinle, 2009. ISBN: 0030339588 place your orders six weeks in advance if possi- (www.heinle.com). Used copy: $15 USD. ble. Please contact [email protected] to see if you can reserve one of these books to pur- SPA 334: Contemporary Mexican Literature chase. Bring $40 USD to purchase the reading packet for this course in Mexico. SPA 111 and 112: Beginning Spanish I and II Eduardo Zayas-Bazán, Susan M. Bacon and Holly SPA/WST 335: Contemporary Latin American Nibert. Arriba! Comunicación y Cultura, 6th Women: Texts and Voices edition. Prentice Hall, 2011. ISBN Criado, Miryam and José Manuel Reyes. Mujeres 9781256580867. Used copy: $20 USD. de hoy: Textos, Voces e Imágenes. Prentice Hall, 2005. (www.prenhall.com). Used copy: SPA 211 and 212: Intermediate Spanish I and II $15 USD. Blanco, José A., Colbert María. Imagina: Espanol Sin Barreras, 3rd Edition. No used copies. Other texts that may be assigned can be bought in Cuernavaca. Spanish 218: Spanish for Healthcare Profession- als SPA 337: Mexican Civilizations and Cultures Rios, Joanna and José Fernandez Torres. Spanish Bonfil Batalla, Guillermo. México profundo: una for Health Care Providers, 2nd Edition. NY: civilización negada. Editoriales Grijalbo, 1987. McGraw Hill, 2010. Used copy: $10 USD. (We only have one used copy) Recommended Supplementary Materials: Spanish Medical Conversation Medical Spanish Von Wobeser, Gisela, ed. Historia de México. Pocketcard Set Fondo de Cultural Económica, 2010. Used copy: $10 USD. (We only have one used copy.) SPA 220: Business Spanish Santamaria Iglesias, Esther and Helen Jones. En SPA 411: Conversation and Composition II Activo: Practical Business Spanish. Routledge, (Advanced) 2008. Valdes, Guadalupe and Trisha Dvo- rak. Composicion: Proceso y sintesis, 5th Optional but recommended: edition. McGraw Hill, 2007. ISBN-10: Spanish Business Dictionary: Multicultural Busi- 0073513148. ISBN-13: 978-007351340 ness Spanish, 2nd revised edition by Morry Sofer. Schreiber Publishing, Inc., 2005. Modern Language Association. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed. Mod- ern Language Association of America, 2009. ISBN 1603290249. We do NOT have any used copies of this text! Be sure to place your order four weeks in advance!

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 8

REGISTRATION AND COURSE INFORMATION

Registration Information Internship and Independent Study credit available Augsburg College’s Center for Global Education in: and Experience and Experience (CGEE) staff in  Business (BUS) Minneapolis will register you for classes. Please  Environmental Studies (ENV) review the courses in the Course Catalog and  History (HIS) select your course(s) on the appropriate Course  Interdisciplinary Studies (INS) Selection Questionnaire(s) in your Global Gate-  Cross-Cultural Studies (CCS) way. Slight changes in your registration can be  Marketing (MKT) made after arrival in Cuernavaca. However, you may not change Spanish courses after the third  Political Science (POL) day of the Spanish class due to the intensive na-  Religion (REL) ture of the Spanish courses.  Spanish (SPA) *Note: Courses are only offered for Traditional  Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies (T) grade option (on a 4.0 to 0.0 scale) (WST)

Courses in Spanish with Some Options for Credit Deadlines in Other Disciplines:  SPA 111: Beginning Spanish I  SPA 112: Beginning Spanish II Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4  SPA 211: Intermediate Spanish I Registration May 1 May 22 June 12 July 3  SPA 212: Intermediate Spanish II  SPA 218: Spanish for Health Care Professionals Internship May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1  SPA 220: Business Spanish Application  SPA 225: panish for Heritage Speakers I  SPA 231: Columbian, Colonial, and Contempo- To change May 22 June 12 July 3 July 24 rary Mexican Art Spanish  course SPA 331: Intermediate Conversation and Com- position  SPA 316: Conversations in Cultural Context  SPA 325: Spanish for Heritage Speakers II Course Offerings  SPA 334: Contemporary Mexican Literature Please register for one 4-credit course per 3-  SPA/WST 335: Contemporary Latin American week block. Women: Texts and Voices  SPA 337: Mexican Civilizations and Cultures Available Courses  SPA 441: Advanced Conversation and Composi- Courses in Disciplines Other than Spanish: tion  ART 231: Pre-Colombian, Colonial, and Con- temporary Mexican Art (you may take this Information about Spanish Courses for Art or Spanish credit, but not both) The Center for Global Education and Experience  Internship and Experience (CGEE) in Mexico contracts its lan-  Independent Study guage instruction with the Universal Center for Language and Social Communication. Universal is a highly respected institution among the language schools in Cuernavaca.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 9

The school's primary focus is fomenting oral com- Remember, you are not on vacation; this is a seri- petency and a solid grammatical base, although ous, while fun, academic program. You are the instructors also love to teach more advanced squeezing a 15-week course into just three courses focusing on Mexican art, history, litera- weeks. Therefore, you will be very, very busy. ture, and social issues, as well as pre-professional courses geared to help learners develop special- Important Reminders Regarding Registration for ized vocabulary. Classes are small, ranging from Spanish classes: two to no more than seven students.  You should register for whichever course follows the last Spanish course you took, or if For all courses except 111, 112, 211 and 212, at you are at the 300-level and above, whichev- least two students must sign up for the course in er course most interests you. In the case of order for it to be offered. Exceptions can be SPA 316, you do not need to take SPA 311 made if you have already taken the courses being first; those two courses may be taken in any offered and absolutely need a certain course. order. You may also take SPA 411 as long as Please see the Course Catalog for detailed sylla- you have already taken SPA 311. bi.  Check with your Spanish department BEFORE registering for your courses so that you make Class Schedule and Contact Hours (60 contact the appropriate choice for your degree pro- hours for all courses; four credits) gram in advance. The Summer Spanish courses will meet for four  The minimum number of students required in hours per day, five days per week (Mon.-Fri.) for order to offer a course is two. One-on-one three weeks (Mon.-Fri., 8:00am-12:20pm with courses will only be offered in the case of breaks). students who have no other course options due to their level of Spanish or specific In addition, as part of the class participation needs. If only one student needs to take SPA grade for all Spanish courses, you will be ex- 111, 112, 211, or 212, then private classes pected to participate in all orientation sessions, will be arranged for that student. However, if guest speakers and excursions (we will have at only one student has registered for SPA 311 least one per week), and one “cultural issues” and has the option of taking SPA 316, then session per week. You will receive approximately SPA 311 will not be offered for just one stu- 60 hours of class time per Spanish course, plus dent. excursions and guest speakers. In addition, you  We strongly recommend that advanced stu- will be expected to practice your Spanish during dents (those who have already completed the speakers and excursions, your homestays, in the equivalent of SPA 212) take SPA 316 Con- your internship settings (as applicable), and in the versations in Cultural Context, as it is geared community. toward developing oral competency in Span-

ish and is therefore a particularly good course SPA/ART 231 students will have mandatory Satur- to take while in Mexico. day excursions, which will be optional for other  You should be very careful when registering students. If there are no students registered for for your Spanish courses, as you may not the SPA/ART 231 course we will still organize op- change courses after the first three days of tional excursions on weekends. Frequent desti- the first week of Spanish classes. You may nations include Chalcatzingo, Mexico City, Pue- change classes under the following condi- bla, and Teotihuacan. tions: 1) there is still space in the course that you want to take (no more than seven students per class) and 2) your Spanish level is adequate, as determined by the instructors at Universal.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 10

RELATED COMPONENTS OF THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Orientation Concurrent Customized Programs There will be an intensive orientation prior to the There may be periods throughout the summer first week of each block, although it will continue where you will share Augsburg facilities with into your first full week. As an integral part of participants in short-term customized programs. your Spanish classes, you will hear from guest You may eat meals together, possibly attend speakers on the historical, social, political and some of the same guest lectures and participate economic realities of Mexico. In addition, we will in some of the same field trips. We trust that go on excursions to historical and other relevant the opportunity to share experiences and ideas sites in and around Cuernavaca. Throughout the with other people will add to the diversity and orientation, you will spend lots of time getting to richness of your overall experience in Mexico. know the other students and faculty and staff. This is essential to the construction of a Global Learning, Intercultural Development healthy living/learning environment. You will also and Living/Learning Environment get an in-depth introduction to some of the key In addition to language learning, two of the im- issues that you will be studying throughout the portant goals of study abroad are the develop- summer. ment of global learning and intercultural development. Therefore, we encourage you to spend If you are staying for multiple blocks, you will not most of your free time with your Mexican host need to participate in very much of the orienta- families and colleagues from internship place- tion for the proceeding blocks. We will just ask ments (as applicable) when not studying. At the you to participate in a few activities to get to same time, it is important for us to assist you know the new students and help them get orient- with your intercultural learning and to help you ed. form a healthy group learning environment in which you can provide and receive support from Excursions other students, as well as faculty and staff. Throughout your time in Mexico, there will be guest speakers and a few day-long excursions Our educational philosophy values personal ex- that will be required as part of your courses and periences and recognizes that education involves that will foment your understanding of Mexican questioning oneself and the world. Hence, we history and culture. try to foster an atmosphere in which you feel safe and supported as you grapple with new re- Students in SPA/ART 231 will have mandatory alities and new questions about yourselves and day-long excursions every weekend (to places the world in which we live. such as Chalcatzingo, Teotihuacan, Xochicalco, Mexico City, and Puebla). These trips are optional In order to create this kind of healthy learning for other students. If there are no students regis- environment and to foster the goals of global tered for the SPA/ART 231 course we will still or- learning and intercultural development, stu- ganize weekend excursions. dents and staff will periodically participate in structured discussions and activities designed to

foment cultural awareness and responsible be- If there is enough interest, one optional excur- havior with regard to issues of racism, classism, sion will be Sat, June 29 to Mexico City to attend sexism, heterosexism, religious diversity, and the National Gay Pride March that takes place intercultural communication, conflict manage- every year. ment, and other issues.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 11

While these activities may sometimes take place One student will be placed per home. All of the outside of the formal “classroom,” they are con- families that receive students have been carefully sidered an integral part of all courses and an es- chosen by CGEE staff and have participated in sential part of the overall academic program. orientations and activities, including a health and safety orientation. They open their homes to Throughout the program, your International Resi- students with a strong desire for cultural ex- dent Advisor and other Augsburg faculty and staff change and solidarity. Most of them go out of will facilitate “Cultural Issues” sessions to discuss their way to adapt to you, and several have par- global learning, intercultural development, and ticipated in vegetarian cooking classes that we other issues that affect you as a community of have offered so that they can meet the needs of learners. We will also organize optional activities, vegetarian students. such as group outings to water parks and other interesting and fun locations. For your part, we ask that you open yourself to the experience, accepting the good, the bad, and Homestay the unavoidable awkward moments, remember- One of the most rewarding and challenging parts ing that different is not better or worse, just of your stay may be the time that you spend liv- different. Past students have found the homestay ing in a Mexican home. The homestay is an es- to be one of their best experiences in Mexico. sential part of the program for students who are For LGBTQ students, we have a small number of learning Spanish. lesbian and gay households and lesbian and gay- friendly families who host students in different The homestay is a time for those of you who are neighborhoods throughout Cuernavaca. In addi- non-native Spanish speakers to practice your tion, we have a few “dry homes” for students Spanish with native speakers, but more im- who are in recovery from alcohol and other drug portantly, it is a time to experience the diverse addictions. If it is important to you to be placed in realities of Mexican life—to experience how the a lesbian and gay-friendly home or if you are in issues raised in the classroom and on visits in- recovery from any kind of alcohol or drug addic- form and are informed by the daily lives of your tion, be sure to indicate that on the Homestay host families. Please note that homestays are Form, along with any allergies to pets, special mandatory for Spanish majors and minors and dietary requirements, and other preferences re- highly recommended for others. garding your homestay. Please return your completed form to Lisanne Morgan In an effort to facilitate student contact with peo- ([email protected]) and our intern ple from the Mexican working class, CGEE has ([email protected]) by April 21. relationships with families of modest means. For non-Spanish majors, if you live with a host family for one block (three weeks) and are staying for more than one summer session (3½ weeks), you have the option of continuing to live with a family or living in CGEE facilities. However, you must decide during the second week of the homestay and inform Lisanne Morgan, who is the homestay coordinator.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 12

Quotes from former students regarding their homestay experiences:

“I got a better feel for what real life is like in Mexico and learned a lot of things that can’t be learned from a book.”

“I now have a better idea of what Mexican family life is like –the good and the bad–and I’ve learned how to break down stereotypes of what it means to be a Mexican.”

“(It was) definitely the most important and meaningful experience of the whole program. Many relationships developed, and I had opportunities to do things I wouldn’t normally have done.”

“It was really a time to be able to observe cultural differences in opinions, behaviors, religion and way of life.”

“It helped my Spanish a lot, and broke bad stereotypes. It taught me a lot about Mexican culture and life. I learned so much during those three weeks that would not have been possible by staying in the program house. It strengthened my commitment to fight pov- erty and oppression. My host mother was a great inspiration for me. I learned about food, relationships, music and much more.”

“I liked family stay. It was hard at times, but very good for me and my Spanish. I feel much closer to Mexico and the people because of it. I felt like a guest in my family sometimes, but felt very welcome. I learned so much about commitment to each other and gained a better understanding of Mexican life and culture.”

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 13

TENTATIVE SCHEDULES

*Please note that these schedules are subject to change and that you will receive more detailed schedules in Mexico.

BLOCK 1

Wed, May 15 Arrival at Mexico City airport by 3:00pm. Please send us your flight information, and then we will send you information about pick-up times at the airport once we know when everyone is arriving. If you plan to arrive by bus or car, please let CGEE staff know as soon as pos-

Wed, May 15 – Fri. May 17 Orientation and educational seminar in and around Cuernava- ca. Housing for the 3-day orientation session will take place in our dorms in Casa Augsburg, J.H. Preciado #314, Colonia San Antón, Cuer- navaca, Morelos. A homestay orientation will take place.

Fri May 17 Homestay begins with a meeting w/ host families in the afternoon or evening. Time will be confirmed.

Sat, May 18 – Sun, May 19 First weekend of homestay; you are encouraged to spend time with your host families. (This is NOT a good weekend to plan to travel.)

Fri. May 17 - Sun. June 9 Homestay with Mexican host families. Students will receive contact (Approximately three information for host families after arriving in Mexico. If you are stay- weeks) ing for another session, you can stay with your host family.

Mon, May 20 – Fri, June 7 Intensive Spanish course (daily for three weeks; five hours per day, Mon.-Fri., 8:00am – 12:20 pm with regular breaks)

Fri, June 7 Last day of program.

Sat., June 8 Day to pack and say goodbyes. Last day of meals.

Travel on Sun., June 9 Departure for Mexico City airport and home. If you choose to travel after the program, you may make arrangements to store your luggage and to retrieve it during office hours Mon-Fri. You must also make your own arrangements to get to the airport, which is quite simple, as direct buses depart Cuernavaca for the airport approximately every half hour.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 14

BLOCK 2

Wed, June 5 Arrival at Mexico City airport by 3:00pm. Please send us your flight information, and then we will send you information about pick-up times at the airport once we know when everyone is arriving. If you plan to arrive by bus or car, please let CGEE staff know as soon as possible.

Wed, June 5 – Fri. June 7 Orientation and educational seminar in and around Cuernava- ca. Housing for the 3-day orientation session will take place in our dorms in Casa Augsburg, J.H. Preciado #314, Colonia San Antón, Cuer- navaca, Morelos. A homestay orientation will take place.

Fri., June 7 Homestay begins with a meeting w/ host families in the afternoon or evening. Time will be confirmed.

Sat, June 7 – Sun, June 9 First weekend of homestay; you are encouraged to spend time with your host families. (This is NOT a good weekend to plan to travel.)

Fri. June 7 – Sun, June 30 Homestay with Mexican host families. Students will receive contact information for host families after arriving in Mexico. If you are staying (Approximately 3 weeks) for another session, you can stay with your host family.

Mon, June 10 – Fri, June 28 Intensive Spanish course (daily for three weeks; five hours per day, Mon.-Fri., 8:00am – 12:20 pm with regular breaks)

Fri, June 28 Last day of classes and overall program.

Sat., June 29 Day to pack and say goodbyes. Last day of meals.

Sun, June 30 - Departure Departure for Mexico City airport and home. If you choose to travel after the program, you may make arrangements to store your luggage

and to retrieve it during office hours Mon-Fri. You must also make your own arrangements to get to the airport, which is quite simple, as direct buses depart Cuernavaca for the airport approximately every half hour.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 15

BLOCK 3

Wed, June 26 Arrival at Mexico City airport by 3:00pm. Please send us your flight information, and then we will send you information about pick-up times at the airport once we know when everyone is arriving. If you plan to arrive by bus or car, please let CGEE staff know as soon as possible.

Wed, June 26 – Fri. June 28 Orientation and educational seminar in and around Cuernava- ca. Housing for the 3-day orientation session will take place in our dorms in Casa Augsburg, J.H. Preciado #314, Colonia San Antón, Cuernavaca, Morelos. A homestay orientation will take place.

Fri., June 28 Homestay begins with a meeting w/ host families in the afternoon or evening. Time will be confirmed.

Sat, June 29 – Sun, June 30 First weekend of homestay; you are encouraged to spend time with your host families. (This is NOT a good weekend to plan to travel.)

Fri. June 28 – Sun, July 21 Homestay with Mexican host families. Students will receive contact (Approximately 3 weeks) information for host families after arriving in Mexico. If you are staying for another session, you can stay with your host family.

Mon, July 1 – Fri, July 19 Intensive Spanish course (daily for three weeks; five hours per day, Mon.-Fri., 8:00am – 12:20 pm with regular breaks)

Fri, July 19 Last day of classes and overall program.

Sat., July 20 Day to pack and say goodbyes. Last day of meals.

Sun, July 21 - Departure Departure for Mexico City airport and home. If you choose to travel after the program, you may make arrangements to store your luggage and to retrieve it during office hours Mon-Fri. You must also make your own arrangements to get to the airport, which is quite simple, as direct buses depart Cuernavaca for the airport approximately every half hour.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 16

BLOCK 4

Wed, July 17 Arrival at Mexico City airport by 3:00pm. Please send us your flight information, and then we will send you information about pick-up times at the airport once we know when everyone is arriving. If you plan to arrive by bus or car, please let CGEE staff know as soon as possible. Wed, July 17 – Fri. July 19 Orientation and educational seminar in and around Cuernava- ca. Housing for the 3-day orientation session will take place in our dorms in Casa Augsburg, J.H. Preciado #314, Colonia San Antón, Cuer- navaca, Morelos. A homestay orientation will take place.

Fri., July 19 Homestay begins with a meeting w/ host families in the afternoon or evening. Time will be confirmed. Sat, July 20 – Sun, July 21 First weekend of homestay; you are encouraged to spend time with your host families. (This is NOT a good weekend to plan to travel.)

Fri. July 19 – Sun, August 11 Homestay with Mexican host families. Students will receive contact information for host families after arriving in Mexico. If you are staying (Approximately 3 weeks) for another session, you can stay with your host family. Mon, July 22 – Fri, August 9 Intensive Spanish course (daily for three weeks; five hours per day, Mon.-Fri., 8:00am – 12:20 pm with regular breaks) Fri, August 9 Last day of program. Sat., August 10 Day to pack and say goodbyes. Last day of meals. Sun. August 11 Departure for Mexico City airport and home. If you choose to travel after the program, you may make arrangements to store your luggage and to retrieve it during office hours Mon-Fri. You must also make your own arrangements to get to the airport, which is quite simple, as direct buses depart Cuernavaca for the airport approximately every half hour.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 17

What Does a Typical Day or Week Look If you are completing an internship, you may also Like? have to work on weekends and in evenings. You Spanish classes will meet every day from Mon- are also encouraged to spend time with your host day through Friday for four hours/day with family, especially during the first weekend of your breaks, from 8:00am until approximately homestay. 12:20pm. You will then have lunch with your host family (or bring a lunch) and then have oth- There could be an optional day excursion to par- er activities 2-3 times per week in the late after- ticipate in National Gay Pride in Mexico City on noons. Sat. June 29 if enough people are interested.

IF you are completing an INTERNSHIP you will need to be enrolled in two blocks in order to complete the required hours (total seven weeks). You will start your internship early in your first block and have a different Spanish schedule than the other students. It will depend entirely on your internship placement. In addition, internship students will participate in a weekly internship class seminar.

In general, your days will be quite full due to the intensive nature of summer courses, combined with the cross-cultural learning components that involve guest lectures and/or excursions. Since guest speakers and excursions often require translation, they are often longer than typical class sessions in the U.S. Your typical day in Cuernavaca will be very busy, and the weekly schedule will vary for courses other than Span- ish. Moreover, there are occasionally last- minute cancellations or time changes. Hence, we ask for your patience and flexibility.

*Please note that these schedules are subject to change and that you will receive more detailed schedules in Mexico.

Am I Free on the Weekends? If you are taking SPA/ART 231, you will have a mandatory course-related excursion almost every Saturday or Sunday. These excursions, which are OPTIONAL and OPEN to other students, go to places such as Chalcatzingo, Teotihuacan, Mexico City and Puebla, and Xochicalco.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 18

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safety Concerns While violent crime has been on the increase in Throughout the course of the summer there are recent years, particularly due to drug cartel- opportunities to visit different parts of the coun- related violence, the homicide rates in Mexico try, including the capital, Mexico City, which are lower than those in many U.S. cities. claims to be the largest city in the world with a For several years, the U.S. government has been population that is estimated at more than 23 mil- issuing and updating a Travel Advisory for Mexi- lion. It is a diverse city rich with innumerable mu- co, along with many other countries. At the seums and other cultural attractions. However, as same time, some other countries issue travel in any large metropolis, there are safety issues advisories about the U.S. What is most important both in Mexico City and Cuernavaca. Our staff in is that the U.S. government does not tell people Mexico lives here and loves it. We welcome you to avoid the country of Mexico as a whole but to a wonderful location and want to assure you rather to “exercise increased caution” while trav- that we stay informed about health and safety eling, which is ideal for travel anywhere within issues. We take every means possible to ensure the world. Over 25 million U.S. citizens continue your well-being, including providing you with a to visit Mexico, and close to 1.5 U.S. citizens live thorough health and safety orientation upon your permanently in Mexico. Most foreigners visit arrival to Cuernavaca, as well as the detailed in- here and return home with very positive experi- formation below. ences to share, and the U.S State Department There is other useful information available in the continues to encourage U.S. students to engage Resources Section of Global Gateway account. in study abroad in Mexico. These resources are:  Emotional Health and Study Abroad Augsburg’s CGEE-Mexico has successfully run  Wellness Plan for Study Abroad programs since 1979 for students and profes-  International Travel and Health Insurance sionals, and has programs scheduled in the same  Alcohol Abroad Awareness locations throughout the coming year. As faculty  Helpful Videos for International Travel and staff, we will continue to monitor the situation and will not hesitate to cancel or reroute Registering with the U.S. Embassy. programs, if needed, to secure the safety of stu- CGEE will register you with the U.S. Embassy prior dents and travel seminar participants.

to departure from the U.S. in case any emergen- The decision to continue programming in Cuer- cies occur while you are in Mexico. navaca, Mexico City, most of the state of More-

los, Mexico City, Puebla, and other locations has Security Concerns in Mexico in Light of Re- been made with careful consideration of cent Drug-Related Violence in Mexico risk. Although there has been highly publicized, As you have undoubtedly heard, there are serious drug-related violence in Cuernavaca, it has not security concerns in Mexico, just as there are in been directed at international students, foreign the United States and many countries. Generally, tourists, or foreign residents of the city. There it is not the whole country that is unsafe but ra- has been no random drug violence that has ther specific places and behaviours within a given placed the general public at risk. state in each country. This is true of Mexico and specifically the state of Mexico.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 19

As staff who live here full time, we feel very com- In-Country Health/Safety Orientation fortable inviting others to come join us. We Upon arrival in Mexico, all trip participants are would not do so if it thought for a moment that given an extensive health and safety orientation we were putting any of you at risk. by one of CGEE’s staff members. This orientation covers topics from drinking water, to the insects The safety and security of students and partici- they might see, how to deal with catcalls on the pants is the highest priority for the Center for street, withdrawing money from ATMs and emer- Global Education and Experience, and we do not gency response. At the end of the orientation, see any fundamental changes affecting student participants are asked to read and sign a “Health safety in the city and the areas where program and Safety Agreement” form. travel takes place. However, any violence is a cause for concern and, as would be necessary in Additional Security Measures in Light of any large urban area, precautions have been tak- Drug-Related Violence en to address the safety and security issues. We In addition, in light of the recent drug-related will provide you with very specific guidelines to violence, we urge you to follow the following risk follow for your personal responsibility in reduc- reduction measures: ing risks of illness and violence, and you will be  Carry a charged cell phone with airtime on it immediately notified of any heightened risk to at all times, so that we can reach you and you your health, safety and/or security. can reach us in case of emergency. You can

also use this phone to call radio taxis (see U.S. State Department Advisory below). It will be programmed with CGEE The U.S. State Department posts advisories for staff home numbers, on-call numbers, emer- countries across the globe to inform U.S. citizens gency numbers, radio taxi numbers, and oth- about the security situation while traveling. The er numbers you may need. CGEE will provide Travel Advisory system lists Mexico at a Level 2 you a cell phone upon arrival in Cuernavaca Advisory (on a 1-4 scale, 1 being “Exercise nor- unless you have your own cell phone that you mal precautions” and 4 being “do not travel”). want to use in Mexico and provide us with

that number . You will need to pay a deposit The general country alert for Mexico is “exercise of U.S. $30 for the CGEE cell phone, and the increased caution due to crime.” Some areas money will be returned to you when you re- within Mexico have been identified at increased turn the phone after the program ends. risk, including the state of Morelos, where our  We will set up a WhatsApp group so that we study center is located, due to gang activity. Here can communicate easily. there is a Level 3 Advisory: “reconsider travel.”  Do not flag down taxis on the street because

their drivers have not passed a crime screen- CGEE-Mexico exercises the cautions cited on the ing and there have been reported problems State Department website, and does not travel to regarding many independent and unauthor- the states to which travel is not recommended. A ized or stolen taxis in Cuernavaca. Instead of more complete description of our safety and se- flagging down random taxis, we urge you to curity may be found below. order an Uber (which allows you to type in

the address of where you are and where you are going rather than having to explain it by phone, as well as to charge to your credit card and get a receipt instead of carrying extra cash) OR to call a RADIO TAXI (such as Radio Taxi Monarca, with which we have a special agreement) because, like Uber, the

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 20

radio taxi companies conduct criminal back- of fun things to do in Cuernavaca other than ground checks on their drivers and also report going out to bars and discos. There are movie to base every time they pick up and drop off theatres and activities you can engage in with passengers, whereas there is no control of your host families. taxis you flag on the street. While you may  At Casa Augsburg, do not leave the front see other people flagging down taxis on the doors open and do not buzz people in or street, we highly recommend that you do open the front doors without first looking at NOT do so, as your safety is worth the 5-10 the security camera monitor to see who is minute wait for a radio taxi or Uber. there. This is also important in Mexico City, where  DO NOT give out our addresses or phone there has been taxi-related crime. Instead, numbers to people you meet. Get their students should take “taxis de sitio” (taxis numbers instead if you want to contact from a stand at the airport and in bus termi- them. Please, be extremely responsible in nals, etc.) or call radio taxis because the taxi this matter. drivers in these services must report every  Do not buy, sell or use illegal drugs or hang time that they pick up and drop off a passen- out with people who do. Mexico treats mari- ger, which provides greater security to pas- juana as if it were cocaine, so do not buy or sengers. smoke it, even if it is legal in your home  After dark and before sunlight, do not walk or state. If you do so, you not only put yourself take buses. Rather, take radio taxis when it is and Augsburg University at risk, you will also dark out! After calling the radio taxi to pick be sent home from the program. If you get you up, WAIT INSIDE until the taxi arrives be- caught, you will face consequences with fore going out to the street and immediately Mexican authorities. CGEE cannot bail you getting in the taxi. We will reimburse any ra- out, in the case you are arrested. dio taxi expenses related to the program,  Do not associate with anyone you think may while you are obviously responsible for ex- be involved in selling, buying, and/or con- penses in going out on your own when it's suming drugs. Do not go to their homes or not program-related. businesses. Avoid all contact with them.  Ask CGEE-Mexico faculty and staff and other  Do not drink to excess. Excessive drinking local people about the safety of places you puts you at greater risk. While the drinking intend to visit. age in Mexico is 18, IF you drink, be very  Avoid The Bull, which has opened and careful about how much you drink. Recent closed over time, but is known for using studies have demonstrated that students roofies. Most importantly, former students abroad tend to drink far more than they do were roofied and then sexually assaulted at home. For your own safety, please be the there. As you hear of incidents like this from exception to that rule! people you meet, tell the staff and other stu-  Do not travel to Acapulco or anywhere dents so that we can all reduce our risks. else in the state of Guerrero, including Taxco  Avoid going to discos and nightclubs until the or Zihuatenejo/Ixtapa, as there are strict violence subsides, as many nightclubs have travel warnings there. You should always staff who sell drugs and therefore could check the travel list below, as well as the U.S. suffer violent attacks. Only go to places on a State Department website before travelling recommended list that staff will give you. The outside of Cuernavaca. Also email your trav- recommended list includes places where we el contact information to CGEE staff. know the owners. Remember, there are LOTS

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 21

Despite this long list of “DO NOTs,” please know You should avoid traveling alone and taking over- that students, staff and faculty regularly go out night buses when traveling long distances in to safe places and have a wonderful time! You Mexico, as there have been reported incidents on are not going to be locked into your houses; you overnight buses in certain regions of the country. just need to be careful about what you do and It is very important that our staff be able to reach where you go, so that you can reduce risks as you you in case of an emergency. Therefore, you are make friends and explore Mexico. required to complete a Travel Information Form and email it to the CGEE staff before you travel Emergency Contact Cards. You will be given a outside of Cuernavaca credit-card sized emergency contact card to carry ([email protected] and lutter- at all times. The card includes the phone num- [email protected]). You are also required to bers for lodgings in Mexico, as well as phone carry a charged cell phone with airtime on it at all numbers for CGEE staff members and emergency times so that we can reach if necessary. numbers (police, hospitals, ambulance, etc). Additionally, the card has phone numbers Safes. We do NOT recommend carrying pass- for local authorized taxi companies with whom ports with you in Mexico, except for the visit to we have a contract, specifically for security pur- the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and any long- poses. distant travel you conduct during spring break. We have a safe in our office where you U.S. Government Assistance (should you lose can keep your passport and other valuables your passport, for example): locked away during your time in Cuernavaca. U.S. Embassy Mexico City, Mexico There are also safe boxes in each room. You may (01-55) 5080-2000 bring a personal lock if you would like to use [email protected] those safes. https://mx.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/ State Department – Consular Affairs Cell Phones. CGEE will provide you with a Mexi- 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 can cell phone upon arrival in Mexico UNLESS you have your own cell phone to use (at your own Safe Taxis. As mentioned above, CGEE has a re- expense) and provide us with that number so lationship with one of Cuernavaca´s authorized we can reach you when necessary. Upon arrival taxi companies, Taxi Monarca. Commonly re- in Cuernavaca, you will either give us your cell ferred to as “radio taxis,” these taxis are sent by a phone number or a U.S. $30 deposit for one of central headquarters to pick up and drop off cus- our cell phones, which will be programmed with tomers at a fixed price. They have to report to the phone numbers of radio taxis, CGEE-Mexico headquarters when they pick up and drop off faculty and staff phone numbers, and emergency passengers, and so that provides more security. numbers, such as hospitals, police, etc. You will In addition, all radio taxi employees have gone receive your deposit back at the end of the se- through police clearances and security screening, mester when you return the phone. If you lose unlike Uber which does not have that prac- the phone, you will be provided with a new tice. Taxi Monarca is familiar with CGEE and the phone but forfeit your deposit. location of our houses, and is a reliable, safe option for getting around the city (particularly after dark). We also recommend Radio taxi Citlalili.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 22

CCGEE cell phones will have enough air time on More Travel Details Based on the U.S. State them for you to call radio taxis and make emer- Department Travel Advisory (In Case You gency calls. However, should you choose to use Plan to Travel Before and/or After Your Pro- the cell phones for personal use, you will need to gram) add airtime, which is easy to do. You can go to As mentioned earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico any Oxxo, 7-Eleven, supermarket, etc. and give has warned against traveling to several places them your cell phone number, the name of the within Mexico (as well as other coun- company (Telcel), get the receipt, and then ask a tries). Fortunately for you, most of them are far staff member to reimburse you if the calls were from where you will be living and traveling, and related to program purposes. so they will not affect you. However, just in case

you plan to travel before or after your program, On-Call System. Every evening and weekend you need to be aware of the places that you CAN- there is a designated “on call” staff member who NOT visit. This list is based on extensive research carries with her/him our “on-call cell phone.” This of past incidents and should be taken seriously. staff member can be reached at any time of the

night to assist in any urgent situation. The phone Specific places listed in the “DO NOT TRAV- number for the “on call cell phone” is widely dis- EL” section of the U.S. State Department tributed (signs around the houses, listed on participants schedule and emergency contact cards, Travel Advisory (You CANNOT visit these taught at orientation, loaded into student cell places in Mexico! Doing so will result in your phones, etc). You also have all staff’s home being sent home from the program at your phone numbers and cell phones in case the own expense.) emergency cell phone does not work for some Out of the 32 states of Mexico, you may NOT reason or other. Just keep calling until you reach visit ANY LOCATION WITHIN the following five one of us, no matter what the hour if it is a seri- states: ous emergency. Between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, 1. Colima you can also talk with one of the night watchmen 2. Guerrero (this includes Acapulco, Taxco, Zi- who are at the house. Their cell phone number huatenejo/Ixtapa; no where in state) while on duty is 777 514 9879. 3. Michoacán (this includes Morelia) 4. Sinaloa Night Watchman. There is a night watchman on 5. Tamaulipas duty every night of the week between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am. The night watchman does rounds of Additional states to generally AVOID with the both CGEE houses and sits outside to monitor our exception of a FEW SPECIFIC LOCATIONS facilities and the neighbourhood activity. Again, DEEMED SAFE: the cell phone that they carry while on duty is 1. Coahuila: Avoid most of the state. However, 777 514 9879. The two watchmen, who alternate you CAN visit Bosques de Monterreal, Parras nights, are Moises and Javier. del Fuente, and Saltillo, as long as you do not travel outside of them between 1 and 6 a.m. Security Cameras. The CGEE houses have securi- Also NO patronizing anult clubs or gambling ty cameras in front of them in order to tape any establishments in this state. activity in front of our houses and to see who is 2. Durango: You may visit Durango City. Do not at the doors before opening them. These camer- travel outside the city after daylight, and only as add to our security and help reduce risks of use toll roads. State within the city limits be- crime. tween 1:00-6:00am.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 23

3. Nyarit: Avoid most of the state. The few ex- 3. Mexico (Estado de Mexico, or State of Mex- ceptions of places that you CAN visit are the ico, not Mexico CIty): Cities such as Riveiera Nyarit (which includes Nuevo Val- Metepec and Toluca are great, safe places to larta and Bahia de Banderas), Santa Maria del visit. However, DO NOT TRAVEL to the fol- Oro, and Xalisco. IF you go there, ONLY use lowing towns: major highways and do NOT travel between a. Chalco cities after dark. Also, do not patronize adult b. Coacalco clubs or gambling establishments in this c. Ecatepec state. d. Ixtapaluca e. La Paz Netzahualcoyotl Generally speaking, you should not go to any f. Solidaridad place where government employees are prohib- g. Tlatlaya ited from traveling or patronizing due to violent h. Valle del Chalco crime and gang activity. In addition, DO NOT TRAVEL on any roads between the state of Morels, particularly States You CAN VISIT but where you should through the towns of Huitzilac, Morelos and AVOID some specific locations and/or activities Santa Martha, Mexico State. Avoid the La- within the state: gunas de Zempoala National Park. The following list refers to specific places within 4. Morelos: No cities are mentioned. Do not states that are generally safe, such as the State of travel on any roads from Huitzilac to Santa Morelos. Just as in the United States or anywhere Martha, Estado de Mexico, including Lagunas else, there are some places within a city or state de Zempoala National Park and surrounding that typically hold more or less risk than others. areas. (We do not go to these places as a pro- Therefore, while you can visit many areas of the gram, and you may not go either. They are in states listed below, you CANNOT go the specific a remote northern section of the state.) locations within each of the states mentioned 5. Nuevo Leon: You may visit the city of Mon- here: terrey, as well as numerous other locations in 1. Chihuahua: Most areas of Ciudad Juarez are the state, but investigate before you make okay, as is the city of Chihua, and Nuevo travel plans to other towns or cities. Also, do Casas Grandes, but DO NOT TRAVEL to the not patronize adult clubs or gambling estab- following: lishments in this state. a. Within Ciudad Juarez city: West of the 6. Quintana Roo: Cancun, Tulum, and other street Eje Juan Gabriel and south of locations are safe, but DO NOT TRAVEL to the Boulevard Zaragoza after dark. following: b. Within Chihuahua city: the Morelos, Vil- a. Playa del Carmen (close to Cancun; south la, and Zapata districts. of there) c. Nuevo Casa Grandes: do not leave city b. The ferries that take people to and from limits at night. the island of Cancun (recent bombing on 2. Jalisco State: Ajic, Chapala, Guadalajara, one) Puerto Vallarta, and many other locations 7. Sonora: You may visit Guaymas, Puerto Pe- within the state are beautiful and ñasco, and other locations, but for Puerto safe. INVESTIGATE other locations in the Peñasco, you must use the Lukeville/Sonoyta state before making a decision about wheth- crossing during the day time and use main er or not to visit them. Also, do not patron- roads if you choose to do so. In general, the ize adult clubs or gambling establishments in U.S. State Department finds northern Sonora this state. to have much lower rates of crime that cities closer to Sinaloa and other parts of the country.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 24

Please note that YOU CANNOT TRAVEL TO: a. The triangular region west of Nogales, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar b. The eastern edge of the state of Sonora, bordering the state of Chihuahua c. South of Hermosillo, with the exception of cities of Alamos, San Carlos, Guaymas, and Empalme 8. Zacatecas: You may visit Zacatecas City during daylight hours, accessing it via toll roads. You must remain within the city between 1:00 and 6:00am.

Also, do not patronize adult clubs or gambling establishments in this state.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 25

HEALTH INFORMATION

Please be aware that even short-term study It’s important to schedule your appointment right abroad can be physically and emotionally demand- away, if you haven’t already. If you don’t already ing. For example: climatic changes; high tempera- have a regular family physician, google a list of ture, and/or high humidity; change in altitude; travel clinics in your area. exposure to unfamiliar bacteria due to change in diet; long days and intense schedules; and extend- Some helpful online resources: ed travel in cramped vehicles.  U.S. Department of State web pages on services for American citizens abroad: These factors, combined with potential strains www.travel.state.gov from culture shock, living away from regular sup-  Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/ port groups of friends and families, and intensive travel interaction with other group members can affect  World Health Organization: www.who.org your health in ways you do not anticipate, putting  International Society of Travel Medi- stress on the body and emotions which make you cine: www.istm.org more susceptible to illness. We ask that you as-  Travel Health Online: www.tripprep.com sess your physical and emotional health carefully.  HTH Worldwide: an insurance company that specializes in insurance for international trav- We encourage you to be open with yourself and elers, offers advice on the issues you might with us regarding your health and medical history. encounter abroad in a series of short Giving prior consideration to how your travels Youtube videos. might affect you can be very important in maintaining your health during the program. Pre- There is other useful information available in the existing or past conditions will not exclude you Resources Section of Global Gateway account. from participating in the program; rather, in dis- These resources are: cussing them now you are more likely to have a  Emotional Health and Study Abroad healthier and more rewarding study abroad expe-  Wellness Plan for Study Abroad rience.  International Travel and Health Insurance  Alcohol Abroad Awareness See a Doctor before You Go  Helpful Videos for International Travel For recommended vaccinations and other health precautions you should take before departing for Insurance your destination, please check the Centers for Dis- Medical Insurance: As a Center for Global Educa- ease Control and Prevention (CDC) at http:// tion student, you will be covered by Augsburg www.cdc.gov/travel/. Since we are not medical University’s Foreign Travel Abroad insurance. This professionals, we cannot make recommendations plan includes travel, accident and sickness cover- that will be applicable to all individuals in all plac- age. es, so you should make those decisions with a doc-

tor. If you have ongoing health issues, it would be For Emergency Assistance call (worldwide) at +1- wise to check with your regular doctor about vac- 240-330-1551 Group ID C2EII, activation code cines and other precautions. 150424.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 26

For more information, see: sult of your action or the action of another stu-  Seven Corners Webpage (coming soon) dent, staff person, or unknown person. It is  Program Summary and FAQ (coming soon) strongly recommended that you consider proper-  Member Card ty insurance for any theft or damages.

Please note that this insurance does not cover Common Health Issues in Mexico pre-existing conditions. Staff and students at the Center for Global Educa- tion and Experience in Cuernavaca have experi- The cost of labwork varies depending on what is enced a number of minor health problems. Most needed. It could be as little as U.S. $5 but can of these problems have been gastrointestinal and cost more. The insurance tends not to pay for parasitic infections. Although we have not had tests for stool samples (to see if you have para- any reported cases among students for over five sites) but does tend to pay for other lab- years, the most serious problem in the past has work. Please keep this in mind as you budget for been Typhoid Fever. Typhoid is caused by a type the semester. Also, in the event that you do need of Salmonella (Salmonella-typhi) which is endem- medical attention, be sure to save all your re- ic to Mexico and has been a particular problem in ceipts as they will be required for reimburse- Cuernavaca over the past several years. Typhoid ment. is transmitted through food and water that have been contaminated with infected human feces. We will explain how to call and set up a medical appointment through our medical insurance once CGEE does everything in its power to protect staff you are in Cuernavaca. We trust that you will find and students from illness, including periodic tests it to be very user-friendly. You will be responsi- of cooking personnel, bacteriological studies of ble for getting to and from any appointments. In the water and kitchens, constant vigilance of hy- the case of medical or other emergencies, you giene and sanitary conditions of the houses, and can contact the faculty or staff person who is on educational work with students and host families. call. Typhoid and other gastrointestinal infections can be prevented by being careful about what you For personal property Insurance, please note that eat and drink and practicing proper hygiene you are responsible for the cost of replacing any (which includes the regular washing of water personal property that is stolen, lost, or dam- bottles). In the event that you do become sick, aged. Your personal possessions may be covered however, there is competent and professional by your family’s household insurance, but check medical care available in Cuernavaca, and in most to make sure (especially if you plan to bring along cases these diseases can be treated with com- anything of value). If you want additional acci- mon antibiotics. dent or life insurance, most companies can help you with this. HIV/AIDS Students should also be aware that the state of If you plan to bring your laptop, please note that Morelos (where Cuernavaca is located) has the you will be responsible for the cost to repair or third- highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Mexi- replace it, whether or not the damage is the re- co. If you plan on being sexually active while in Mexico, you should be aware of this and use protection to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 27

Dengue fever Inoculations Dengue fever has recently been found in More- Check with your doctor about the timing for all of los, mainly in the south and in rural areas, but the inoculations and their side-effects (e.g., ty- also in Cuernavaca. No vaccine is available, but phoid and Hepatitis B inoculations require a se- travelers can reduce their risk by applying insect ries of shots or pills over several weeks or repellent to both skin and clothing. The most months; Hepatitis A inoculation requires a second effective repellents are those containing N,N- inoculation 6-12 months after the first injection). diethylmetatoluamide (DEET). You may find it helpful to call the Centers for Dis- ease Control (CDC) (888/232-3228 or 404/639- Zika Virus 2572) and listen to their extensive recorded infor- Zika virus is primarily spread to people through mation about health risks and precautions for mosquito bites. Currently, there is no vaccine to international travelers, or visit the CDC web page prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Zika causes a at http://www.cdc.gov. relatively mild illness, and the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or Typhoid immunization is required. We require red eyes; four in five people who acquire Zika students to have had a typhoid immunization infection may have no symptoms. within the last three years. The immunization must be completed at least two weeks before CGEE Mexico follows the CDC/U.S. Government arriving in Mexico. Again, if you have already recommendations and alerts and will provide been immunized, inoculation must have occurred updates as needed. within the last three years. The Typhoid vaccine does not guarantee absolute protection from Ty- Other Health Concerns phoid since there are over 100 strains of the dis- The altitude is high in both Cuernavaca (6,000 ease. It does, however, offer some protection, feet) and in Mexico City (7,300 feet). That, com- and doctors have noticed a lessening of the se- pounded with culture shock and the overall in- verity of symptoms and quicker recovery from tensity of the program, may make you tire easily. Typhoid among those U.S. patients who had re- In general, you should drink three times as much ceived the inoculation. water as you normally do in order to avoid dehy- dration. Hepatitis A: The Centers for Disease Control recommends that travelers to Mexico and Central Also be aware that pollution in Mexico City is a America receive an immune globulin (IG) shot or problem year round, but it is especially acute dur- Hepatitis A vaccine for protection against Hepati- ing the dry season (October - May). If you have a tis A. According to the CDC, travelers to Mexico history of respiratory illness, heart problems or and Central America are at high risk for Hepatitis allergies, you could experience complications A, especially if travel plans include visiting rural while there. While strenuous walking is not a reg- areas and extensive travel in the countryside or ular part of the program, there could be an occa- eating in settings of poor sanitation. sion when this is necessary to reach a certain location. A study has shown that many cases of travel- related Hepatitis A occur in travelers to develop- Varying road conditions can at times make antici- ing countries with “standard” itineraries, accom- pating this very difficult, although our field staff modations, and food consumption behaviors. will keep you informed whenever possible. Hepatitis A vaccine is preferred for persons who plan to travel repeatedly or reside for long peri- If your particular health condition makes this a ods of time in intermediate or high-risk areas. concern, please be prepared to communicate your limitations to the academic coordinators.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 28

Immune globulin is recommended for persons of The Grupo Delicias AA/NA meetings are held all ages who desire only short-term protection. every day at 7:30pm at St. Michael’s Episcopal The vaccine requires a series of injections, the Church, Calle Minerva #1, Colonia Vista Hermosa first of which must take place at least four weeks (right around the corner from the Superama on prior to travel. The immune globulin is a single Avenida Río Mayo). dose shot. Because it offers only short-term pro- tections, it should be administered shortly prior If you are an alcoholic or drug addict, we would to travel. Our most recent information, however, like to suggest that you let staff know so that we says that immune globulin is in very short supply. can support you in your recovery process.

Malaria: Of the places you are going, the possi- BEFORE departing for Mexico, please contact bility of contracting malaria is fairly low. Howev- CGEEE-Mexico Site Director Ann Lutterman- er, some travelers to Mexico have opted to take Aguilar ([email protected]) so that the an anti-malaria prophylactic. According to the Mexico team can work with you to support your Centers for Disease Control, Primaquine is the recovery. We also encourage you to "come out" preferred antimalarial drug in Mexico and El Sal- to your peers so that they can be supportive of vador. Atovaquone/proguanil, chloroquine, you. doxycycline, and mefloquine are alternative choices. There are also regular Al-Anon meetings in Eng- lish on Tuesdays from 12:15-1:15pm at St. Healthcare Providers Michael’s Episcopal Church, Calle Minerva #1, Our outstanding health insurance providers will Colonia Vista Hermosa (right around the corner help ensure that you receive excellent general from the Superama on Avenida Río Mayo). There care, gastroenterology, gynecology, ear, nose and are Al-Anon meetings in Spanish at the same lo- throat, mental health, and homeopathy. We have cation on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays very good English-speaking psychologists and from 5:30-7:00pm. psychiatrists, and we will help provide language interpretation for other medical visits, as re- Since meeting places and times change, check quested. with local staff and also look online for updated local information. In addition, there are online There are also several prestigious, well-equipped, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon groups modern hospitals only a 15 - 20 minute drive and meetings that you can attend via the Inter- from the CGEE facilities. Program participants can net. For example, past students have participat- receive quality out-patient or emergency care at ed in the following: Recovery Chat, AA and Al- these hospitals at a reasonable cost. Anon. Some former students recommend the online

app Sober Grid, which is open to people in recov- Alcohol and Drug Abuse ery from alcohol and other drug addictions. It is (FYI: Locations and Times of Meetings Can not solely 12-Step based, although many mem- Change) bers are in AA, NA, and Smart Recovery, etc.

As mentioned earlier, alcohol abuse is a serious Mental Health health risk. Therefore, while those of you who If you are seeing a therapist or psychiatrist at are over 18 are allowed to drink, as per local home, be sure to inquire as to whether or not it is laws, we encourage you to develop a social life feasible for you to have online sessions via Skype that does not depend upon alcohol. Some of you or another format while you are in Mexico. Some may be in recovery from drug or alcohol addic- therapists are open to this, and that way you can tions, and others of you may decide that you continue to work with the person whom you al- need to seek out a recovery program while in ready know. Cuernavaca.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 29

If not, online counseling available for all students The inclusion of these sites here is not intended as on Augsburg CGEE programs, Morneau Shepell an endorsement but rather a way to share some International Student Support Program. This is of the resources available and to make you aware not only for use in an emergency, or once you are of the plethora of resources on the worldwide abroad. You can take advantage of the services if web. you have any issues prior to departure, set up ongoing sessions if you think you will need the If you find other resources that you like better, services of a therapist while you are abroad, and please let us know, and we will include them in at any time you just need to talk to someone be- future versions of this guide. fore, during or after the semester. In fact, we are Diarrhea, Cholera, Typhoid and Dysentery told that predeparture counseling is one of the Prevention most common points of contact. You will be given more information about this once you get to Mexico, but in general, you should We highly recommend that you download the follow certain rules for eating and drinking: MySSP app on your phone, become familiar with  Drink bottled or boiled water (available at the the services and delivery options, and create an house and in your family stay), or bottled account. This last step is vital to easy access in drinks, including soda or bottled juice. the future.  All meat and fish should be well cooked. Avoid  For MAC salads and any kind of raw vegetables unless  For PC the greens/vegetables have been washed and then soaked in a disinfectant solution. (The If you want to see a psychologist or psychiatrist cooks at Casa CEMAL disinfect the fresh fruits in Mexico, we can refer you to English-speaking and vegetables they serve to you.) professionals who have been recommended by  Be very careful about what you eat in restau- past and current students. rants, and don’t eat food from street vendors. For example, fruit that you peel is the safest Unless your own insurance from home (not the bet; drinks with ice can be bad if the ice is not travel insurance) covers it, you will need to pay made from bottled water, etc. for that out of pocket (approximately US $37-$53 per session, depending on the therapist or doc- Play it safe! You will learn to eat and drink wisely tor, plus your cab rides (US $3-$5 each way). once you’re in Cuernavaca. At some point during Previous students have been happy with the the semester, you will undoubtedly have some attention that they have received here. stomach upset. Some students have opted to take Past students have also taken advantage of an antibiotic to prevent diarrhea (two such op- online chat groups and online support group tions are bactrim, a sulfa drug, or doxycycline, a meetings a variety of issues, including anxiety, form of tetracycline). These only prevent certain depression, and other mental health issues. One types of diarrhea disease, so hygiene and avoid- website that has many different online support ance measures remain important even if antibi- groups and chats on a variety of issues is the Dai- otics are used. You may want to bring along a pro- ly Strength. Another is Healthful Chats, which biotic like acidophilus or lactobacillus and take a hosts a wide variety of chatrooms and support capsule daily as a preventative measure. Probi- groups for issues such as anxiety bipolar disorder, otics are available over the counter in health body dysmorphic disorder, depression, eating stores and pharmacies in the U.S. and Mexico. disorders, gender identity, OCD, and PTSD. These suggestions, along with bananas, which are always on hand, are helpful. Note: drugs such as Lomotil, Paragoric, and Kaopectate are not recommended because they can be dangerous in the case of infectious diarrheas.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 30

LOCALE AND FACILITIES

Cuernavaca You will spend most of the summer session in Cuernavaca, a city known for its perennial spring- time weather, making it a favorite vacation and weekend get-away for Mexico City residents. Located in the state of Morelos, Cuerna- vaca is about 1½ -2 hours south of Mexico City and two hours west of Puebla.

Both the city and the state are important in Mex- Time ican history: the palace of the Spanish conquer- The time is the same as U.S. Central Standard or, Hernán Cortez, borders the central plaza in time. Mexico also employs Daylight Savings, just Cuernavaca; the state itself was named after Fa- as in the United States, although the dates for ther José María Morelos, one of the founders of changing the clocks are slightly different than in the Mexican War of Independence against Spain the U.S. in 1810, and Morelos is the birthplace of Emili- ano Zapata, who led the cry “Land and Liberty” in Weather the Mexican Revolution of 1910 in the southern You will be in Cuernavaca during our rainy season half of the country. Cuernavaca is also known for (May-Sep), so plan on rain in the afternoons its role in innovative grass-roots education, alter- (often 4:00 and onward). The temperatures will native health practices, Base Christian Communi- most likely be in the 70s-80s, although it can get ties (“BCCs”), and economic cooperatives, as well hotter and the temperature can drop at night. If as international businesses. North Americans, you travel into the mountains or to Mexico City, Japanese and Europeans are attracted to Cuerna- you will find cooler weather. , particularly at night vaca’s numerous Spanish language schools. and in Mexico City.

Cuernavaca is a nice city in which to be based. It Housing is not huge like Mexico City, which has a popula- The Center for Global Education and Experience tion of approximately 22 million, but it is big (CGEE) maintains one study center in Cuernava- enough (nearly one million) to offer plenty to ca. The house is located in Colonia San Antón, a do. Markets, theaters, museums, cafés, discos, 15-minute walk to the main downtown area. and restaurants abound. Cuernavaca also offers a flavor of rural Mexico with peasant farmers Our study center is called “Casa Augsburg.” It and Nahuatl-speaking indigenous people coming has five bedrooms with bunk beds, six bath- into the city to buy and sell in the market, as well rooms, a dining room/living room, large back pa- as a growing population of migrants from rural tio, ample garden space, and a small library/ areas. study room equipped with a printer, three computers with Internet access, and additional Inter- Currency Exchange net cables and wireless access for students who The unit of currency is the peso. The exchange bring laptop computers. rate at the time of printing (April 2019) was approximately 18.77 pesos to US $1. However, the rate fluctuates.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 31

We encourage you to bring a laptop if you have one. We also strongly recommend that you consider property insurance for any theft or damages because if anything happens to it, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs or replace- ment, whether or not the damage is the result of your action or the action of another student, staff person, or unknown person.

There are also facilities to wash clothes by hand in both houses, although some students choose to go to the nearby Laundromat. The Laundro- mat charges approximately US $4.00 for “full” service – wash, dry and fold.

The Universal language school, which has a small swimming pool and racquetball court, is conven- iently located on the same street as the CGEE houses. Also located on the same street are a bakery, an Internet café, four small grocery stores, two school supply/stationery stores, a Pentecostal Church, the San Antón Catholic Church, a baseball field/park, a Zumba studio, and a martial arts studio

House Rules Smoking is not permitted inside our study center. Students who smoke tobacco may do so outside in areas designated by the group.

Marijuana is an illegal drug in Mexico and is strictly forbidden. Any students who use it or any other illegal drug while in Mexico will be sent home, as illegal drug use can jeopardize the college’s legal status in this country.

If you are 18 and older, you may legally drink alcoholic beverages in Mexico. Moderate consumption of beer and other alcoholic beverages is allowed in the dining room or living room of Casa Augsburg. However, drunk and disorderly conduct is not permitted. If you do drink, we urge you to not only be careful for yourself but also consider- ate of students who may be alcoholics and/or in recovery.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 32

While we would like you to make yourself at home in the CGEE program house during the short time that you reside there, it is essential that you be respectful of the rest of the people who work at the study center and of our neigh- bors.

Therefore, we ask that you not give the phone numbers out to people that you have just met. Rather, it is better to get their phone numbers and to call them until you have a relation- ship of trust.

While you live with host families, you may use the library and computer services at Casa Augs- burg between 7:00am and 10:00pm. Bedrooms are off limits, as they may be used by other groups or be left alone so that the cleaning staff don’t have to do extra work. During homestays, you may not shower or sleep in Casa Augsburg.

You are encouraged to speak in Spanish as much as possible. Several Augsburg staff members do not speak English, so it is important not to speak a language that the people around you would not understand.

The Casa Augsburg kitchen is off-limits. There is a refrigerator for students in the dining room at Casa Augsburg.

In order to get a better idea of what our study center looks like, take the CGEE-Casa Augs- burg Tour

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 33

COMMUNICATION

Keeping in touch with family and friends is very We suggest that you bring U.S. stamps for letters important. The following information provides and postcards since friends of the Center for you a variety of means to stay in touch. You are Global Education and Experience traveling to the welcome to have family and friends visit you dur- U.S. often mail items for participants, thus speed- ing the semester. Be sure to see the list of hotels ing up delivery. in this guide for suggestions of locations where they can stay. Phone Calls

Snail Mail Calls to and from the United States Your mailing address in Mexico is: CGEE has a Vonage phone account through the J.H. Preciado # 314 Internet that allows us to make and receive un- Colonia San Antón limited calls as if we were in Minneapolis. We Cuernavaca, Morelos have one of those phones in our office and one in C.P. 62020 MEXICO the library in the house. For family and friends from the Twin Cities, this is a local call. For every- The Mexican postal service is often very slow. one outside of the Twin Cities and within the Allow up to three weeks for delivery of letters United States, the call is a national long distance and small packages. Warning: In many cases, call. packages don’t arrive or are held up in Customs, so we caution you about having anything valua- Calls within Mexico ble sent through the mail! If someone does de- Calls within Mexico: In addition to the Vonage cide to send you a package, we recommend that phone system, we also maintain Mexican phone they send it in a large envelope rather than a numbers for local calls within Mexico. Please box because boxes are almost always held up in note that if you are making a long distance call customs, whereas envelopes tend to arrive with- from within Mexico, you must do so from a pay out hassle. phone and dial “01-and the area code” before the rest of the number. However, you may re- Although reliable, Federal Express and United ceive long-distance calls from within Mexico and Parcel Service are expensive and must be given internationally at the phones in Casa Augsburg. the street address: J.H. Preciado #314, Colonia For calls through the Mexican phone lines, a re- San Antón, 62020, Cuernavaca, Morelos, MEXICO cording will come on asking you for the correct and phone number (777) 312-3578, ext. 101. extension; please use the extension numbers listed on the following page. It is also very important to know that the Mexi- can government charges an extremely high tax Phones lists with extension numbers are also lo- on most articles sent by mail from the United cated by all phones in Casa Augsburg. States according to the assumed value of the items.

Hence, you may want to advise family and friends to take that into account when listing the price of any given package on the customs slip. Some- times students have had to pay nearly half the cost of the birthday presents they have received in taxes!

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 34

CGEE Mexico Offices Casa Augsburg

Calls from the Internet phone line: (612) 605-7230 Internet phone In computer/study U.S. and Canada · Ann Lutterman-Aguilar, Mexico Site Di- room: rector: Ext. 105 (612) 605-7222 · Naty Rosas, Office Manager: Ext. 101 · Lisanne Morgan, Homestay and Intern- Dining area: ship Coordinator:Ext. 102 (612) 605-7230, · Dining area: Ext. 109 and 110 ext. 109 or 110

Mexican phone line from U.S: 011-52-777-318-7799 or 011-52-777-312-3578

Parents: please note that for the majority of the Computers, Email, and Internet Access summer Blocks students will be living with host Casa Augsburg has a printer and three PC com- families and not in the CGEE houses. However, puters, all of which have Internet access, plus they may still stop by the CGEE house and call additional cables and wireless Internet access you from our phone, and you can still call the for students who bring laptop computers. office if you need to reach your student. In addition to our limited computer services, Emergency Contact Information and Phone there are many Internet cafés nearby, including Numbers one right up the street, where the cost is approxi- In the case of an emergency, if your family and mately $10 pesos per hour. If you have a laptop friends are having trouble reaching you, they can computer, you are encouraged to bring it, along call the CGEE office number that is a U.S. phone with a card for wireless Internet access. line through the internet: 1-612-605-7230. (It is as if you were calling Minneapolis, MN.) If that is Please note that there are frequent problems not successful, they can call the CGEE office in with Internet service in Cuernavaca and that it Minneapolis and leave a message with as much may be much slower than that to which you are information as possible. During office hours accustomed. Internet service also goes down (8:00am – 4:30pm Central Standard Time). After frequently, and so you should not count on hav- hours and on weekends, one of our Minneapolis ing fast or constant Internet access. staff members will monitor an emergency cell phone at 612-817-2830. Library Resources There is a small library in Casa Augsburg. Howev- As stated previously, CGEE will provide a Mexican er, you will need to be able to access your col- cell phone to you to use for security purposes lege/ university library online. Make sure you unless you already have your own phone that find out from your IT department how you can works in Mexico (see section on Health and Safe- gain access from Mexico. how you can gain ac- ty Matters). If people need to call you on a Mexi- cess from Mexico. can cell phone from the U.S., they should dial 011-52-1 BEFORE the 10-digit cell phone number that begins with 777. However, this is much more expensive than calling you on the internet- based Vonage phone line or via Skype.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 35

Homestay During the first three days of your first (or only) Block, you will be living in one of the CGEE program houses in Cuernavaca. For the remainder of your time, most of you will live with host families unless you make other arrangements with Ann Lutterman-Aguilar at [email protected] and the homestay coordinator Lisanne Morgan at [email protected]

During the time that you live with host families, you may continue to use the library and computer services at Casa CEMAL between 7:00am and 10:00pm. During the homestay, bedrooms are off limits, as they may be used by other groups or be left alone so that the cleaning staff don’t have to do extra work. You may not shower or sleep in either Casa CEMAL or Casa Verde. You are encouraged to speak Spanish as much as possible, even while living in Casa CEMAL or Casa Verde. Several CGEE staff members do not speak English, so it is important not to speak a language that the people around you would not understand. There will be designated Spanish-only tables for all meals.

While you are living with host families, the family will provide all of your meals.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 36

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Travel to/from Program While you are obviously planning to study in Your program fees do not cover your travel costs Mexico, you will not be enrolled in a Mexican to and from Mexico. You are responsible for university and are therefore may enter the coun- making your own arrangements to and from the try as a tourist rather than having to apply for a airport in Mexico City. We ask all participants to special student visa. arrive in Mexico City by 3:00pm on the travel date specified for your Block. Please notify us When you go through Customs, be sure to tell with your arrival and departure information once the Mexican immigration officer that you would you have it. like to be given 90 days. There will not be a place to indicate that on your form, so be sure to ask. We will arrange for one or two pick-up times at a meeting point in the Mexico City airport on each With the tourist card, you will need to present travel day. The pick-up times will be based on your passport. It is helpful to bring a photocopy the arrival times of all group members. There- of the first page of your passport to carry with fore, you may have a wait time of no more than you in Mexico as identification. When you get to a couple of hours in the airport in order to coor- Cuernavaca, you will be able to store your pass- dinate with our pick-up times. port and tourist card in the safe. Be sure to keep the tourist card, since you will have to present it On the departure day of each Block we will pro- to Mexican immigration officials in order to leave vide transportation to the airport in Mexico. If Mexico. you depart on some other day, you must make your own arrangements for transportation, Travel within Mexico which is quite simple, as direct buses depart Cuernavaca for the airport approximately every Weekend Travel half hour, beginning early in the morning: Day trips and weekend trips are possible during www.pullman.com.mx. the summer while in Mexico. If you take SPA/ART 231, you will have a course-related day trip every Since you must allow two hours to get to the air- weekend. These trips are optional for others. You port from Cuernavaca and are supposed to check may also choose to travel independently. Popular -in between 2-3 hours in advance, we recom- weekend destinations include Mexico City, mend that you choose a flight that leaves no ear- Tepotzlan, Toluca, Puebla, and Querétaro. lier than 12:00pm. To give you an idea of prices, the bus ride to Visa Requirements and Tourist Cards Mexico City takes about one and a half hours and (Important!) costs about US $10 one way. Modest youth hos- U.S. citizens and permanent residents are al- tel and hotel accommodations can often be lowed to stay in Mexico for six months as tourists found for US $15-50/person. For safety reasons, without obtaining any sort of visa. When you are we highly recommend that students travel in on the plane, you will receive a tourist card, pairs or small groups and would strongly discour- which you will complete and present to immigra- age you from traveling alone or taking overnight tion authorities. If asked on the form, please in- buses. Acapulco is currently one of the most dan- dicate that your occupation is student but the gerous cities in the world, so it is off limits, as is purpose of your trip is “tourism.” the whole state of Guerrero in which it is located.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 37

Day-Trips, Weekend, and Travel Destinations for  Veracruz, Veracruz: (6-7 hours) Very im- Vacation Before or After the Summer Session portant sea-bearing port of entry throughout Mexico’s history. A great deal of Caribbean PLEASE NOTE: presence and influence in the area can be  Keep your Mexican cell phone (which we will seen in the traditional Jarocho music, a mix of provide you) charged and turned on with Indigenous, African and Spanish culture. sufficient air time so that we can reach you Some of the beaches are hidden by the oil (and vice versa) in case of an emergency. rigs. The nicest beaches close to the city are  Use only radio taxis (using the cell phones we slightly south, in Boca del Rio, Veracruz. You provide or regular phones). can take a bus from the city of Veracruz.  Travel in pairs or small groups.  Oaxaca (7-8 hours) A beautiful colonial city in  Avoid traveling alone or taking overnight bus- the state of Oaxaca, near Monte Albán, an es. important archeological site. Oaxaca is a  It is also very important that our staff be able great place for food and is known for its chil- to reach you in case of an emergen- es, chocolates and chapulines (grasshoppers). cy. Therefore, you are required to complete  Zihuatanejo: (ONLY to be visited by plane, as a Travel Information Form and give it to the the region the buses transit are on the intern before you travel outside of Cuernava- “restricted travel” only list created by the ca. U.S. State Department as a result of drug car- Some popular destinations are: tel activity.) Beach area north of Acapulco, (for bus information see: www.ticketbus.com.mx) which is not as “touristy” and is a more se-  Mexico City: (1½-2 hours) Known as “The cluded locale, away from large cities. It also Largest City in the World” (population: ap- boasts some of the best marlin fishing in the prox. 25 million) with museums, shopping, world. great city parks, clubs, plays, etc. Mexico City  Guadalajara: (8-10 hours) One of the largest is the capital of the country, and nearly ¼ of and most important economic cities in Mexi- the country’s population lives there. co. Mariachi music is very popular here.  Tepoztlan (45 min.) A beautiful town nestled Guadalajara also has a lot of bars/clubs/ in the mountains. You can hike up to a pyra- restaurants. mid or enjoy shopping for artisan products/  Mazunte, Oaxaca (12 hours from Mexico City) souvenirs. Be sure to try Tepoznieves, Very nice beach area in Oaxaca. To get there, Tepoztlan’s famous ice cream! you have to take a bus to Pochutla, and from  Puebla: (2.5 hours) Colonial city where the there take a camioneta or a taxi colectivo to Spanish legacy in a heavily populated indige- Mazunte. There aren’t any large hotels – you nous region can be noted with the existence can rent out a nice room from a local. It is of many churches. Poblanos boast that they known as a “hippie” beach. have a church on every corner.  San Cristóbal, Chiapas: (11 hours) San Cristó-  Chachalacas, Veracruz: (7 hours) A small bal used to be the capital of the state of Chia- beach area, on the Gulf of Mexico. There pas. The presence of the Zapatista uprising aren’t any large hotels and there are very few can be seen all over the city. It is a beautiful tourists, except during the high-volume vaca- colonial town nestled in the mountains. tion periods.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 38

It is very important that our staff be able to reach Visits from Family and Friends you in case of an emergency. Therefore, we ask Family and friends: You are more than welcome you to complete a Travel Information Form and to come and visit. It is best to visit after the pro- email it or an email with “TRAVEL INFO” in the gram ends, but you may visit during the program. subject heading to the International Resident As- Some students have commented in the past that sistant ([email protected]) and Ann they found visits by friends and family during reg- at [email protected] BEFORE you travel out- ular program time to be extremely stressful since side of Cuernavaca. Be sure to take your charged they are busy most of the day and have home- cell phone with you (along with the charger) and work to do. Remember, they are cramming 60 keep it turned on so that we can reach you in the hours of class time into three short weeks, and case of an emergency. that doesn’t count studying. Absences due to travel with family and friends do not count as Optional Travel After the Program Ends excused absences. However, it is often possible After the program ends, you may want to stay in to attend classes, listen to guest lectures, and Mexico for an extra week in order to travel with participate in excursions with you. other students, family members, or friends. We advise that you decide this before arranging your A Note to Parents and Legal Guardians: As men- return date, as we have found that many students tioned above, we very much enjoy meeting you do want to stay one more week but have set the and would love to have you visit. It is important date of departure immediately after the program for you to know that sometimes parents’ visits ends. Keep in mind that most airlines charge ap- during periods while students have classes puts proximately US $100 or more for any date chang- extra pressure on them, as they feel that they es. must entertain you in addition to trying to complete their coursework and participate in a very Please note that you may make arrangements to busy schedule. Therefore, we recommend that store your belongings in our facilities and to pick you visit AFTER the program ends. We highly dis- them up between 8:00am and 3:00pm Mon.- courage you from taking your children to the Fri. However, CGEE takes no legal responsibility beach or traveling elsewhere with them at times for items that are lost or stolen while in storage. when they would have to miss classes and other program activities. However, if you arrive while If you choose to travel extensively, please be sure classes are in session, you are more than wel- to budget accordingly. In the past, students have come to attend speakers and excursions with the traveled in small groups by bus to historical sites group. or ocean beaches, such as Puerto Escondido, Isla Mujeres, Guadalajara, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. When traveling by bus on a careful budget, US $35 -40 per day is sufficient. You may want to allot extra funds ($100-$300 recommended) for souvenir purchases, nightlife, emergencies or other extras.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 39

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Exercise Options in Cuernavaca

Sports There are a number of gyms and workout facilities in the Cuernavaca area that you can join. The following list gives you an idea about options and approximate prices. Many of these places have additional services and classes to the ones listed here. You may want to call them or stop by to verify schedules and prices.

Name of Gym In or Near Street Address Facilities and Ser- Hours Open Approx. Cost Neighborhood and Directions vices

Dragon de Colonia Tetela Av. Felipe Rivera Groups: Tai Chi, Varies with Varies with classes. Jade Phone: 380- Crespo #106 , Kung Fu, Dance, classes. *Stop by or call or 1927 Fracc. Hacien- Yoga (open in- *Stop by or call more info. *Great place da Colonia Te- scription), Thea- for more info. to interact tela, Cuernavaca tre, Choir. Interac- with communi- (near Don Bosco) tion with Mexican ty members! artists and local community members *Call for more information!!!

Muscle and Col. La Pradera Av. San Jerónimo Classes: Jazzercise, Varies with Varies with classes. Fitness World (up the street # 207 (up from Yoga, Pilates, Body classes. *Stop by or call or (MFW) from Tacos La Avenida shape, Tae-Bo, *Stop by or call more info. Gringa) Camacho, near Kick boxing, for more info. Tel. 376-2987 UNINTER). Zumba, belly danc- Website: ing, spin www.mfw.mx Plus lots of equip- ment

Gold´s Gym Amatitlan, Plan de Aya- Classes: aerobics, Mon –Fri: $$$ 62000 Morelos la 418 dance, step, pila- 6am –10pm Phone: 318- tes, etc. Sat: 7am – 1813 Fully-equipped 7pm gym, Olympic size swimming pool

Combat Acad- On J.H. Preci- J.H. Preciado Classes: kickbox- Kickboxing: 400 pesos for a emy ado, about a 5- (our street) ing, muay thai, Mon, Wed, Fri, monthly member- 10 minute walk jujitsu 9-11am and 6- ship from Casa 8pm CEMAL Muay thai: 1st class free Tuesdays and Thursdays 9- 11am and 6- 8pm

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 40

Name of Gym In or Near Neigh- Street Address Facilities and Ser- Hours Open Approx. Cost borhood and Directions vices

Legion CF On Plan de Ayala, Potrero Verde, Classes: CrossFit, Mon-Fri: 490 pesos a month near the dance which makes cor- Muay Thai, Brazil- 7:00-9:00 am with student dis- place, Samanna. ner with Plan de ian Jiu Jitsu 5:00-9:00 pm count Next to a KFC and Ayala Burger King. 3 free trial classes

You can look for them on Facebook.

German’s Up the street of JH Phone: 310-0767 Gym is equipped Hours vary Membership fees Gym Preciado, past with machines start at 250 pesos. Puente 2000. It is Find them on Fa- and free weights Visit or call for on the left. cebook (like bars and a more info few kettlebells). There are also a few running and aerobics machines.

Zumba Up the street of JH Hours vary, One class is 30 Preciado, past mostly in the pesos, and one Puente 2000. It is afternoon month is 150 on the left. On top of Ger- man’s Gym

Horseback riding: Centro Ecuestre La Cabaña Running: Often students ask about the possibil- offers basic classes, including equine therapy, ity/safety of running in Cuernavaca. Many former during weekdays. They have a Facebook page, students found a route or two which they get to call for more information at 349-0412. It is locat- know and enjoy running every day, often seeing ed on the federal highway (“la libre,” not the toll the same people and activities, which allow them road) to Mexico City, near Monte Casi- to feel comfortable running in a new place. If you no. Another option is Lienzo Charro de Cuerna- do not mind street dogs or city running, which vaca on Avenida Universidad (you can take bus includes traffic that is not as pedestrian-friendly “Ruta 1” from Avenida Morelos). You can also as some places in the U.S., then you will be able check out Real Montecassino Club Híptico in Co- to enjoy running in Cuernavaca. There is also a lonia Vista Hermosa, which offers advanced clas- park/baseball field close to the cemetery up the ses that cost $300 pesos (US$15) per hour. Tues- street from Casa CEMAL. It is well lit, with many day-Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm, Sat and Sun. 9:00am activities going on throughout the day and -2:00pm. (See website for more information.) through the late afternoon, and you can run laps there on weekdays.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 41

The “Centenario” has a large track field for running laps. It is on Avenida Universidad, en route to the Morelos state university UAEM. Take the #1 bus on Avenida Morelos downtown and you will go right past it. It takes 30-40 minutes by bus. Parque Chapultepec is also a really nice place to go running, but it’s about a 30-40 minute bus ride from Casa CEMAL, and there is a small admission fee. There are also many races throughout the city and the registration fees are lower than in the U.S.—check with the staff for more information.

Activity Times

Ballet: Friday 4:00-6:00pm

Beauty (belleza) · Friday 9:00am-1:00pm · Monday and Wednesday, 10:00am-12:00pm and 4:00-6:00pm · Thursday 4:00-7:00pm

Embroidery (bordado con liston) Tuesday and Thursday 4:00-6:00pm

Cut and Confection (corte y confeccion) · Wednesday and Friday 10:00am-12:00pm · Tuesday and Thursday 4:00-6:00pm

Drawing and Painting Tuesday and Thursday 4:00-6:00pm

Faux Stained Glass (falso vitral) Wednesday 9:00am-1:00pm

Artistic Gelatin (gelatina artistica) Tuesday 9:00am-1:00pm

Sandal-Making (huaracheria) Wednesday 4:00-7:00pm

Textile Painting (pintura textil) · Monday 4:00-7:00pm · Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00am-12:00pm

Baking/Dessert-Making (reposteria) Thursday 9:00am-1:00pm

Salsa Dancing Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00am-12:00pm

Tae Kwondo Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 4:00-6:00pm

Yoga Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00-9:00am

Zumba · Monday, Wednesday, and Friday · 8:00-:009am · 6:00-7:00pm

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 42

Soccer: There is a soccer field in a neighborhood In addition, as mentioned earlier, alcohol abuse is close to CEMAL, just off J.H. Preciado. Some stu- a serious health risk and a particular problem in dents have gone to play with the youth from that study abroad. Therefore, we highly encourage neighborhood, and have had positive experienc- you to develop a social life that does not depend es, but you should probably go accompanied by upon alcohol. There are movie theaters, bowling another student until you have established a rela- allies (which are more expensive than in the tionship with the youth there. There are also soc- U.S.), restaurants, cafes, and other places you can cer teams to which the staff can connect you. go to have a good time without consuming alcohol. Activities at the Community Center The Center is up the street JH Preciado, past Due to the current violence between rival drug Puente 2000, and next to the cemetery. The clas- cartels, you need to be especially careful when ses may have a minimal cost. going out to places that serve alcohol, as many bars, discos, and nightclubs serve as fronts for Capoeira: Students have enjoyed taking Capoeira the drug trade. class week day afternoons in Cuernavaca. Classes are usually 100 pesos (US$5) per class or you can Many very respectable-looking places have wait- discuss with instructor to obtain a package deal. ers who sell drugs or owners who are involved in the drug trade. For that reason, we urge you to Knitting, Sewing, and other crafts: Right before follow staff’s warnings about places that we have reaching Cuernavaca’s cathedral (about 10min deemed off limits and to be extremely careful walk) you can find a small crafts store that offers about anywhere else you go! supplies and classes for no extra cost, Monday- Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Near there, I. Restaurants there are also various places that offer work-  Los Arcos: An outdoor café next to the Zóca- shops, including drawing, literature, sculpting, lo. Open for lunch and dinner with many tra- etc. ditional Mexican dishes and a great location. Also has live music and salsa dancing. Socially Responsible Nightlife in Cuer-  El Barco: Two locations in Cuernavaca. A great place to try Pozole, a good option par- navaca ticularly for Mon nights, when many other It is important to note that overt discrimination restaurants are closed. on the basis of race, class, and sexual orientation  La Fontana: A great place to gather for pizza, is very common in Cuernavaca. There are numer- beer, and a casual, fun atmosphere. ous clubs whose bouncers are known for only al-  La Maga: Good food in cozy environment. lowing foreigners and rich-looking, light-skinned Especially noteworthy is their lunch buffet Mexicans to enter, while excluding dark-skinned (with lots of great vegetarian options!). Mexicans. We ask you to be aware of these dy-  Pizza Roma: Great little restaurant with gour- namics when going out in Cuernavaca so that you met pizzas. Eat in, take out, or delivery. do not inadvertently participate in or support  Restaurant El Salto: A nice restaurant located practices that violate your own values and those a short walk from Casa CEMAL, right next to of this program. We appreciate your feedback so the San Antón waterfall. It closes on Tues- we can continue to update our lists for future stu- days and shortly after 8:00pm other days. dents. Live music on Thursdays and Fridays.  Taquería La Gringa: Delicious place for tacos. Three locations throughout the city. Great options for vegetarians. Their alambres are a must try!

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 43

 Marco Polo: A True Italian restaurant located  Anticavilla Restaurant: The hotel/restaurant right opposite to cathedral on the second are an Italian establishment with the restau- floor. Perfect for groups. Great views from rant being a Member of the Chaine Des Rotis- balcony. Huge variety of pizzas and wines. seurs and displayed a silver plate on the wall Their house wines are a must try. from Academia Italiana della Cuciana indi-  Néctar Tropikal Pizzería: Famous for their cating it was Ristorante Verde Salvia. The pizzas and sauces, Néctar truly brings fusion mixture of an open-air concept restaurant Italian-Mexican cuisine to another level. They with modern and Mexican hacienda styles are also popular for their international craft provides an inviting and welcoming atmos- beers from Germany and Belgium. phere.  La India Bonita: India Bonita is a peaceful restaurant with lots of greenery in spite of its II. Recommended Cafés location in the middle of downtown Cuerna-  Los Arcos: An outdoor Café next to the Zóca- vaca. Excellent table side service. Waiters are lo. A popular meeting place for foreigners very attentive. Don’t go by name this place is and Mexicans. There are evening happy hour authentic Mexican. specials 8:00-10:00pm. Live Salsa and Cumbia  Los Colorines: The place is lovely with a lot of music on Sun, Thursday and Fri evenings and colors truly Mexican. The service is really lively dancing initiated by the diners. No cov- good the waitress are really attentive and er. (also see listing in Restaurants). helpful on how the food is served and give  Barecito: This is a very small, gay-owned bar you a good detail about the different meals. that is open to the LGBTQIA community and The chilaquiles are handmade and the flavors the community at large. No cover. Live per- are incredible. All the food is really good with formances by local artist and painting exhibi- moderate prices. tions are commonly held at Barecito.  Las Mananitas: Located in the outskirts of  La Maga: Good drinks, cozy and artsy envi- Cuernavaca. Las Mananitas restaurant and ronment with live music most weekend hotel. A perfect place to have a romantic nights. During the daytime, this has a great date or a business meeting with its beautiful, and inexpensive salad bar and buffet. flower full garden, with a great experience of  La Rana Sabia: In front of the Cuernavaca ca- exotic birds loosely mingling with the guests. thedral, this is a very nice place to visit if you A advanced booking is highly recommended. are interested in workshops and literary gath-  House Café + Lounge: Located across the arti- erings, including poetry slams. san’s market. House café and lounge is an  Starbucks Centro Cuernavaca: Located right upscale restaurant. A perfect place for a date at the heart of downtown Cuernavaca and in town. Excellent service both in English and alongside the Palace of Cortes, Starbucks is a Spanish. It has both inside and outside bustling location with friendly staff and a seating areas. It serves fusion food. warm atmosphere.  El Madrigal: El Madrigal Cuernavaca offers a  Gandhi Coffee and Library: A local coffee heavenly location. They offer a vast selection shop with English-speaking staff. Inexpensive of international dishes. Their staff is extreme- and comfortable environment for study. ly attentive, and the customer service is im- There is a huge selection of books to choose peccable, all that in a wonderful atmosphere. from. It is also a hotel and the architecture does  Celito: Designed with the impression of shar- not disappoint. Would be a great place for a ing Mexico’s culture, it’s vibrant colors share gathering or wedding reception. a warming environment with plenty of art and coffee hosted by local farmers and artists.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 44

 Al Paradiso: With excellent views from its  Plaza Marina: A big center filled with balcony, this medium-sized coffee shop is bars and dance floors, Plaza Marina is famous for its daily activities and outstanding known as ‘the round up center’ for coffee drinks. Each day is themed with a new Mexican college students. It truly is a activity such as Friday Movie Premiers, so one place fits all and is famous for please check in ahead of time or take a ran- their variety of drinks. dom stop to explore.  Pachuco Rey Mezcaleria: If you want  Café Colibre: Small but great outdoor space some of the best mezcals in town, Pa- located in the center of downtown Cuernava- chucho Rey holds its title. Descent ca. A tasteful dessert selection and good ser- pricing. One of the busiest places in vice. town on weekend nights; go early!  Expendio de Café: Known for its huge selec- Reggaetón music and weekly salsa and tion of coffee beans for sale, you can actually cumbia nights. go and learn how to brew your own coffee  Barecito: Truly small, Barecito is a hid- without any necessary purchase. den gem of its own. Located in the  Coffee Gringo: Located in downtown Cuerna- centro, Barecito is the growing hip bar vaca, a majority of its staff are friendly stu- in town with inexpensive drinks and dents from local colleges with medium Eng- live music. Recommended only for lish-speaking skills. A small but good selec- small groups. tion of coffee drinks. The environment is  La Trinchera: Similar to Mercado beautiful with soothing background music Comonfort, La Trinchera is an open supported by a lovely pool designed by a lo- space area with bar stands and music. cal artist and a patio. All types of drinks with great food options. Busy on weekend so go early! III. Recommended Bars, Movies and Shop-  L'Arrosoir d'Arthur: Located in the ping Malls heart of centro, L’Arrosior d’Arthur is A. Bars a luxurious bar with a great wine se-  Mercado Comonfort: Just next to the lection. Great seating environment cathedral in downtown Cuernavaca, with outside patio with a very calm Mercado Comonfort is famous for its atmosphere. free open space with bar stands and  La Guayaba Pulqueria: Their pulque food stalls. Great for all groups. Very drinks are one of the best in town busy on Friday and Saturday nights. with plenty other inexpensive drinks. The Mojito stand there is known as Famous for their own draft beer. one of the best in town. B. Movies:  Las Plazuelas: A main strip filled with  Cinemas Las Plazas: It is located in different types of bars with music and downtown Cuernavaca. Is cheapest dance floors, Las Plazuelas is a one but isn't a high-quality system video place fits all. Like all locations, take and audio. All movies featured in this precautions and travel in groups or cinema are all in Spanish. pairs. Popularly known for their 5-liter Cine Morelos: Located right across beers and inexpensive drinks. Jardin Borda and in close proximity to  Mr. Chile: Two-floored bar with reg- the Cathedral. It features small budget gaetón music and upbeat waiters, Mr. movies from all over the world. It’s Chile is famous for their Michelada fairly inexpensive and movies are drinks with plenty of chile and their aired in several languages. mojitos. Basic snack options. Located outside of Cuernavaca center, plan to call a taxi in the evening.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 45

 Cinemex: Running three locations in E. Special deals and promotions: There are across the city in plaza Cuernavaca, always special promotions in town. One Forum and Galerias shopping malls. of the most popular is the 2x1 deals that Tickets starts from 80 pesos for basic makes your third purchase free. Keep and goes all the way to 220 pesos for your eyes open for them. Most bars and VIP access. All locations have Imax 4d coffee shops have special deals running and Dolby digital systems. Plenty of that you can check online or when you options to choose for snacks. walk in they are normally written  Cinepolis: Cinepolis has two opera- tional locations in Galerias and D10 On boards. Students often times can mall respectively. Tickets starts from open store membership cards such as 80 pesos for basic and goes all the way Cinepolis, Cinemex and La Comer and to 220 pesos for VIP access. Starbucks. C. Special: Bowling Ally With ISIC student card: Located on the third floor at Plaza Cuer-  Best Western: 20% student discount navaca, Alboa features bowling and bil- on accommodation liards tables for lots of fun with family  Hotels Zar: 15% student discount and friends. Shoes are available onsite for on accommodation rental. A large food and drinks menu to  The Hamburger Club: 20% student keep you and your friends busy and hap- discount on burgers. py. Tuesday promotions of 2x1. D. Shopping Malls:  Galerias: A little far from CEMAL, Ga- lerias is one of the largest shopping malls in Cuernavaca. It houses international brands from Tommy Hilfiger to Adidas and Nike among countless others.  Plaza Cuernavaca: Built similar to Cal- ifornian style shopping centers, Plaza Cuernavaca is a great place to find local brands in an outdoor atmosphere and a calm indoor center.  Plaza Forum: Newly built in 2017, Pla- za Forum is rapidly gathering international brands such as Zara, Pull and Bear, and Nike to join them as they quickly grow to become one of the top shopping places in town.  Plaza Averanda: Much like Plaza Fo- rum, this shopping center was built in 2017 with some of your favorite brands such as Forever21 and H&M. There are no other places in town with these two brands! Plaza Averanda is located just across the street from Galerias.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 46

F. Hotels

NAME ADDRESS PRICING IN CUSTOMER CONTACT US$ RATING INFORMATION

Mision Grand Cuerna- Galeana 29 Cuernavaca MOR 55 $71 5.0 vaca 1500 2950

Villa Paraiso Map Antiguo Puente Blanco 74 Be- $55 5.0 1-866-599-6674 nito Juarez Emiliano Zapata MOR 62765 Mexico

Anticavilla Hotel Rio Amacuzac No.10 esq. Chilpan- $209 4.6 1-866-599-6674 cingo Col. Vista Hermosa

Orchidelirium Casa Mariano Matamoros 19 Colonia $100 4.6 1-866-599-6674 Hotel & Salud Estetica Acapantzingo Cuernavaca MOR 1

Holiday Inn Express Avenida Morelos Sur 133 Barrio De $75 4.6 1-855-799-6861 Hotel & Suites Chipitlan Cuernavaca MOR

Ayurveda Palace Av Chalma Sur # $72 4.4 1-866-599-6674 122 Cuernavaca MOR

IV. Recommended Libraries Religious Life  St. Michael´s and All Angels Church Mexico is a predominantly Roman Catholic coun- (English Library) try. Therefore, there are many Catholic religious  Biblioteca Dr. Jose Felix Frias Sanchez services available for students who would like to  La Rana Sabia attend them. In fact, there is a Catholic church just one block down the street from the Center. V. PLACES TO AVOID (PLEASE TAKE THIS In addition, there is a growing number of SERIOUSLY!) Protestant churches here, including Baptist, Epis- Please avoid the following locations due to copalian, Methodist, Pentecostal, and others. the presence of violent incidents and poor There is also one orthodox synagogue in Cuerna- business ethic practice among other reasons. vaca and several conservative and other syna-  The Bull gogues in Mexico City. The following is a brief list  La Tereza of a few of the religious services that we know of.  Attico (CLOSED as of Spring 2018 but Please join us in updating and completing our list may reopen.) of religious services. Also, once you have arrived  Drea’s Karoke Bar, on Avenida Vicente in Mexico, please call each place of worship you Guerrero are thinking of attending for more information on  Antonio Varona (a small neighborhood) their service times (which tend to change).

Please additionally avoid any additional bars, If you do not find information about your reli- discos, and nightclubs that CGEE staff warns gious group below, please contact Ann Lutter- against. Please regularly check the bulletin man-Aguilar at [email protected], as she board and your emails for updated infor- will try to assist you. mation.

Like we said, there are plenty of other fun things to do in Cuernavaca with your host families and friends!

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 47

Jewish Synagogues Protestant and Evangelical Churches

Cuernavaca Anglican/Episcopal Orthodox services at a Jewish nursing home St. Michael´s Episcopal Church Madero 404, Baja California, Cuernavaca Calle Minerva #1, Colonia Las Delicias, Cuernava- Services are on Sat morning. ca, Phone: 315-2870 Services in English at 10:45am and in Spanish at Synogogues in Mexico City 5 :00pm on Sundays Alianza Monte Sinai (Orthodox) Tennyson #134, Colonia Polanco, Ciudad de Mexi- The Good Shepherd Anglican Church co Corner of Calle Degollado and Guerrero, Colonia Phone: 01-55-5280-6369 Centro, Cuernavaca, Phone: 315-2870

Agudes Achim Baptist Montes de Oca 32, Colonia La Condesa, Ciudad Iglesia Bautista Monte Abarim de Mexico Ocotepec #612, Colonia Reforma, Cuernavaca Phone: 01-55-5553-6430 (behind Sam´s Club), Phone: 311-4362

Judaismo Humanista de Mexico Capital City Baptist Church Reforma 2233 E., Sauces 402, Cuidad de Mexico Sur 138 Esq. Bondojito, Colonia Las Americas, Del Phone: 01-55-5559-6638 Alvaro Obregon, Ciudad de Mexico Bet-El Phone: 01-55-5516-1862 Horacio 1722, Colonia Polanco, Ciudad de Mexico Methodist Phone: 01-55-5281-2592 Iglesia Metodista de Mexico A.R. Calle No Reelección #31, Colonia Centro, Cuerna- Muslim Temples vaca Phone: 312-9429 Masjid Dar As Salaam Circuito Tequesquitengo No. Non-Denominational Christian 150,Tequesquitengo, Morelos, Phone: 734-347- 0995 Centro Cristiano Website: http://www.islam.com.mx (visit for Álvaro Obregón 321 worship times) Phone: (777) 318 - 59 – 65 Email: [email protected] Mezquita Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab Services on Sundays at 11:00am and Bible Studies Sur 77 No. 32 int. 7, esq. Lorenzo Boturini, Col. on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:00pm. This is Lorenzo Boturini, Deleg. Vanustiano Carranza, within walking distance of the Augsburg campus. Mexico City, 15820 Phone: (55)5650-4612, English (55)3166-81-13 Compañerismo Estudiantil, A.C. (*youth group only, not a church) Calle Leyva y Abasolo (in front of a school in the Templo Philidelphia) Phone: 322-0457 Email: ivanvalla- [email protected], [email protected]

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 48

Presbyterian Parroquia de La Lagunilla Christo Obrero Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana Bethel Manzana 11, Lote 21, Av. Mariano Matamoros, Jardin San Juan #10, Colonia Centro, Cuernavaca Cuernavaca Phone: 312-3564 Phone: 102-4644 Email: [email protected] Parroquia de Plan de Ayala Nuestra Señora de Pentecostal Guadalupe Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Emmanuel On the corner of Otilio Montano and Emiliano Reforma #4, Colonia Centro, Temixco (just out- Zapata, Cuernavaca side of Cuernavaca) Phone: not available Phone: 325-1021 Note: There are many Catholic churches in Cuer- Quaker navaca. This is just a partial listing. In many Cath- Casa de los Amigos olic churches, there is a sign posted outside with Ignacio Mariscal 132, Colonia Tabacalera, Ciudad a list of the times for Masses. de Mexico, 06030 Phone: 52-55-5705-0521, 52-55-5705-0646 Website: https://www.casadelosamigos.org/

Roman Catholic Masses

Catedral de Cuernavaca Hidalgo #17, Colonia Centro, Cuernavaca (on the corner of Morelos y Calle Hidalgo) Phone: 318-4590, 318-4596 Mass times: M-F, 7 :00m, 12:00pm and 7:00pm; Sat, 7:00pm; Sun, every hour and a half from 7:30am to 1:30pm, 5:00pm, 6.30pm and 8:00pm; English mass 10:30am Sun en la Capilla del Car- men

Parroquia de San Antón J.H. Preciado #112 (down the street from Casa CEMAL, walking away from el Puente 2000, on left-hand side) Phone: 312-7947, 313-0075 M-F (except Tuesdays) 6pm. Sunday: 8:00am, 9:30am, 10:30am, and 6:00pm. No mass on Sat.

Parroquia de Ocotepec Av. Miguel Hidalgo #304, Esq. Aldama, Ocotepec, Cuernavaca Phone: 382-1156 Parroquia de Tejalpa Plaza de la Asunción #1, Cuernavaca, Phone: 320- 9817

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 49

MONEY MATTERS

A major question you are likely to have is how For one block you may spend as little as U.S. much money to bring and in what form. Your fees $200. Those of you with generous shopping hab- cover all living and program-related travel ex- its may spend up to or even more than U.S. $500. penses, as well as course reading packets, during How much you bring obviously depends upon the program. You need to cover the follow- your lifestyle: the number and cost of gifts and ing: your travel to and from Mexico City; the cost souvenirs you purchase, how much you go out to of required texts, most of which must be bought the movies, go bowling, and/or go dancing in in the U.S. before departing for Mexico; the US clubs, and how much additional travel you plan $30 deposit for cell phones and keys; and money (as well as how simply or extravagantly you do it), for travel on your own (optional). and your financial capabilities and how long you are staying in Mexico. CGEE recommends bringing both cash in U.S. dol- lars and an ATM card with your PIN number, as There will be several artisan groups, including you can withdraw money regularly from ATM women’s cooperatives associated with people we machines, which are common all over Mexico. meet whom you may want to support. You will Most students prefer their ATM cards to carrying find that because some items are less expensive large amounts of cash. If you’d like to bring a in Mexico, you may feel rich and spend freely and Visa card or MasterCard, you will find that many quickly. Beware of this tendency! Your money of the fancier stores, hotels and restaurants ac- will disappear rapidly if you are not careful! cept credit cards. You may also withdraw money from an ATM machine and get cash advances on credit cards in all Mexican cities, although this can be costly. We strongly urge you to bring an ATM card and to use money belts or body pouch- es for the bulk of your money while traveling. Once we are in Cuernavaca, you will be able to keep most of your funds in a safe and draw only amounts you need once a week.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 50

WHAT TO BRING TO MEXICO

We cannot emphasize enough the matter of You may wish to dress up when you go out danc- packing lightly! Most airlines allow one checked ing or attend parties with your Mexican host fam- bag weighing up to 50 pounds, plus one carry-on ily and other friends. Many former students have bag. However, it is your responsibility to check commented that they wished they had more with your airline regarding its current policies. As clothing for the nightlife in Cuernavaca. a general rule, you should be able to transport If you enjoy going out to clubs, you will probably all of your luggage up two flights of stairs on want to bring at least one outfit along for night- your own without difficulty. Remember, in addi- life, taking into consideration the fact that Mexi- tion to a larger bag, you may also want a small cans tend to dress up more for nightclubs than backpack or other bag to use for day trips and/or North Americans do. weekend trips. Since the weather in usually moderate in Cuerna- With regard to clothing, you can dress however vaca, most of the time you will only need casual, you feel most comfortable (except in pajamas) warm-weather clothing and a light sweat- to your Spanish classes. However, in general, er. Since you will be here during the rainy sea- Mexicans tend to dress slightly more conserva- son, we also recommend that you bring a small, tively than most North Americans. Because collapsible umbrella and/or light raincoat. shorts are considered to be extremely casual here, we ask both women and men not to wear School supplies and standard U.S.-brand toiletries them on some of the excursions and when we are easy to find in Cuernavaca at reasonable pric- have guest speakers. Female students may also es, so don’t pack big bottles of shampoo, deodor- find that wearing short shorts can draw unwant- ant, etc. Some items, such as contact lens solu- ed attention—capris are culturally appropriate tion, suntan lotion, condoms, and tampons, are option for warm weather. Please avoid bringing available but at prices somewhat higher than in military style or olive-colored clothing. the United States. The electrical current is the same as in the U.S., so you do not need any spe- If you are conducting an internship, you will cial adapters. In the CGEE guesthouses and the probably need to dress professionally, although homes of many host families, the outlets are it depends upon your placement made for two prongs, so you may wish to bring at site. Professional dress in Mexico does NOT in- least one 3-prong to 2-prong adaptor. clude: low-rider pants, crop tops, tank tops with spaghetti straps (unless worn under a jacket or Most basic items, including clothing, can be pur- blouse), or any clothing that might expose the chased in Cuernavaca fairly inexpensively, so lower back and midriff areas. Be sure to bring a don’t worry about bringing everything. If in doubt few shirts that are not T-shirts, crop tops, or about something to pack, think about carrying it tank tops. (along with all your heavy books and everything else you’re packing) and then decide.

Remember: You have to be able to carry everything you pack, so pack as lightly as you can with all your heavy books.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 51

Suggested List of Things to Pack

Clothes and Basic Items Other Items to Consider ___ 2 pairs nice jeans/pants ___ Passport that will not expire within six ___ IF conducting an internship, 2 semi- months of the time you leave Mexico professional outfits - can include collared ___ A photocopy of the title page of your pass- shirts, casual skirts/dresses, khakis port ___ 1 pair of shorts ___ ATM card and/or Visa or MasterCard with ___ 2-3 short-sleeved shirts PIN numbers ___ 2-3 tank tops or T-shirts ___ Money for any potential medical expenses ___ 1-2 long-sleeved, warmer shirts/tops ($300-350) ___ 1-2 outfits for night-life if you enjoy that ___ Health insurance information and EIIA card (something you could wear to fiestas or clubs and Euop Assist Insurance Information if you like to go dancing) ___ Required book(s) for courses (see book list) ___ 1-2 light sweaters ___ Spanish/English dictionary ___ nightshirt or pajamas ___ Laptop computer (if you have one) with a ___ bathrobe (optional) card for wireless Internet access and insur- ___ underwear ance ___ socks ___ Travel alarm clock ___ 2 pairs of comfortable shoes (1 pair you can ___ Piece of carry-on baggage wear when dressing up if you want) ___ Water bottle with wide mouth that can easily ___ 1 pair of flip-flops that you can wear around be washed/scrubbed regularly the house (Some students like to use flip- ___ Camera with an extra battery flops in the shower) ___ Money belt ___ sneakers and work-out clothes if you like to ___ iPod or MP3 player (if you have one) exercise ___ Journal and/or notebook ___ hiking boots if you plan to hike ___ Any medications you use (preferably in their ___ swimsuit original containers, and should be in your ___ 1-2 towels that you can use during homestay carry-on.) and for swimming at UNIVERSAL ___ Small flashlight (we get frequent power out- ___ A light raincoat and/or a small, collapsible ages during the summer due to rains) umbrella ___ Small gift/souvenir (calendar/picture book) from your home state to give to your family Money for Deposits and Books in Mexico ___ Remember to bring US $30 for deposits ___ U.S. postage stamps (to send letters through ___ Bring $ for any textbooks you may need to the U.S. mail) buy in Mexico ___ Sunscreen ___ A cap or hat for protection from the sun ___ Insect repellent ___ Musical instruments/sheet music

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019

Page 52

Cuernavaca MEXICO

U.S. State Department Country Information

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 53

For Students of Color

Despite the fact that more and more students 2. Talk with other students of color who have from the United States are studying abroad, ac- studied abroad in Mexico. If you would like cording to recent data from Open Door an organ- to talk with former students who participated ization that monitors study abroad) out of in a CGE semester program here, please con- 205,983 students who studied abroad recently, tact us at [email protected] so that we 83% were white students. In contrast, only 6.3 % can put you in touch with students who have of the students who studied abroad self- volunteered to serve as resources to future identified as Asian-American/Pacific Islander, students. 5.6% as Hispanic/Latino(a), 3.5% as African- 3. Check out some of the resources that have American, 1.2 % as multi-racial, and 0.4 % as Na- been developed specifically for students of tive America/Alaskan Native. While CGE has color who plan to study abroad: worked hard to recruit more diverse students,  http://www.globaled.us/plato/ our enrollment numbers for students of color are diversity.html only slightly higher than the national averages.  http://studyabroad.msu.edu/people/ Therefore, students of color are still in the minori- studentsofcolor/index.html ty within the student groups. As a result, they  http://www.diverseeducation.com/ sometimes feel isolated or alone when facing IntDiversity2.asp some challenges that are completely different 4. Be prepared to be identified racially in ways than those of the white students due to the ways that may completely surprise you. Race is in which issues of race and ethnicity are con- constructed differently and addressed differ- structed and dealt with differently in Mexico from ently in Mexico than it is in the U.S.; it is not in the U.S. better or worse, simply handled differently. You may be asked direct questions about Some former students have said that their semes- your ethnicity and the answer of, “I’m from ter in Mexico led them to reassess how they iden- the U.S.” might not satisfy someone asking tify themselves with regard to race and ethnicity you where you’re from. Mexicans may give while others have indicated that it helped them you nicknames that you feel don’t reflect deepen the identities with which they arrived. your reality. While their overall experiences were very positive 5. Take charge of your education. While it is a and life-affirming, they have also sometimes been tricky line between being a token student very emotional. This is why it is important to spokesperson and educating by example, have your support structures in place before trust your gut. If you feel moved to speak coming to Mexico. out, do it in a manner that feels safe and comfortable to you. The following are suggestions offered by former students who studied in Mexico:

1. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to reach out to groups on campus for students of color and/or campus staff people who can provide space for listening to students of col- or. Students who were interviewed for this guide emphasized that these support structures are essential for having safe spaces to be able to process their study abroad experience with other people of color.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 54

For White Students

Many white students from the United States who However, students of color who were part of the come to Mexico for a semester experience being a program felt incredibly offended and betrayed numerical minority for the first time in their lives. that their peers and supposed friends would Nonetheless, while less than 10% of the Mexican knowingly frequent places that would discrimi- population looks like them, that small group is the nate against them and against their Mexican host most dominant group in terms of political, eco- families. In addition, white students have some- nomic, and social capital due to the legacy of Eu- times been oblivious to the pain that students of ropean conquest and colonization in Mexico. As a color experience when they are confronted with result, white students, and U.S. citizens and resi- racial and ethnic stereotypes in Mexico. For ex- dents in general, are given inordinate amounts of ample, one former Asian-American student wrote power and privilege whether they want this or not in paper: and whether they recognize this as such or not. My eyes have been painfully forced open Moreover, in Mexico it is much more socially ac- to realize that I am different than most cepted to comment on people’s physical charac- people in this program because I am teristics than in the United States, and so many Asian. I feel I have to defend myself every white students feel discomfort when Mexicans time I hear people saying Chinese or Japa- they don’t even know will call them “güera” or nese person, or when people ask where I “güero,” which are terms used in Mexico to identi- am from and I say that I live in the U.S. fy light-skinned people, including light-skinned and people give me weird looks. I am Mexicans. Most Mexicans would not consider getting tired of feeling that I must defend these terms insulting but rather just an identifying or explain myself every time this happens. characteristic of the person. I am pointed and singled out by the Mexi- can population here. I have equated While the experience of being a numerical minori- different as being bad and then I feel ty and having that pointed out to you on a regular ashamed and embarrassed about myself. basis may be uncomfortable, it is important for I just want to hide and pretend that I am you to recognize that you will be given power and just like everyone else, Caucasian. In this privileges that you can choose not to exercise. For way, I have been colonized and conquered example, there may be times where you will be into American society and culture. allowed or even invited to move to the front of a line because of the color of your skin and the color Therefore, as you prepare to come to Mexico, we of your passport. In addition, there are bars and encourage you to think about your power and dance clubs that you will be able to get into that privilege as a white U.S. citizen or resident. We dark-skinned Mexicans and students of color from trust that you will want to be aware of these is- the United States may be excluded from. You may sues and to serve as an ally to others rather than not even be aware when this is happening, which abusing your power and privilege. is why we want to alert you to it in advance and ask you to be extra careful about not inadvertent- For resources on anti-racism, we encourage you ly participating in or supporting practices that are to check out the following websites: racist and classist.  http://www0.un.org/cyberschoolbus/ racism2001/orglinks.asp In past semesters there have been times when a  http://www.drix.net/jdowling/ few white students have attended clubs that are antiracism.html known for their racist and classist practices. When  http://www.hopesite.ca/rekindle/ defending their behavior, the students said they links/racism_hrights.html had a right to do whatever they wanted during their free time.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 55

For Persons Identifying as Recovering Alcoholics or Addicts by a Student in Recovery

Before Leaving: CELEBRATE YOUR ANNIVERSARIES IN A MEXICAN For me, the work began well before boarding the CONTEXT. Celebrating my sobriety anniversary in airplane. Make sure you discuss with your spon- Mexico is something I will never forget. Remem- sor (if you’re a member of a 12 step meeting), ber, you’re here to try new things, experience the counselor, or support network to process your culture and challenge your ways of thinking. feelings about living in a foreign country. This will This includes recovery! A Mexican AA/NA anni- not only ensure that you have everything in place versary is unlike anything I’ve experienced. to maintain your recovery, but will also to put your nerves at ease—I promise! LET YOUR PEERS KNOW. For me, it was essential that I let my peers in my learning community Don’t be afraid to let the Center for Global Educa- know that I am a recovery alcoholic and drug ad- tion know about being in recovery. CGE is well dict. Don’t forget that you’ll be spending a con- educated on addiction and is more than willing siderable amount of time with them and that and happy to make accommodations (time for they can help support you in your recovery in meetings, dry housing, etc.). I was connected Mexico. with a potential sponsor before leaving. I commu- nicated with him via E-mail to establish a rela- FINDING MEETINGS. CGE can connect you with tionship before I physically met him. recovery persons from the community. There are many English and Spanish language meetings. I Finally, make sure that you have discussed with try to hit 2-3 meetings a week in order to stay any medical professionals or therapists about connected with the AA/NA community in Mexico. going abroad. CGE is also able to connect students with mental health resources within Cuer- LIVE WITH A DRY FAMILY. Make sure that that navaca. Be sure to contact the CGE Mexico Direc- the homestay coordinator knows that you are in tor (Ann Lutterman-Aguilar) at lutter- recovery and want to live in a dry household. [email protected] well in advance of departure. Living with people who understand recovery will be a great assistance! During your Stay: HIT A MEETING YOUR FIRST NIGHT. Not only did And Don’t Forget: this immediately establish relationships with the To breathe! It’s not hard to maintain recovery in recovery community in Cuernavaca, but it also another country as long as you hit your meetings, settled my nerves. Make sure that you fellowship keep connected and do the ‘next right thing.’ My after that first meeting to get phone numbers experiences in Cuernavaca have given me a Mexi- and make friendships. Again, if you are in com- can perspective on AA/NA and have strength- munication with the CGE-Mexico staff prior to ened my recovery leaps and bounds. departure they can help you get to a meeting soon after arrival.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 56

For Students with Mental Health Issues from Former Students

Having a sound mind is inherent to the well-being Additionally, health insurance functions different- of every individual. It becomes especially im- ly in Mexico; rather than being able to have the portant, however, to remain healthy and bal- pharmacy bill your insurance company, you must anced during times of change and adjustment. As pay upfront for your medications and file your a former CGE student battling an often difficult claims after. I would recommend stocking up on mood disorder, I can tell you that while it is a your medications before leaving the U.S., as this challenge (and can sometimes feel overwhelm- could save you quite a lot of money and time. ing), dealing with mental health issues properly and taking good care of yourself will help to yield Second, it is critical to build yourself a support the best study-abroad experience possible. Being system for your time here. What this looks like cognizant of your mental state is crucial while will vary depending on what you need, but it is of you are studying abroad, and while it may seem vital importance that you have emotional support hard to manage at first, it is entirely possible to during this time. This can include seeking out make your mental and emotional health a priori- therapy and support groups, keeping close con- ty! tact with family and friends back home, and being open and communicative about your needs What exactly does the term “mental health” en- with CGE staff. It is of particular importance that compass? People often have a limited or narrow you are open with our staff, because in order to understanding of what it really is and all that it help you as much as we can, we need to know can include. The spectrum of mental health is what is going on with you! quite varied, and can refer to mental/personality/ mood disorders and illnesses, dealing with trau- One of the most effective tools I have found has matic events, and dealing with crises of identity. been the use of online support groups. Often- Each of these issues can adversely affect our abil- times, these groups include chat rooms with ity to function in academic and social situations, weekly times scheduled for online meetings, fo- and can even take a toll on our physical health. rums and message boards, and a wealth of infor- Having a plan of action to take care of these is- mation and articles to peruse. Some of my per- sues is essential to your success in studying sonal favorite online support groups include the abroad. I would like to present my own self-care Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance strategy as a framework for you to use when con- (DBSAlliance), and Online Al-Anon Outreach sidering how you can make sure to keep your (OLA). These groups exist for eating disorders, mental and emotional health in check. alcoholism and substance abuse, sexual assault survival, all types of mental health disorders and First, always make sure that you will have access recovery journeys. It is as simple as Google to your medications. While it is easy to think that searching what you´d like support for! There are your medications will be easier to attain (and also some support groups in Cuernavaca (Al- cheaper) in Mexico, this is not always the case. Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics The cheapest medications are generic, and there Anonymous), that have proven to be extremely are no strict laws regarding the quality of gener- helpful to past students. ics – therefore, it is very difficult to ascertain that you are receiving safe, high-quality medications if you buy generic.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 57

Next, it is good to have a crisis plan in place in case you find yourself in need of urgent care. While we would like to hope that it is unneces- sary, being able to anticipate a time when you might be in crisis is a big part of comprehensive self-care. Have a list of close family members that you can contact in the event of a medical emergency or traumatic event. Make sure never to run out of your medication.

Be proactive about having a good support system while you’re here, and be prepared for any possible eventuality.

Knowing that you can go home if you find yourself in need of urgent care is extremely com- forting, as is knowing that you are not alone and have support all around you. Being assertive and proactive is key, because our recovery and our self-care cannot be successful if we are not actively part of it.

The last piece of advice (and perhaps the most important of all) is to make sure that you practice EXCELLENT self-care tactics. Create a routine and stick to it, for this can help to keep you stable, aid in your recovery process and/or keep you strong and mentally and emotionally fit. This can include getting enough sleep, exercising and maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and drugs, keeping up with medications and therapy, having an active social life and balancing that with adequate alone time, keeping contact with your family and friends back home, journaling, meditation and treating yourself every once in a while. In this way you can keep your own mind and body as healthy as possible.

All in all, staying mentally and emotionally healthy while studying abroad can be a lot of work, but it is worth it. Always be prepared with a regimen and an emergency plan, be proactive and reach out when you need help – these are the keys to a happy, healthy, safe and awesome semester abroad!

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 58

For LGBTQ Students By LGBTQ Students who Studied in Mexico

Our Positionalities Mia: My name is Amelia Fortunato, and I go by Cecilia: My name is Cecilia Márquez, I identify as Mia. I’m a 22-year old white, queer identifying, a queer, multi-racial Latina, from the United able-bodied, cis-gendered woman in the Crossing States. I’m 20 years old, able-bodied, cis- Borders program. I am from a rural, working class gendered woman and come from a rapidly gen- town in upstate New York, and I’m currently a trifying suburb of Washington D.C., Arlington, senior at Oberlin College, where I study Compara- VA. I’m a first-generation American from a tive American Studies. This semester was my sec- mixed-class background. I am currently a junior ond experience in Mexico (I did a one-month lan- at Swarthmore College where I am a Black Stud- guage program in Guadalajara this past January) ies major with a minor in Gender and Sexuality but my first to really reach out and try to under- Studies. Of course my positionality here in Mexi- stand the dynamics of queer/LGBT communities co is affected by my position as a U.S. citizen and and identities in Mexico. My experiences this se- as a woman who is able to pass for white. Also, mester have been shaped by several factors, in- because of my limited Spanish the experiences I cluding my limited communication skills (having have had are limited by the ability of people only studied Spanish for one year), my positional- around me to communicate through language ity as a white woman and U.S. citizen, and the barriers. access CGE provided me to queer spaces, such as the GSA group headed by three amazing profes- Max: My name is Max, and I’m a 21-year-old sors and staff members, and my home-stay with white, able-bodied queer man from a middle- a lesbian couple. class background. I was born in Boston, MA but mostly grew up in Urbana, Illinois in a liberal, Queer in CGE/Mexico by Cecilia mostly middle class and white neighborhood. I I was very intentional in choosing the Crossing am a senior at Oberlin College, majoring in Com- Borders program. It was advertised as a “queer parative American Studies. During my time here, friendly” program that offered queer home- I have been doing volunteer work teaching Eng- stays. This was incredibly important to me. As lish classes at Don Bosco, a local school, and CD4, someone who just came out of the closet two a local sexual health/HIV-AIDS/gay rights organi- years ago, I had no interest in going back during zation, as part of the Internship Seminar class. my study abroad experience. I came into the Both of these experiences have enriched my time program expecting to find a group of students in Cuernavaca greatly. I believe deeply in the who had the same politics as me and a staff that power of education as a tool for liberation and was ready to challenge me to think more critically social mobilization, and hope someday to be a about my own identity. teacher, as well as participate in radical queer activist work, so it has been illuminating and in- For the most part this has been amazingly spiring to learn about both of those things in this true. Most of the students here were either po- context. litically very progressive or open to respectful discussions about gender and sexuality. The staff have, with the rare exception, been absolutely fantastic and have been understanding of the different needs of queer students. We have been especially lucky to have three queer-identified staff members with us this year. Marisela, Anto- nio and Ann all came together to be a rock-star team of queer superstars who came together to form the staff arm of the GSA.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 59

They have been amazing in inviting us to queer I went to the first GSA meeting, nonetheless, and cultural events and helping us immerse ourselves had a wonderful time. It ended up just being me, in the queer community here in Cuernavaca. I the other two queer students, and Antonio, have found these relationships invaluable when Marisela, and Ann – the three openly queer staff. trying to figure out my new community and iden- Some of our straight friends on the program had tity here in Mexico. It has also been important considered going, and they would have been wel- for me to develop strong relationships and com- come, but a part of me was glad that it turned munity within the queer student group. out to just be the 6 of us, and that we could speak openly about our experiences as queer For example, when one speaker that we had people and know that everyone would be able to went on a particularly homophobic tangent in her understand. We continued to meet on a biweekly talk, we were able to use each other as resources basis, and our activities have so far included to cope with the situation. It has also meant that attending performances by queer musicians, go- I was able to decompress the particularly good ing out to queer bars together, and sharing our talks. coming out stories. As I spent more time in Mexi- co, I started to see that being queer on this pro- It’s also been great to work with and utilize the gram meant something completely different than allies that we have in the group. They have at being queer back at Oberlin. different times helped take some of the burden off of the queer students to challenge and ques- The majority of the other students on our pro- tion problematic moments. For me being a queer gram, while kind and well-intentioned, initially student here has meant growing in my own knew very little about LGBT communities and queer identity and learning about new queer cultures for the most part. While they have been identities across cultural and national lines. very accepting of us and open to learning, there was a lot that they didn’t understand right off the A Statement about CGE-Mexico’s GSA (Gay- bat. Moreover, being in a predominantly Catholic Straight Alliance) by Max country that has traditionally silenced and ex- (CGE Staff Note: The make-up of the GSA varies cluded LGBT people, and where my command of from semester to semester, as do the activities, the language is far from perfect, has made me which depend on the students’ interest in any feel less able to share my identity and experienc- given semester. The testimony below reflects es with people I meet and more prepared to en- one student’s opinions and experience.) counter homophobia. All of a sudden, having the GSA started to take on new meaning for me, and At the beginning of the semester, I and the other I realized how important it was to have that two openly queer students were pleasantly sur- space, and eventually also to have a queer home- prised when two of the staff suggested forming a stay. I certainly wasn’t expecting it to be this way, GSA. I admit, after my last experience with a GSA but being on this program has given me a re- – in my high school, our membership was me and newed sense of queer identity and a need to ac- twelve or thirteen very nice straight girls – I was- tively seek out queer community. I am incredibly n’t incredibly enthusiastic, nor totally sure why I grateful for the support and outreach from the would need a GSA at this point. I have been hap- queer staff here; they are amazing and they have pily out for more than 5 years and my time at made this experience a lot easier and more spe- Oberlin College, a very liberal and queer-friendly cial than it would have been otherwise. school, has thus far been largely free of any pain- ful or difficult moments surrounding my sexuality.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 60

Night Life/Going Out by Mia Oxygen: Going out to bars and clubs is an important part If you want to dance, this is the place. Super of most college students’ abroad experiences. For classy spot and yet also super accessible for our queer students at CGEE, the program provides a group. Great male wait-staff, who are usually list of LGBT friendly establishments, which we shirt-less and above-average attractive. Again, have utilized this semester. Through some good, mostly patronized by men, but younger, twenty- bad, tough, tense, and downright fantastic expe- somethings, and is a comfortable safe space for riences, we have discovered that just because a women too. Gendered, but flexible bathrooms. bar/club is queer, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have Doesn’t get started until around 1. Techno music problems. As a supplement to the list in the pro- mostly (classic gay), but the DJ has been known gram manual, here’s an up-to-date synthesis of to play reggaton upon request. our going out experiences.

As a disclaimer, we are writing this as three cis- gendered students, two women and one man, two white identifying and one light-skinned person of color, so we only claim to able to speak from our own experiences and positionalities.

Enigma: A chill bar spot patronized by mostly men, with a handful of women. Mostly older folks in their thirties. Gendered bathrooms (men and women) with stalls. Thursday-Saturday features, “La Gor- da,” an amazing singer and great drag queen. She rocked the show. Try to get reservations, because tables fill up fast.

El Barecito: Super cute hobbit-sized bar with AMAZING mojitos and a wide variety of out of the ordinary snacks. Very nice wait-staff and owned by a gay activist. One (adorable) bathroom for people of all genders that locks. A little pricey, but worth it. Great place to support. Best on weeknights when it is less busy.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 61

For “Straight” Students By Interns Nora Smith and Stephanie Jackson

Many straight” (heterosexual) students from the As in the United States and many other countries, United States who come to Mexico experience dominant Mexican society is heteronormative, much of the same dating behaviour that they and therefore, most people will probably assume have experienced in different parts of the United you are heterosexual whether you are or not. As States. However, many past students have also a result, you may find new or different ways in commented that the differences in gender roles, which heterosexual privilege is made manifest expectations between men and women, and the and find yourself confronted with a myriad of ways in which sexism or machismo is made mani- overwhelming situations as you exercise your fest in Mexico complicate going-out etiquette and heterosexual privilege. Therefore, as straight the types of relationships they have been able to people ourselves, we encourage you to be extra have while living here. For example, many of us thoughtful when deciding what clubs and bars to have found it harder here to develop platonic visit, as some of your LGBTQ peers and friends friendships with people of the opposite sex than might not feel as comfortable in highly sexual- we did in the U.S. ized, heterosexual environments. It is important to recognize that although there are a number of The semester programs in Cuernavaca provide bars and other forums in which queer people can many opportunities for you to actively engage socialize, the majority of nightlife caters to the with your community. This includes interactions heterosexual crowd. You should be aware of with your host family, with your supervisor and these dynamics when choosing which places to colleagues at your internship placement site, and frequent because lack of awareness has some- with strangers and new friends while enjoying a times led to hurt feelings within previous student night out on the town. If you appear to be a for- groups. eigner, you may also find that you are “hit on” more often than you were at home, now that you Since you will probably be taking classes together are in a society that has a legacy of foreign con- and spending much of the semester living togeth- quest and frequently privileges foreigners. er with students of diverse sexual orientations , it is especially important to recognize how your Additionally, you will most likely notice very ex- decisions regarding nightlife affect the rest of plicit public displays of affection on the streets, in your community, which will undoubtedly include parks, or in other public places. It is important to people from many different backgrounds, identi- know that PDAs are often determined by Mexi- ties, and positionalities. If you are someone who can police to be ¨indecent public behavior¨ that identifies as straight, we encourage you to be violates Mexican law and can provide pretext for extra sensitive and intentional about your per- harassment, fines and even arrest. So even if you sonal choices and interactions both within CGE see others doing it, think twice about engaging in and the larger local community in Cuernavaca, in PDA´s if you could stand out as a foreigner. More- order not to avoid the perpetuation of heterosex- over, please keep in mind that some of your ual privilege. peers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or queer (LGBTQ) may not be able to engage in similar activities based on cultural norms and the fear of hate crimes that could be committed against them.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 62

The GSA (“Gay-Straight Alliance”) in Cuernavaca, Mexico

What is the GSA?  GSA groups can help GLIBTAQQ students The “Gay-Straight Alliance” (GSA) is part of a na- break through the isolation to find support tional network in the United States that is geared from peers, faculty, and staff. towards “empowering youth activists to fight  GSA groups unite GLIBTAQQ students, homophobia and transfobia in schools.” (http:// straight allies, and members of the communi- gsanetwork.org/) The GSA at CGE-Mexico shares ty who are committed to making the world the values and mission of the GSA network. safer and more accepting of GLIBTAQQ people. The GSA at CGE-Mexico is an alliance of  GSAs draw on the courage of GLIBTAQQ peo- GLIBTAQQ (Gay, Lesbian, Intersex, Bisexual, ple and the commitment of straight allies Transgender, Asexual, Queer, and Questioning) working in partnership to build bridges. and “straight” (heterosexual) students, faculty,  “Strong, well-supported GSAs can have a ma- and staff who are committed to trying to provide jor impact on the education environment and an open and affirming space for GLIBTAQQ- possess the power to transform individuals, identified students and those who are question- school cultures, and educational institutions.” ing their sexual identities. This is particularly important in this context because many GLIBTAQQ Moreover, GSAs are necessary because far too students have been able to “come out” in their many GLIBTAQQ students “face pervasive harass- own universities or home communities and are ment and violence in schools`” and universities now afraid of having to go back “into the closet” “because of their actual or perceived sexual ori- while studying abroad. At the same time, others entation or gender identity. Research shows that may never have been able to live “out of the clos- youth harassed on the basis of sexual orientation et” and long for spaces where they can be ac- are: cepted for who they are. This is NOT an exclusive  More than twice as likely to report depres- group! ANYONE who shares the values of the sion and seriously consider suicide GSA is WELCOME to join! In fact, students, facul-  More likely to report low grades, smoke, ty, and staff at Universal language school have drink alcohol or use drugs also been invited to attend. :-)  More likely to become victims of violence  3 times as likely to carry a weapon GSAs Strive to:  3 times as likely to report missing school in 1. “Create safe environments for students to the last 30 days support each other and learn about homo-  While youth who are harassed report weaker phobia and other oppressions, connections to school and less support from 2. Educate the school community about homo- teachers and other adults, research shows phobia, gender identity, and sexual orienta- students with GSA clubs at their school feel tion issues, and safer and more supported.” 3. Fight discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools.”

Why GSA Groups Are Important to Establish:  GSAs groups provide GLIBTAQQ students with a safety net and an open space in which to socialize and enjoy each other’s company, as well as that of straight allies.

Return to Top Mexico Summer 2019 Page 63

Why did CGE-Mexico start an GSA? Details and Logistics re. the CGE-Mexico GSA:  Because it is a starting point to create safe IF there are students interested in participating in space for a group that has been oppressed a GSA this semester, the group will try to meet and discriminated against in both U.S. and approximately every other week and mix discus- Mexican society. sion of topics that the students are interested in  Because we tend to receive many GLIBTAQQ with cultural events and activities. students, we have tried to open study abroad up to GLIBTAQQ students, and are trying to Past CGE-Mexico activities have included the respond to the suggestions of prior following: GLIBTAQQ students.  discussion of GLIBTAQQ life and GLIBTAQQ- friendly spaces in Mexico, A Comment from a Former CGE-Mexico GSA stu-  sharing of coming out stories, dent member:  attending a drag show, As I spent more time in Mexico, I started  going to a concert by a gay flautist and activ- to see that being queer on this program ist, meant something completely different  watching and discussing the movie Milk and than being queer back at Oberlin. The the movie For the Bible Tells Me So, majority of the other students on our  celebrating birthdays of group participants, program, while kind and well-  and visiting the HIV/AIDS education organiza- intentioned, initially knew very little tionGrupo CD4 and the headquarters of the about LGBT communities and cultures for magazine Queernavaca. the most part… Moreover, being in a predominantly Catholic country that has Please use your imagination to come up with sug- traditionally silenced and excluded LGBT gestions for themes, activities, and outings! All people, and where my command of the ideas are welcome! :-) language is far from perfect, has made me feel less able to share my identity and experiences with people I meet and more prepared to encounter homophobia. All of a sudden, having the GSA started to take on new meaning for me, and I realized how important it was to have that space, and eventually also to have a queer homestay.

Can CGE-Mexico start other groups in addition to the GSA?  Yes! CGE-Mexico faculty and staff are completely open to creating other groups of interest to students.  If you are interested in starting something new, please share your interest with the director or any of the faculty and staff! :-)

Return to Top