Pre-Departure Guide Mexico Summer 2018

Home , Chihuahua City, Cuernavaca Cathedral, Zacatecas City

MEXICO SUMMER 2018

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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

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

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Lisanne Morgan, Homestay Coordinator, Intern- Sophie Delfeus, International Resident Assis- ship Co-Coordinator and Program Coordinator tant/Fellow, [email protected] [email protected] Sophie is from Queens, NY, and joined CGEE after Lisanne earned an completing a fellowship in Mendoza, Argentina. Honorary B.A. in As a 100 Projects for Peace Fellow with the Latin American and Kathryn W. Davis Foundation, she designed and Caribbean Studies implemented an orientation program for study and Spanish from abroad students in Mendoza to help foster inter- York University in cultural friendships which she believe is central to Toronto. Before she fostering deep engagement in local culture. Be- began consulting for fore moving to Argentina, Sophie earned her CGEE in 2002, she Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Amherst worked as a Program Director for the Cuernavaca College. She is passionate about helping individu- Centre for Intercultural Dialogue on Development als create community in spaces that initially seem (CCIDD) from 1995-2001. There she led groups unfamiliar. This led her to found an organization from the U.S. and Canada, facilitating a program for first generation college students at Amherst for those interested in developing an understand- and then develop a program for students abroad. ing of the political, social, cultural, and economic She is excited to get to the know the many di- realities of Mexico through experiential learning. verse communities in Mexico and work alongside After leaving CCIDD, Lisanne worked as a free- a wonderful group of colleagues. Sophie’s role is lance translator and consultant. She has also co- to assist with students’ cultural adaptation pro- ordinated and facilitated exposure programs to cess and helps them to develop meaningful rela- the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Cuba, tionships within the community. Chiapas, and Mexico City. Although she had previously worked as a consultant with CGEE, she Additional CGEE Staff in Cuernavaca joined the CGEE team more formally in January of 2003. During her time with CGEE, she has spent Laura Catro, cook. one semester in Cuba and another in Namibia, Laura started working at CGEE in 2018. She lives although most of her work has been in Mexico, in the Nahua indigenous village of Amatlan de which has been her home since 1995. Lisanne is Quetzalcoatl and has previously cooked in hotels. responsible for coordinating students’ homestays with Mexican host families and setting up, facili- Moisés (“Moi”) Aguilar Vargas, Grounds and tating, and translating many of the experiential Maintenance Manager components of the program. She also sets up the Moisés started working at CGEE in June of 2007, internship placements and facilitates the intern- just a week before he and his wife Monica had ship seminar in coordination with Antonio Orte- their first child, Jatniel. He enjoys learning new ga. She also assists in teaching courses, particu- things, dancing, and music. larly as they relate to homestays and other experiences in Mexico. In addition, Lisanne works with Ismael Canul, Driver short-term courses that come to Mexico and Ismael was born in Cuernavaca. He is married (to travel to other countries. Lupita) and has three children. He is a taxi driver and has been working with CGEE since 1996. Ismael likes to listen to all types of music, watch movies, and read the newspaper.

Victor Colin, Cook Don Victor has helped out in the kitchen off and on for several years.

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Teresa (“Tere”) Ramirez, Cook WHO TO CONTACT Tere has helped out in the kitchen off and on over the course of several years. She began again in January 2018. She spent a few years working in The following pages are filled with lots of im- Edmonton, Canada, where she improved her Eng- portant information as you prepare for the pro- lish. She now works full time as an English teach- gram. As questions arise, please refer to this er in the Marton private school in addition to sheet to find the appropriate person to address working as a part-time cook for CGEE-Mexico. your concern!

Javier Resendiz, Night Watchman and Driver Books: Reserving Used Textbooks to Purchase in Javier started working for CGEE as a driver in Cuernavaca: [email protected] 2010 and is currently one of our night watchmen. He is from Cuernavaca but has also lived in the Course Information U.S. Javier has two sons. He enjoys driving and (Questions): [email protected] and ander- practicing his English with students. [email protected]

Moisés Rios, Night Watchman and Driver Homestay Information: morganl@augsburg edu Born in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Moisés (who is and cc [email protected] married to Isabel) works as one of the night watchmen at CGEE. In addition to his job at CGEE, Housing at CGEE houses (students arriving early Moisés drives a taxi for the local radio taxi com- or any questions before your summer ses- pany, Monarca, and thus also serves as one of sion): [email protected] the drivers on the students’ many excursions in and around Cuernavaca. As a result of his job, Internship Questions: [email protected] Moisés enjoys meeting the students and practic- and cc [email protected] ing his English with them. Registration for Courses, including any potential Natividad (“Naty”) Rosas, Office Manager changes: [email protected] and cc orte- Naty was born in Mexico City and has worked at [email protected] and cgeemexi- CGEE since 1991. Presently, she does administra- [email protected] tive work and oversees payroll and daily, weekly and monthly budgets. She has two daughters Roommate Assignments and other pre-semester and one granddaughter. Naty would love to prac- surveys: [email protected] tice her English with participants. She has lived in Puebla, Mexico, D.F., Cuernavaca and Los Ange- Travel Information (your arrival and departure les, California. Naty likes to dance, sing Kareoke, times): [email protected] and cc ander- and get to know people. [email protected]

Isabel Sanchez, Cleaning Staff Travel Information II (your independent travel Born in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Isabel has lived within Mexico while on the pro- here her entire life. Isabel originally worked at gram): [email protected] and cc lutter- CGEE in the 90s, and returned in 2006. Isabel has [email protected] five children and one grandchild. She works hard at home and loves taking care of her children.

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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] im- (recommended for Spanish 311 and 316) mediately 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 try to dered from them at www.heinle.com. Again, be reserve 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. Chicago, 1969. Used copy: $10 USD. Helm, MacKinley. The Mexican Painters: Rivera, I. Recommended Books Orozco, Siqueiros, and Other Artists of the So- 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.

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KEY 490: Vocation and the Meaning of Success III. Spanish Courses Hartman, Laura P., Joseph DesJardins, and Chris We have some used copies of some of the Span- MacDonald. Business Ethics: Decision Mak- ish books. If you want to purchase a used copy of ing for Personal Integrity and Social Responsi- these books at half price, please email CGEEmexi- bility, 3rd Edition. NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin, [email protected] immediately to find out if 2014. the books you want are available and to reserve one. There is a slight chance that your college We have some used copies of this book in Mexico library may have a copy. Otherwise, you will for US $20, so email cgemexicoin- need to order texts over the Internet. Be sure to [email protected] before purchasing it else- place your orders six weeks in advance if possi- where, especially since we are only reading se- ble. Please contact Sophie at lected chapters. [email protected] to see if you can reserve

one of these books to purchase. Selections  Chapter 1: “Ethics and Business,” 43 pages  Chapter 2: “Ethical Decision Making: Personal SPA 111 and 112: Beginning Spanish I and II and Professional Contexts,” 55 pages Eduardo Zayas-Bazán, Susan M. Bacon and Holly  Chapter 5: “Corporate Social Responsibility,” Nibert. Arriba! Comunicación y Cultura, 6th 48 pages edition. Prentice Hall, 2011. ISBN  Chapter 9: “Business and Environmental Sus- 9781256580867. Used copy: $20 USD. tainability,” 46 pages. Spanish 206: Spanish for Healthcare Profession- Lieder, Richard J. and David A. Shapiro. Whistle als While You Work: Heeding Your Life’s Call- Rios, Joanna and José Fernandez Torres. Spanish ing. San Francisco: Berrett-Koheler Publish- for Health Care Providers, 2nd Edition. NY: ers, Inc., 2001. We have at least one used McGraw Hill, 2010. copy for US $10. Recommended Supplementary Materials: Tieger, Paul D. and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do Spanish Medical Conversation Medical Spanish What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for Pocketcard Set You Through the Secrets of Personality Type. Little, Brown and Company, 4th edi- SPA 211 and 212: Intermediate Spanish I and II tion, 2007.Used copy through CGEE-Mexico: Blanco, José A., Colbert María. Imagina: Espanol US $20. Sin Barreras, 3rd Edition. No used copies.

You will also be given additional articles to read from selected texts, such as Leading Lives that SPA 220: Business Spanish Matter: What We Should Do and Who We Should Santamaria Iglesias, Esther and Helen Jones. En Be, edited by Mark Schwehn and Dorothy Bass, Activo: Practical Business Spanish. Routledge, Hearing the Call across Traditions, edited by Ad- 2008. am Davis and StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath. You do not need to buy these, as we own Optional but recommended: copies in Cuernavaca. Spanish Business Dictionary: Multicultural Busi- ness Spanish, 2nd revised edition by Morry Sofer. Schreiber Publishing, Inc., 2005.

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SPA 231: Precolumbian, Colonial, and Contem- porary Mexican Art SPA 337: Mexican Civilizations and Cultures If you are taking the class in Spanish, please Bonfil Batalla, Guillermo.México profundo: una bring $40 USD to purchase the reading packet. civilización negada. Editoriales Grijalbo, 1987. Used copy: $10 USD. (We only have SPA 316: Conversations in Cultural Context one used copy) Chreffler, Sandra, Kiddle, Mary Ellen, and Wegmann, Brenda. Perspectivas, Octava Von Wobeser, Gisela, ed. Historia de México. Edición. Heinle, 2009. ISBN: 0030339588 Fondo de Cultural Económica, 2010. Used (www.heinle.com). Used copy: $15 USD. copy: $10 USD. (We only have one used copy.) SPA 334: Contemporary Mexican Literature Bring $40 USD to purchase the reading packet SPA 411: Conversation and Composition II for this course in Mexico. (Advanced) Valdes, Guadalupe and Trisha Dvorak. Composi- SPA/WST 335: Contemporary Latin American cion: Proceso y sintesis, 5th edition. McGraw Women: Texts and Voices Hill, 2007. ISBN-10: 0073513148. ISBN-13: Criado, Miryam and José Manuel Reyes. Mujeres 978-007351340 de hoy: Textos, Voces e Imágenes. Prentice Hall, 2005. (www.prenhall.com). Used copy: Modern Language Association. MLA Handbook $15 USD. for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed. Mod- ern Language Association of America, 2009. Other texts that may be assigned can be bought ISBN 1603290249. We do NOT have any used in Cuernavaca. copies of this text! Be sure to place your order four weeks in advance!

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REGISTRATION AND COURSE INFORMATION

Registration Information Augsburg College’s Center for Global Education and Experience and Experience (CGEE) staff in Minne- apolis will register you for classes. Please review the courses in the Course Catalog and select your course(s) on the appropriate Course Selection Questionnaire(s) in your Global Gateway. Slight changes in your registration can be made after arrival in Cuernavaca. However, you may not change Spanish courses after the third day of the Spanish class due to the intensive nature of the Spanish courses.

Deadlines

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5

Registration Fri., April 20 Fri., May 11 Fri., June 1 Fri., June 22 Fri., July 13

Internship Application Fri., April 20 Fri., May 11 Fri., June 1 Fri., June 22 Fri., July 13

Last day to change Span- Wed., May 9 Wed., May 30 Wed., June 20 Wed., July Wed., Aug. 1 ish course 11

*Note: Courses are only offered for Traditional (T) grade option (on a 4.0 to 0.0 scale)

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Course Offerings  Contemporary Latin American Women: Texts Please register for one 4-credit course per 3- and Voices (SPA or WST 335) Fulfills a Cul- week block. The Recreational Fitness class (WEL ture requirement for the Spanish Major at 119: Latin Dance), worth one credit, may also be Augsburg College taken as a second option.  Mexican Civilizations and Cultures (SPA 337) Fulfills a Culture requirement for the Spanish

Major at Augsburg College Available Courses  Advanced Conversation and Composition Courses in Disciplines Other than Spanish: (SPA 411) Fulfills a Writing requirement at  ART 231: Pre-Colombian, Colonial, and Con- Augsburg. temporary Mexican Art (you may take this for

Art or Spanish credit, but not both)  Internship Information about Spanish Courses  Independent Study The Center for Global Education and Experience Internship and Independent Study credit availa- and Experience (CGEE) in Mexico contracts its ble in language instruction with the Universal Center for Language and Social Communica-  Business (BUS) tion. Universal is a highly respected institution  Environmental Studies (ENV) among the language schools in Cuernavaca. The  History (HIS) school's primary focus is fomenting oral compe-  Interdisciplinary Studies (INS) tency and a solid grammatical base, although the  Cross-Cultural Studies (CCS) instructors also love to teach more advanced  Marketing (MKT) courses focusing on Mexican art, history, litera-  Political Science (POL) ture, and social issues, as well as pre-professional  Religion (REL) courses geared to help learners develop special-  Spanish (SPA) ized vocabulary. Classes are small, ranging from  Women’s Studies (WST) two to no more than seven students.

For all courses except 111, 112, 211 and 212, at Courses in Spanish with Some Options for Credit least two students must sign up for the course in in Other Disciplines: order for it to be offered. Exceptions can be  Beginning Spanish I (SPA 111) made if you have already taken the courses being  Beginning Spanish II (SPA 112) offered and absolutely need a certain course.  Spanish for Health Care Professionals (SPA Please see the CGEE website for detailed syllabi 206) (http://www.augsburg.edu/global/Course Cata-  Intermediate Spanish I (SPA 211) log.pdf)  Intermediate Spanish II (SPA 212)

 Business Spanish (SPA 220) Class Schedule and Contact Hours (60 contact  Spanish for Heritage Speakers I and II (SPA hours for all courses; four credits) 225 and 325) The Summer Spanish courses will meet for four  Pre-Columbian, Colonial, and Contemporary hours per day, five days per week (Mon.-Fri.) for Mexican Art (ART or SPA 231) Fulfills a Fine three weeks (Mon.-Fri., 8:00am-12:20pm with Arts LAF requirement at Augsburg College. breaks).  Intermediate Conversation and Composition

(SPA 311)  Conversations in Cultural Context (SPA 316)  Contemporary Mexican Literature (SPA 334) Fulfills a Literature requirement for the Spanish Major at Augsburg College

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In addition, as part of the class participation grade for all Spanish courses, you will be expected to participate in all orientation sessions, guest speakers and excursions (we will have at least one per week), and one “cultural issues”  The minimum number of students required in session per week. You will receive approximately order to offer a course is two. One-on-one 60 hours of class time per Spanish course, plus courses will only be offered in the case of excursions and guest speakers. In addition, you students who have no other course options will be expected to practice your Spanish during due to their level of Spanish or specific the speakers and excursions, your homestays, in needs. If only one student needs to take SPA your internship settings (as applicable), and in 111, 112, 211, or 212, then private classes the community. will be arranged for that student. However, if

only one student has registered for SPA 311 SPA/ART 231 students will have mandatory Sat- and has the option of taking SPA 316, then urday excursions, which will be optional for oth- SPA 311 will not be offered for just one stu- er students. If there are no students registered dent. for the SPA/ART 231 course we will still organize  We strongly recommend that advanced stu- optional excursions on weekends. Frequent des- dents (those who have already completed tinations include Chalcatzingo, Mexico City, Pue- the equivalent of SPA 212) take SPA 316 Con- bla, and Teotihuacan. versations in Cultural Context, as it is geared

toward developing oral competency in Span- Remember, you are not on vacation; this is a ish and is therefore a particularly good course serious, while fun, academic program. You are to take while in Mexico. squeezing a 15-week course into just three  You should be very careful when registering weeks. Therefore, you will be very, very busy. for your Spanish courses, as you may not

change courses after the first three days of Important Reminders Regarding Registration the first week of Spanish classes. You may for Spanish classes: change classes under the following condi-  You should register for whichever course tions: 1) there is still space in the course that follows the last Spanish course you took, or you want to take (no more than seven stu- if you are at the 300-level and above, which- dents per class) and 2) your Spanish level is ever course most interests you. In the case adequate, as determined by the instructors of SPA 316, you do not need to take SPA 311 at Universal. first; those two courses may be taken in any

order. You may also take SPA 411 as long as you have already taken SPA 311.  Check with your Spanish department BE- FORE registering for your courses so that you make the appropriate choice for your degree program in advance.

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RELATED COMPONENTS OF THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Orientation Students in SPA/ART 231 will have mandatory There will be an intensive orientation prior to the day-long excursions every weekend (to places first week of each block, although it will continue such as Chalcatzingo, Teotihuacan, Xochicalco, into your first full week. As an integral part of Mexico City, and Puebla). These trips are optional your Spanish classes, you will hear from guest for other students. If there are no students regis- speakers on the historical, social, political and tered for the SPA/ART 231 course we will still or- economic realities of Mexico. In addition, we will ganize weekend excursions. go on excursions to historical and other relevant sites in and around Cuernavaca. Throughout the If there is enough interest, one optional excur- orientation, you will spend lots of time getting to sion will be Sat, June 25 to Mexico City to attend know the other students and faculty and the National Gay Pride March that takes place staff. This is essential to the construction of a every year. healthy living/learning environment. You will also get an in-depth introduction to some of the key Concurrent Customized Programs issues that you will be studying throughout the There may be periods throughout the summer summer. where you will share Augsburg facilities with participants in short-term customized programs. You may eat meals together, possibly attend some of the same guest lectures and participate in some of the same field trips. We trust that the oppor- tunity to share experiences and ideas with other people will add to the diversity and richness of your overall experience in Mexico.

Global Learning, Intercultural Development and Living/Learning Environment In addition to language learning, two of the important goals of study abroad are the development 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 that will be required as part of your courses and that will foment your understanding of Mexican history and culture.

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

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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.”

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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 2 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, May 2 – Sat May 5 Orientation and educational seminar in and around Cuernavaca. Housing for orientation session will be announced. You may start your homestays from the beginning or you may be housed in J.H Preciado #163, Coloni.,a San Anton We will let you know.

Fri May 4 TBC: Homestay begins with a meeting w/ host families. Day and time will be confirmed later.

Sat, May 5 – Sun, May 6 First weekend of homestay; you are encouraged to spend time with your host families. (This is NOT a good weekend to plan to travel.)

Approximately three Homestay. If you are staying for another session, you can stay with your weeks host family or possibly choose a dorm setting.

Mon, May 7 – Fri, May 25 Intensive Spanish course (daily for three weeks; five hours per day, Mon.- Fri., 8:00am – 12:20pm with regular breaks)

Fri, May 25 Last day of program.

Sat., May 26 Day to pack and say goodbyes. Last day of meals.

Travel on Sun., May 27 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.

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BLOCK 2

Wed, May 23 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, May 23 – Sat May 26 Orientation and educational seminar in and around Cuernavaca; housed in Casa CEMAL, J.H. Preciado #314, Colonia San Antón, Cuerna- vaca, Morelos. You also have access to a U.S. phone line in the CGEE House (612-605-7222), but it is not the best way for others to reach you because it’s in the computer lab and you may not hear it ring. However, you can make unlimited free calls to the U.S. and Canada from that phone.

Fri., May 25 Homestay begins with a meeting w/ host families in the afternoon or evening

Sat, May 26 – Sun, May 27 First weekend of homestay; you are encouraged to spend time with your host families. (This is NOT a good weekend to plan to travel.)

Sat May 26 – Sun, June 17 Homestay with Mexican host families. Students will receive contact information for host families after arriving in Mexico.

Mon, May 28 – Fri, June 16 Intensive Spanish course (daily for three weeks; five hours per day, Mon.-Fri., 8:00am – 12:20pm with regular breaks)

Fri, June 15 Last day of classes and overall program.

Sat., June 16 Day to pack and say goodbyes. Last day of meals.

Sun, June 17 - 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.

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BLOCK 3

Wed, June 13 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 13 – Sat June 16 Orientation and educational seminar in and around Cuernavaca; housed in Casa CEMAL, J.H. Preciado #314, Colonia San Antón, Cuernavaca, Mo- relos. You also have access to a U.S. phone line in the CGEE House (612- 605-7222), but it is not the best way for others to reach you because it’s in the computer lab and you may not hear it ring. However, you can make unlimited free calls to the U.S. and Canada from that phone. Fri., June 15 Homestay begins with a meeting w/ host families from 10:00am- 1:00pm. Sat, June 16 – Sun, June 17 First weekend of homestay; you are encouraged to spend time with your host families. (This is NOT a good weekend to plan to travel.)

Sat, June 16 – Sun, July 8 Homestay with Mexican host families. Students will receive contact information for host families after arriving in Mexico.

Mon, June 18 – Fri, July 6 Intensive Spanish course (daily for three weeks; five hours per day, Mon. -Fri., 8:00am – 12:20pm with regular breaks)

Sat, June 24 Optional day excursion to participate in National Gay Pride in Mexico City. Fri, July 6 Last day of program. Sat., July 7 Day to pack and say goodbyes. Last day of meals. Sun, July 8 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.

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BLOCK 4

Thu, July 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, July 5 – Sat, July 7 Orientation and educational seminar in and around Cuernavaca; housed in Casa CEMAL, J.H. Preciado #314, Colonia San Antón, Cuerna- vaca, Morelos. You also have access to a U.S. phone line in the CGEE House (612-605-7222), but it is not the best way for others to reach you because it’s in the computer lab and you may not hear it ring. However, you can make unlimited free calls to the U.S. and Canada from that phone.

Fri., July 6 Homestay begins with a meeting w/ host families in the afternoon or evening

Sat, July 7 – Sun, July 8 First weekend of homestay; you are encouraged to spend time with your host families. (This is NOT a good weekend to plan to travel.)

Sat July 7 – Sun, July 29 Homestay with Mexican host families. Students will receive contact information for host families after arriving in Mexico.

Mon, July 8 – Fri, July 27 Intensive Spanish course (daily for three weeks; five hours per day, Mon.-Fri., 8:00am – 12:20pm with regular breaks)

Fri, July 27 Last day of program.

Sat, July 28 Day to pack and say goodbyes. Last day of meals.

Sun, July 29 – Departure Departure for Mexico City airport and home. If you choose to travel Day 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.

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BLOCK 5

Wed, July 25 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 25 – Fri., July 27 Orientation and educational seminar in and around Cuernavaca; housed in Casa CEMAL, J.H. Preciado #314, Colonia San Antón, Cuernavaca, Mo- relos. You also have access to a U.S. phone line in the CGEE House (612- 605-7222), but it is not the best way for others to reach you because it’s in the computer lab and you may not hear it ring. However, you can make unlimited free calls to the U.S. and Canada from that phone.

Fri., July 27 Homestay begins with a meeting w/ host families from 10:00am- 1:00pm.

Sat, July 28 – Sun, July 29 First weekend of homestay; you are encouraged to spend time with your host families. (This is NOT a good weekend to plan to travel.)

Sat July 28 – Sun, August 19 Homestay with Mexican host families. Students will receive contact information for host families after arriving in Mexico.

Mon, July 30 – Fri, August 17 Intensive Spanish course (daily for three weeks; five hours per day, Mon.-Fri., 8:00am – 12:20 pm with regular breaks)

Fri., August 17 Last day of program.

Sat, August 18 Day to pack and say goodbyes. Last day of meals.

Sun, Aug 19 – Departure Day 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.

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What Does a Typical Day or Week Look Every Friday we will distribute a detailed sched- Like? ule for the following week. During your Spanish classes will meet every day from Monday homestay, you will be given two bilingual copies through Friday for four hours/day with breaks, of the schedule so that you can share one with from 8:00am until approximately 12:20pm. You your host family. will then have lunch with your host family (or bring a lunch) and then have other activities 2-3 Am I Free on the Weekends? times per week in the late afternoons. If you are taking SPA/ART 231, you will have a mandatory course-related excursion almost every The Latin Dance class meets 11 times, for a total Saturday or Sunday. These excursions, which are of 22 hours. You will find out the specific sched- OPTIONAL and OPEN to other students, go to ule after arrival in Cuernavaca. The internship places such as Chalcatzingo, Teotihuacan, Mexico scheduleswill also be given to you after your arri- City and Puebla, and Xochicalco. val in Cuernavaca. If you are completing an internship, you may also IF you are completing an INTERNSHIP you will have to work on weekends and in evenings. You need to be enrolled in two blocks in order to are also encouraged to spend time with your host complete the required hours (total seven weeks). family, especially during the first weekend of You will start your internship early in your first your homestay. block and have a different Spanish schedule than the other students. It will depend entirely on There could be an optional day excursion to par- your internship placement. In addition, intern- ticipate in National Gay Pride in Mexico City on ship students will participate in a weekly intern- Sat. June 25 (during Block 3) if enough people are ship class seminar. interested.

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 Spanish. Moreover, there are occasionally last-minute cancellations or time changes. Hence, we ask for your patience and flexibility.

Please note that there will be at least one mandatory guest speaker or excursion and one “Cultural Issues” session every week.

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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 population that is estimated at more than 23 mil- For several years, the U.S. government has lion. It is a diverse city rich with innumerable mu- been issuing and updating a Travel Advisory seums and other cultural attractions. However, as for Mexico, along with many other coun- in any large metropolis, there are safety issues tries. At the same time, some other coun- both in Mexico City and Cuernavaca. Our staff in tries issue travel advisories about the U.S. Mexico lives here and loves it. We welcome you What is most important is that the U.S. gov- to a wonderful location and want to assure you ernment does not tell people to avoid the that we stay informed about health and safety country of Mexico as a whole but rather to issues. We take every means possible to ensure “exercise increased caution” while traveling, your well-being, including providing you with a which is ideal for travel anywhere within the thorough health and safety orientation upon your arrival to Cuernavaca, as well as the detailed in- world. Over 25 million U.S. citizens continue formation below. to visit Mexico, and close to 1.5 U.S. citizens live permanently in Mexico. Most foreigners There is other useful information available in the visit here and return home with very positive Resources Section of Global Gateway account. experiences to share, and the U.S State De- These resources are: partment continues to encourage U.S. stu-  Emotional Health and Study Abroad dents to engage in study abroad in Mexico.  Wellness Plan for Study Abroad Augsburg’s CGEE-Mexico has successfully run  International Travel and Health Insurance programs since 1979 for students and profession-  Alcohol Abroad Awareness als, and has programs scheduled in the same lo-  Helpful Videos for International Travel cations throughout the coming year. As faculty and staff, we will continue to monitor the situa- Registering with the U.S. Embassy. tion and will not hesitate to cancel or reroute CGEE will register you with the U.S. Embassy prior programs, if needed, to secure the safety of stu- to departure from the U.S. in case any emergen- dents and travel seminar participants. cies occur while you are in Mexico. The decision to continue programming in Cuerna- Security Concerns in Mexico in Light of Re- vaca, Mexico City, most of the state of Morelos, cent Drug-Related Violence in Mexico Mexico City, Puebla, and other locations has been As you have undoubtedly heard, there are seri- made with careful consideration of ous security concerns in Mexico, just as there are risk. Although there has been highly publicized, in the United States and many coun- drug-related violence in Cuernavaca, it has not tries. Generally, it is not the whole country that been directed at international students, foreign is unsafe but rather specific places and behav- tourists, or foreign residents of the city. There iours within a given state in each country. This is has been no random drug violence that has true of Mexico and specifically the state of Mexi- placed the general public at risk. co.

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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 Global Education and Experience, and we do not emergency response. At the end of the orienta- see any fundamental changes affecting student tion, participants are asked to read and sign a safety in the city and the areas where program “Health 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 reducing reduction measures: risks of illness and violence, and you will be im-  Carry a charged cell phone with airtime on it mediately notified of any heightened risk to your at all times, so that we can reach you and health, safety and/or security. you 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 mal precautions” and 4 being “do not travel”). you want to use in Mexico and provide us with that number . You will need to pay a The general country alert for Mexico is “exercise deposit of U.S. $30 for the CGEE cell phone, increased caution due to crime.” and the money will be returned to you when Some areas within Mexico have been identified you return the phone after the program at increased risk, including the state of Morelos, ends. where our study center is located, due to gang  We will set up a WhatsApp group so that we activity. Here there is a Level 3 Advisory: can communicate easily. “reconsider travel.”  When taking taxis, always call and take radio taxis, as they are much less risky than flag- CGEE-Mexico exercises the cautions cited on the ging taxis off the street because RADIO TAXIS State Department website, and does not travel to (such as Radio Taxi Monarca, with which we the states to which travel is not recommended. A have a special agreement), have to conduct more complete description of our safety and se- criminal background checks on their drivers curity may be found below. and also report to base every time they pick

up and drop off passengers, whereas there is no control of taxis you flag on the street. Do not flag down taxis on the street and do not take Ubers because their drivers have not passed a crime screening, and there have been reported problems in Cuernavaca.

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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 them. from a stand at the airport and in bus termi- Please, be extremely responsible in this nals, etc.) or call radio taxis because the taxi 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 at were roofied and then sexually assaulted 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 trav- violence subsides, as many nightclubs have el warnings there. You should always check staff who sell drugs and therefore could the travel list below, as well as the U.S. State suffer violent attacks. Only go to places on a Department website before travelling outside recommended list that staff will give you. The of Cuernavaca. Also email your travel contact recommended list includes places where we information to CGEE staff. know the owners. Remember, there are LOTS of fun things to do in Cuernavaca other than Despite this long list of “DO NOTs,” please know going out to bars and discos. There are movie that students, staff and faculty regularly go out theatres and activities you can engage in with to safe places and have a wonderful time! You your host families. are not going to be locked into your houses; you  At Casa CEMAL and Casa Verde, do not leave just need to be careful about what you do and the front doors open and do not buzz people where you go, so that you can reduce risks as you in or open the front doors without first look- make friends and explore Mexico. ing at the security camera monitor to see who is there.

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Emergency Contact Cards. You will be given a It is very important that our staff be able to reach credit-card sized emergency contact card to carry you in case of an emergency. Therefore, you are at all times. The card includes the phone num- required to complete a Travel Information Form bers for lodgings in Mexico, as well as phone and email it to the CGEE staff before you travel numbers for CGEE staff members and emergency outside of Cuernavaca numbers (police, hospitals, ambulance, ([email protected] and lutter- etc). Additionally, the card has phone numbers [email protected]). You are also required to for local authorized taxi companies with whom carry a charged cell phone with airtime on it at all we have a contract, specifically for security pur- times so that we can reach if necessary. poses. Safes. We do NOT recommend carrying pass- U.S. Government Assistance (should you lose ports with you in Mexico, except for the visit to your passport, for example): the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and any long- U.S. Embassy Mexico City, Mexico distant travel you conduct during spring (01-55) 5080-2000 break. We have a safe in our office where you [email protected] can keep your passport and other valuables https://mx.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/ locked away during your time in Cuernavaca. State Department – Consular Affairs There are also safe boxes in each room. You may 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 bring a personal lock if you would like to use those safes. Safe Taxis. As mentioned above, CGEE has a relationship with one of Cuernavaca´s authorized Cell Phones. CGEE will provide you with a Mexi- taxi companies, Taxi Monarca. Commonly re- can cell phone upon arrival in Mexico UNLESS you ferred to as “radio taxis,” these taxis are sent by a have your own cell phone to use (at your own central headquarters to pick up and drop off cus- expense) and provide us with that number so tomers at a fixed price. They have to report to we can reach you when necessary. Upon arrival headquarters when they pick up and drop off in Cuernavaca, you will either give us your cell passengers, and so that provides more security. phone number or a U.S. $30 deposit for one of In addition, all radio taxi employees have gone our cell phones, which will be programmed with through police clearances and security screening, the phone numbers of radio taxis, CGEE-Mexico unlike Uber which does not have that prac- faculty and staff phone numbers, and emergency tice. Taxi Monarca is familiar with CGEE and the numbers, such as hospitals, police, etc. You will location of our houses, and is a reliable, safe op- receive your deposit back at the end of the se- tion for getting around the city (particularly after mester when you return the phone. If you lose dark). We also recommend Radio taxi Citlalili. the phone, you will be provided with a new phone but forfeit your deposit. Uber in Mexico. Many of you many be used to using Uber at home. However, Ubers are not con- CCGEE cell phones will have enough air time on sidered to be as safe in Mexico, particularly since them for you to call radio taxis and make emer- Uber does not do security screeings of their driv- gency calls. However, should you choose to use ers. Please do NOT take Ubers while in Mexi- the cell phones for personal use, you will need to co. Take radio taxis instead. add airtime, which is easy to do. You can go to any Oxxo, 7-Eleven, supermarket, etc. and give You should avoid traveling alone and taking over- them your cell phone number, the name of the night buses when traveling long distances in company (Telcel), get the receipt, and then ask a Mexico, as there have been reported incidents on staff member to reimburse you if the calls were overnight buses in certain regions of the country. related to program purposes.

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

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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 larta and Bahia de Banderas), Santa Maria del to visit. However, DO NOT TRAVEL to the Oro, and Xalisco. IF you go there, ONLY use following 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 Therefore, while you can visit many areas of the program, and you may not go either. They states listed below, you CANNOT go the specific are in a remote northern section of the locations within each of the states mentioned state.) here: 5. Nuevo Leon: You may visit the city of Mon- 1. Chihuahua: Most areas of Ciudad Juarez are terrey, as well as numerous other locations in okay, as is the city of Chihua, and Nuevo the state, but investigate before you make Casas Grandes, but DO NOT TRAVEL to the travel plans to other towns or cities. Also, following: do not patronize adult clubs or gambling es- a. Within Ciudad Juarez city: West of the tablishments in this state. street Eje Juan Gabriel and south of 6. Quintana Roo: Cancun, Tulum, and other Boulevard Zaragoza after dark. locations are safe, but DO NOT TRAVEL to the b. Within Chihuahua city: the Morelos, Vil- following: la, and Zapata districts. a. Playa del Carmen (close to Cancun; south c. Nuevo Casa Grandes: do not leave city of there) limits at night. b. The ferries that take people to and from 2. Jalisco State: Ajic, Chapala, Guadalajara, the island of Cancun (recent bombing on Puerto Vallarta, and many other locations one) within the state are beautiful and safe. INVESTIGATE other locations in the state before making a decision about whether or not to visit them. Also, do not patronize adult clubs or gambling establishments in this state.

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7. Sonora: You may visit Guaymas, Puerto Pe- ñasco, and other locations, but for Puerto Pe- ñasco, you must use the Lukeville/Sonoyta crossing during the day time and use main roads if you choose to do so. In general, the U.S. State Department finds northern Sonora to have much lower rates of crime that cities closer to Sinaloa and other parts of the country. 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.

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HEALTH INFORMATION

It’s important to schedule your appointment Please be aware that even short-term study right away, if you haven’t already. If you don’t abroad can be physically and emotionally de- already have a regular family physician, google a manding. For example: climatic changes; high list of travel clinics in your area. temperature, and/or high humidity; change in altitude; exposure to unfamiliar bacteria due to Some helpful online resources: change in diet; long days and intense schedules;  U.S. Department of State web pages on ser- and extended travel in cramped vehicles. vices for American citizens abroad: www.travel.state.gov These factors, combined with potential strains  Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/ from culture shock, living away from regular sup- travel port groups of friends and families, and intensive  World Health Organization: www.who.org interaction with other group members can affect  International Society of Travel Medi- your health in ways you do not anticipate, cine: www.istm.org putting stress on the body and emotions which  Travel Health Online: www.tripprep.com make you more susceptible to illness. We ask  HTH Worldwide: an insurance company that that you assess your physical and emotional specializes in insurance for international trav- health carefully. elers, offers advice on the issues you might encounter abroad in a series of short We encourage you to be open with yourself and Youtube videos. with us regarding your health and medical history. Giving prior consideration to how your travels There is other useful information available in the might affect you can be very important in main- Resources Section of Global Gateway account. taining your health during the program. Pre- These resources are: existing or past conditions will not exclude you  Emotional Health and Study Abroad from participating in the program; rather, in dis-  Wellness Plan for Study Abroad cussing them now you are more likely to have a  International Travel and Health Insurance healthier and more rewarding study abroad ex-  Alcohol Abroad Awareness perience.  Helpful Videos for International Travel

See a Doctor before You Go Insurance For recommended vaccinations and other health As a Center for Global Education and Experience precautions you should take before departing for student, you will be covered by Augsburg Col- your destination, please check the Centers for lege’s Foreign Travel Abroad insurance, adminis- Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at http:// tered by Educational and Institutional Insurance www.cdc.gov/travel/. Since we are not medical Administrators. This plan includes travel, accident professionals, we cannot make recommendations and sickness coverage. See Benefits Summary that will be applicable to all individuals in all plac- and information card. es, so you should make those decisions with a doctor. If you have ongoing health issues, it would be wise to check with your regular doctor about vaccines and other precautions.

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Should you require any medical care during your Common Health Issues in Mexico semester in Mexico, you should not have to pay Staff and students at the Center for Global Educa- for the care upfront, given our current medical tion and Experience in Cuernavaca have experi- insurance. You MAY have to pay for medicines enced a number of minor health problems. Most and try to get reimbursed, although often stu- of these problems have been gastrointestinal and dents are given the medicines, as well. parasitic infections. Although we have not had any reported cases among students for over five The cost of labwork varies depending on what is years, the most serious problem in the past has needed. It could be as little as U.S. $5 but can been Typhoid Fever. Typhoid is caused by a type cost more. The insurance tends not to pay for of Salmonella (Salmonella-typhi) which is endem- tests for stool samples (to see if you have para- ic to Mexico and has been a particular problem in sites) but does tend to pay for other lab- Cuernavaca over the past several years. Typhoid work. Please keep this in mind as you budget for is transmitted through food and water that have the semester. Also, in the event that you do need been contaminated with infected human feces. medical attention, be sure to save all your re- ceipts as they will be required for reimburse- CGEE does everything in its power to protect staff ment. and students from illness, including periodic tests of cooking personnel, bacteriological studies of We will explain how to call and set up a medical the water and kitchens, constant vigilance of hy- appointment through our medical insurance once giene and sanitary conditions of the houses, and you are in Cuernavaca. We trust that you will find educational work with students and host families. it to be very user-friendly. You will be responsi- Typhoid and other gastrointestinal infections can ble for getting to and from any appointments. In be prevented by being careful about what you the case of medical or other emergencies, you eat and drink and practicing proper hygiene can contact the faculty or staff person who is on (which includes the regular washing of water call. bottles). In the event that you do become sick, however, there is competent and professional For personal property Insurance, please note that medical care available in Cuernavaca, and in most you are responsible for the cost of replacing any cases these diseases can be treated with com- personal property that is stolen, lost, or dam- mon antibiotics. aged. Your personal possessions may be covered by your family’s household insurance, but check HIV/AIDS to make sure (especially if you plan to bring along Students should also be aware that the state of anything of value). If you want additional acci- Morelos (where Cuernavaca is located) has the dent or life insurance, most companies can help third- highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Mexi- you with this. co. If you plan on being sexually active while in Mexico, you should be aware of this and use pro- If you plan to bring your laptop, please note that tection to reduce the risk of HIV infection. you will be responsible for the cost to repair or replace it, whether or not the damage is the re- Dengue fever sult of your action or the action of another stu- Dengue fever has recently been found in More- dent, staff person, or unknown person. It is los, mainly in the south and in rural areas, but strongly recommended that you consider proper- also in Cuernavaca. No vaccine is available, but ty insurance for any theft or damages. travelers can reduce their risk by applying insect repellent to both skin and clothing. The most effective repellents are those containing N,N- diethylmetatoluamide (DEET).

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Zika Virus: On February 1, 2016, the World If your particular health condition makes this a Health Organization (WHO) declared a public concern, please be prepared to communicate health emergency over the potential complica- your limitations to the academic coordinators. tions of Zika virus. WHO has not issued any trade or travel restrictions to the affected areas; how- Inoculations ever, WHO advises that women who are preg- The CDC recommend the following inoculations nant or planning to become pregnant should take for travelers to Mexico and Central America: extra care to protect themselves from mosquito  Typhoid bites.  Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).  Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to Note that Zika virus is primary spread to people blood (for example, health-care workers), through mosquito bites. Currently, there is no have sexual contact with the local popula- vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Zika tion, stay longer than six months, or be ex- causes a relatively mild illness, and the most posed through medical treatment. common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint  Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or pain, or red eyes; four in five people who acquire domestic animals through your work or rec- Zika infection may have no symptoms. reation.  As needed, booster doses for tetanus- CGEE Mexico follows the CDC/U.S. Government diphtheria and measles. recommendations and alerts and will provide updates as needed. A link the CDC alert can be Check with your doctor about the timing for all of found here which provides recommendations the inoculations and their side-effects (e.g., ty- and precautions for travelers: http:// phoid and Hepatitis B inoculations require a se- www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/s0315-zika- ries of shots or pills over several weeks or virus-travel.html months; Hepatitis A inoculation requires a second inoculation -6 12 months after the first injection). Other Health Concerns You may find it helpful to call the Centers for Dis- The altitude is high in both Cuernavaca (6,000 ease Control (CDC) (888/232-3228 or 404/639- feet) and in Mexico City (7,300 feet). That, com- 2572) and listen to their extensive recorded infor- pounded with culture shock and the overall in- mation about health risks and precautions for tensity of the program, may make you tire easily. international travelers, or visit the CDC web page In general, you should drink three times as much at http://www.cdc.gov. water as you normally do in order to avoid dehy- dration. Typhoid immunization is required. We require students to have had a typhoid immunization Also be aware that pollution in Mexico City is a within the last three years. The immunization problem year round, but it is especially acute dur- must be completed at least two weeks before ing the dry season (October - May). If you have a arriving in Mexico. Again, if you have already history of respiratory illness, heart problems or been immunized, inoculation must have occurred allergies, you could experience complications within the last three years. The Typhoid vaccine while there. While strenuous walking is not a reg- does not guarantee absolute protection from Ty- ular part of the program, there could be an occa- phoid since there are over 100 strains of the dis- sion when this is necessary to reach a certain lo- ease. It does, however, offer some protection, cation. Varying road conditions can at times make and doctors have noticed a lessening of the se- anticipating this very difficult, although our field verity of symptoms and quicker recovery from staff will keep you informed whenever possible. Typhoid among those U.S. patients who had received the inoculation.

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Hepatitis A: The Centers for Disease Control rec- There are also several prestigious, well-equipped, ommend that travelers to Mexico and Central modern hospitals only a 15 - 20 minute drive America receive an immune globulin (IG) shot or from the CGEE facilities. Program participants can Hepatitis A vaccine for protection against Hepati- receive quality out-patient or emergency care at tis A. According to the CDC, travelers to Mexico these hospitals at a reasonable cost. and Central America are at high risk for Hepatitis A, especially if travel plans include visiting rural Alcohol and Drug Abuse areas and extensive travel in the countryside or As mentioned earlier, alcohol abuse is a serious eating in settings of poor sanitation. A study has health risk. Therefore, while those of you who shown that many cases of travel-related Hepatitis are over 18 are allowed to drink, as per local A occur in travelers to developing countries with laws, we encourage you to develop a social life “standard” itineraries, accommodations, and that does not depend upon alcohol. Some of you food consumption behaviors. Hepatitis A vaccine may be in recovery from drug or alcohol addic- is preferred for persons who plan to travel re- tions, and others of you may decide that you peatedly or reside for long periods of time in in- need to seek out a recovery program while in termediate or high-risk areas. Immune globulin is Cuernavaca. The Grupo Delicias AA/NA meetings recommended for persons of all ages who desire are held every day at 7:30pm at St. Michael’s only short-term protection. The vaccine requires Episcopal Church, Calle Minerva #1, Colonia Vista a series of injections, the first of which must take Hermosa (right around the corner from the Su- place at least four weeks prior to travel. The im- perama on Avenida Río Mayo). For information, mune globulin is a single dose shot. Because it feel free to contact English-speaking sponsor offers only short-term protections, it should be James Gregory at [email protected]. administered shortly prior to travel. Our most recent information, however, says that immune If you are an alcoholic or drug addict, we would globulin is in very short supply. like to suggest that you let staff know so that we can support you in your recovery pro- Malaria: Of the places you are going, the possi- cess. BEFORE departing for Mexico, please con- bility of contracting malaria is fairly low. Howev- tact CGEE-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. Ato- to your peers so that they can be supportive of vaquone/proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, you. and mefloquine are alternative choices.

There are regular Al-Anon meetings in English on Healthcare Providers Tuesdays from 12:15-1:15pm at St. Michael’s Our outstanding health insurance providers will Episcopal Church, Calle Minerva #1, Colonia Vista help ensure that you receive excellent general Hermosa (right around the corner from the Su- care, gastroenterology, gynecology, ear, nose and perama on Avenida Río Mayo). There are Al-Anon throat, mental health, and homeopathy. We have meetings in Spanish at the same location on very good English-speaking psychologists and Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30- psychiatrists, and we will help provide language 7:00pm. interpretation for other medical visits, as re- quested.

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In addition, there are on-line Alcoholics Anony- The inclusion of these sites here is not intended mous (AA) and Al-Anon groups and meetings that as an endorsement but rather a way to share you can attend via the Internet. For example, some of the resources available and to make you past students have participated in the follow- aware of the plethora of resources on the web. If ing: http://www.usrecovery.info/Chat/AA.htm you find other resources that you like better, and http://xat.com/AAnonymous_Room?p- please let us know, and we will include them in 0andss-0 for AA, and http:// future versions of this guide. www.12stepforums.net/alanon.html for Al-Anon. Diarrhea, Cholera, Typhoid and Dysentery Mental Health Prevention If you are seeing a therapist or psychiatrist at You will be given more information about this home, be sure to inquire as to whether or not it is once you get to Mexico, but in general, you feasible for you to have online sessions via Skype should follow certain rules for eating and drink- or another format while you are in Mexico. Some ing: therapists are open to this, and that way you can  Drink bottled or boiled water (available at the continue to work with the person whom you al- house and in your family stay), or bottled ready know. If, on the other hand, you want to drinks, including soda or bottled juice. see a psychologist or psychiatrist in Mexico, our  All meat and fish should be well cooked. insurance company works with one male psychia- Avoid salads and any kind of raw vegetables trist and one female psychologist who speak Eng- unless the greens/vegetables have been lish. You do not have to pay upfront – just for washed and then soaked in a disinfectant so- your cab rides. Previous students have been hap- lution. (The cooks at Casa CEMAL disinfect py with them. the fresh fruits and vegetables they serve to you.) Past students have also taken advantage of  Be very careful about what you eat in restau- online chat groups and online support group rants, and don’t eat food from street ven- meetings a variety of issues, including anxiety, dors. For example, fruit that you peel is the depression, and other mental health issues. One safest bet; drinks with ice can be bad if the website that has many different online support ice is not made from bottled water, etc. groups and chats on a variety of issues is the Dai- ly Strength website: http:// Play it safe! You will learn to eat and drink wise- www.dailystrength.org/component/ ly once you’re in Cuernavaca. At some point dur- option,com_comprofiler/task,ie_login/fb_login,1 ing the semester, you will undoubtedly have Another is Healthful Chats at http:// some stomach upset. Some students have opted www.healthfulchat.org/mental-health-chat- to take an antibiotic to prevent diarrhea (two rooms.html The latter hosts a wide variety of cha- such options are bactrim, a sulfa drug, or doxycy- trooms and support groups for issues such as cline, a form of tetracycline). These only prevent anxiety bipolar disorder, body dysmorphic disor- certain types of diarrhea disease, so hygiene and der, depression, eating disorders, gender identi- avoidance measures remain important even if ty, OCD, and PTSD. antibiotics are used. You may want to bring along a probiotic like acidophilus or lactobacillus and take a capsule daily as a preventative measure. Probiotics are available over the counter in health stores and pharmacies in the U.S. and Mexico. 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.

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LOCALE AND FACILITIES

Cuernavaca You will spend most of the summer session in Cuernavaca, a city known for its perennial springtime 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 Mexican history: the palace of the Spanish con- Currency Exchange queror, Hernán Cortez, borders the central plaza The unit of currency is the peso. The exchange in Cuernavaca; the state itself was named after rate at the time of printing (March 2018) was Father José María Morelos, one of the founders 18.81 pesos to US $1. However, the rate fluctu- of the Mexican War of Independence against ates. Spain in 1810, and Morelos is the birthplace of Emiliano Zapata, who led the cry “Land and Lib- Time erty” in the Mexican Revolution of 1910 in the The time is the same as U.S. Central Standard southern half of the country. Cuernavaca is also time. Mexico also employs Daylight Savings, just known for its role in innovative grass-roots edu- as in the United States, although the dates for cation, alternative health practices, Base Chris- changing the clocks are slightly different than in tian Communities (“BCCs”), and economic coop- the U.S. eratives, as well as international businesses. North Americans, Japanese and Europeans Weather are attracted to Cuernavaca’s numerous Spanish You will be in Cuernavaca during our rainy season language schools. (May-Sep), so plan on rain in the afternoons (often 4:00 and onward). The temperatures will Cuernavaca is a nice city in which to be based. It most likely be in the 70s-80s, although it can get is not huge like Mexico City, which has a popula- hotter and the temperature can drop at night. If tion of approximately 22 million, but it is big you travel into the mountains or to Mexico City, enough (nearly one million) to offer plenty to you will find cooler weather. do. Markets, theaters, museums, cafés, discos, and restaurants abound. Cuernavaca also offers Housing a flavor of rural Mexico with peasant farmers The Center for Global Education and Experience and Nahuatl-speaking indigenous people coming and Experience (CGEE) maintains two houses in into the city to buy and sell in the market, as Cuernavaca for its study programs. One of these well as a growing population of migrants from will be your home base for your first few days in rural areas. Cuernavaca. Both are located in Colonia San Antón, a 15-20 minute walk to the main downtown area.

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The house in which the office is located is known There are also facilities to wash clothes by hand locally as “Casa CEMAL” (the Spanish acronym for in both houses, although some students choose Centro para la Educación Mundial). It has five to go to the nearby Laundromat. The Laundro- bedrooms with bunk beds, six bathrooms, a din- mat charges approximately US $4.00 for “full” ing room/living room, large back patio, small li- service – wash, dry and fold. brary, ample garden space, and a study room equipped with a printer, three computers, wire- The Universal language school, which has a small less access for students who bring laptop com- swimming pool and racquetball court, is conven- puters. Students will have access to an Internet- iently located on the same street as the CGEE based phone account that allows them to call the houses. Also located on the same street are a U.S. for free. The number for this phone is 612- bakery, an Internet café, four small grocery 605-7222. Approximately 2-4 students will share stores, two school supply/stationery stores, a each bedroom. All meals will be prepared and Pentecostal Church, the San Antón Catholic served in Casa CEMAL. You will be asked to wash Church, a baseball field/park, a Zumba studio, your own dishes. and a martial arts studio.

The other house that CGEE maintains is called Casa Verde, which is across the street from Casa CEMAL. Casa Verde has several bedrooms, many bathrooms, one large classroom, a kitchenette, and several spaces to study or hang out, as well as a study room equipped with a printer, five In order to get a better idea computers with Internet access, and wireless ac- of what the houses look like, cess for students who bring laptop computers. take the “CGEE-Mexico house tour” at http:// While we encourage you to bring a laptop if you www.youtube.com/watch? have one, we also strongly recommend that you v=JhmKdiyaprUandfeature=r consider property insurance for any theft or dam- elmfu ages 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.

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House Rules Smoking is not permitted inside either of the houses. 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. UNLESS there are students in StepUp or other alcohol/drug rehab programs who request a “dry house,” moderate consumption of beer and other alcoholic beverages is generally allowed in the dining room or living room of our facilities while you are living there. 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.

While we would like you to make yourself at home in the CGEE program houses during the short time that you reside in one of them, it is essential that you be respectful of the rest of the people who live in the house and of our neigh- bors. It is also important to be extra careful about the security of all who live in the house. 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 relationship of trust. In addition because of safety reasons, you must be very careful about whom you invite to the CGEE houses. Visitors must sign in and out and show an ID, and they must leave by 10:00pm Sunday through Thursday, and by midnight Friday and Saturday. You may only have visitors in public spaces.

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COMMUNICATION

Keeping in touch with family and friends is very Phone Calls important. The following information provides Calls to and from the United States you a variety of means to stay in touch. CGEE has a Vonage phone service through the Internet that allows us to make and receive calls Snail Mail at Casa CEMAL as if we were in Minneapolis. For Your mailing address in Mexico is: family and friends from the Twin Cities, this is a J.H. Preciado # 314 local call. For everyone outside of the Twin Cities, Colonia San Antón the call is a national long distance call. Through Cuernavaca, Morelos this service, as long as the Internet is working, C.P. 62020 MEXICO you can make calls to anywhere in the U.S.A. and Canada for free. The Mexican postal service is often very slow. Allow two to three weeks for delivery of letters Calls within Mexico and small packages. Warning: In many cases, In addition to the Vonage phone system, we also packages don’t arrive or are held up in Customs, maintain Mexican phone numbers for local calls so we caution you about having anything valua- within Mexico and for calls when the Internet ble sent through the mail! If someone does de- isn’t working. Please note that if you are making cide to send you a package, we recommend that a long distance call within Mexico, you must do they send it in a large envelope rather than a box so from your Mexican cell phone and dial “01-and because boxes are almost always held up in cus- the area code” before the rest of the number toms, whereas envelopes tend to arrive without UNLESS you are calling a long-distance cell hassle. Although reliable, Federal Express and phone, in which case you simply dial the 10-digit United Parcel Service are expensive and must be number. However, you may receive long-distance given the street address: J.H. Preciado #314, Co- calls from within Mexico and internationally at lonia San Antón, 62020, Cuernavaca, Morelos, the phones in both guest houses. MEXICO and phone number (777) 312-3578. If you are only going to be in Cuernavaca for one If a person doesn’t answer, a recording will come Block, it probably is not worth your while to have on asking you for the correct extension; please things snail-mailed to you. use the extension numbers on the following page. It is also very important to know that the Mexi- can government charges an extremely high tax on most articles sent by mail from the United 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. Sometimes students have had to pay nearly half the cost of the birthday presents they have received!

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CGEE Mexico Offices Casa CEMAL Casa Augsburg

Calls from the Internet phone line: (612) 605-7230 Internet phone In Mexican phone from U.S. and Canada  Ann Lutterman-Aguilar, Mexico Site computer/study U.S: Director: Ext. 105 room: 011-52-777-312-5641  Naty Rosas, Office Manager: Ext. 101 (612) 605-7222  Lisanne Morgan, Homestay and In- ternship Coordinator:Ext. 102 Dining area:  Dining area: Ext. 109 and 110 (612) 605-7230, ext. 109 or 110 Mexican phone line from U.S: 011-52-777-318-7799 or 011-52-777-312-3578

Calls within Mex- (01-777) 312-3578 or (01-777) 312-3578 (01-777) 312-5641 ico (01-777) 318-7799, Ext. 115 Fax or (01-777) 318-7799 Ext 109 or 110.

Phones lists with extension numbers are located As stated previously, CGEE will provide a Mexican by all phones in Casa CEMAL and Casa Augsburg. cell phone to you to use for security purposes unless you already have your own phone that Parents: please note that for the majority of the works in Mexico (see section on Health and Safe- summer Blocks students will be living with host ty Matters). If people need to call you on your families and not in the CGEE houses. However, Mexican cell phone from the U.S., they should they may still stop by the CGEE house and call dial 011-52-1 BEFORE the 10-digit cell phone you from our phone, and you can still call the number that begins with 777. However, this is office if you need to reach your student. much more expensive than calling you on the internet-based Vonage phone line or via Skype. Emergency Contact Information and Phone Numbers Computers, Email, and Internet Access In the case of an emergency, if your family and Casa CEMAL has a printer and three PC comput- friends are having trouble reaching you, they can ers, all of which have Internet access, plus addi- call the CGEE office number that is a U.S. phone tional cables and wireless internet access for stu- line through the internet: 1-612-605-7230. (It is dents who bring laptop computers. Casa Verde as if you were calling Minneapolis, MN.) If that is also has a small computer lab with four comput- not successful, they can call the CGEE office in ers, plus wireless access and additional cable ac- Minneapolis and leave a message with as much cess for students who bring laptop computers. In information as possible. During office hours addition to our limited computer services, there (8:00am – 4:30pm Central Standard Time), call are many Internet cafés nearby, including one our toll-free line at 1-612-330-1159. After hours right up the street, where the cost is approxi- and on weekends, one of our Minneapolis staff mately 10 pesos per hour. If you have a laptop members will monitor an emergency cell phone computer, you are encouraged to bring it, along at 612-817-2830. with a card for wireless Internet access AND insurance. Please note that out of consideration for our staff, we ask that you call the cell phone numbers only when a problem arises that requires imme- diate attention.

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Please note that there are frequent problems with Internet service in Cuernavaca and that it may be much slower than that to which you are accustomed.

Internet service also goes down frequently, and so you should not count on having constant Inter- net access. Some host families have wireless In- ternet access, but many do not. Do not count on having Internet access in your homestay. For email access, the best option is to use Mozil- la Firefox or Internet Explorer to access your university account or a web-based address like Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail, which you can set up for free. If you’d like to use this option, find out how to access your university network or set up a different account and forward your university email to that address.

Library Resources There is a small library in Casa CEMAL. However, you may need to be able to access your college/ university library online. Make sure you find out from your IT department how you can gain access from Mexico.

Homestay You are encouraged to speak Spanish as much as During the first three days of your first (or only) possible, even while living in Casa CEMAL or Casa Block, you will be living in one of the CGEE pro- Verde. Several CGEE staff members do not speak gram houses in Cuernavaca. For the remainder of English, so it is important not to speak a language your time, most of you will live with host families that the people around you would not under- unless you make other arrangements with Ann stand. There will be designated Spanish-only ta- Lutterman-Aguilar at [email protected] bles for all meals. and the homestay coordinator Lisanne Morgan at [email protected] While you are living with host families, the family will provide all of your meals. 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.

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TRAVEL INFORMATION

Travel to/from Program Visa Requirements and Tourist Cards Be sure to obtain a passport if you do not have (Important!) one. If you have one, be sure that it is valid for six U.S. citizens and permanent residents are al- months past the point of your departure from lowed to stay in Mexico for six months as tourists Mexico. without obtaining any sort of visa. When you are on the plane, you will receive a tourist card, Your program fees do not cover your travel costs which you will complete and present to immigra- to and from Mexico. You are responsible for mak- tion authorities. If asked on the form, please indi- ing your own arrangements to and from the air- cate that your occupation is student but the pur- port in Mexico City. We ask all participants to pose of your trip is “tourism.” While you are obvi- arrive in Mexico City by 3:00pm on the travel ously planning to study in Mexico, you will not be date specified for your Block. Please notify us enrolled in a Mexican university and are there- with your arrival and departure information once fore may enter the country as a tourist rather you have it. than having to apply for a special student visa.

We will arrange for one or two pick-up times at a When you go through Customs, be sure to tell meeting point in the Mexico City airport on each the Mexican immigration officer that you would travel day. The pick-up times will be based on like to be given 90 days. There will not be a place the arrival times of all group members. There- to indicate that on your form, so be sure to ask. fore, you may have a wait time of no more than a couple of hours in the airport in order to coordi- With the tourist card, you will need to present nate with our pick-up times. your passport. It is helpful to bring a photocopy of the first page of your passport to carry with On the departure day of each Block we will pro- you in Mexico as identification. When you get to vide transportation to the airport in Mexico. If Cuernavaca, you will be able to store your pass- you depart on some other day, you must make port and tourist card in the safe. Be sure to keep your own arrangements for transportation, the tourist card, since you will have to present it which is quite simple, as direct buses depart to Mexican immigration officials in order to leave Cuernavaca for the airport approximately every Mexico. half hour, beginning early in the morning: www.pullman.com.mx.

Since you must allow two hours to get to the airport from Cuernavaca and are supposed to check -in between 2-3 hours in advance, we recommend that you choose a flight that leaves no earlier than 12:00pm.

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Travel within Mexico Some popular destinations are: (for bus information see:

www.ticketbus.com.mx) Weekend Travel  Mexico City: (1½-2 hours) Known as “The Day trips and weekend trips are possible during Largest City in the World” (population: ap- the summer while in Mexico. If you take SPA/ prox. 25 million) with museums, shopping, ART 231, you will have a course-related day trip great city parks, clubs, plays, etc. Mexico every weekend. These trips are optional for oth- City is the capital of the country, and nearly ers. You may also choose to travel independent- ¼ of the country’s population lives there. ly. Popular weekend destinations include Mexico  Tepoztlan (45 min.) A beautiful town nestled City, Tepotzlan, Toluca, Puebla, and Querétaro. in the mountains. You can hike up to a pyra- To give you an idea of prices, the bus ride to mid or enjoy shopping for artisan products/ Mexico City takes about one and a half hours and souvenirs. Be sure to try Tepoznieves, costs about US $10 one way. Modest youth hos- Tepoztlan’s famous ice cream! tel and hotel accommodations can often be  Puebla: (2.5 hours) Colonial city where the found for US $15-50/person. For safety reasons, Spanish legacy in a heavily populated indige- we highly recommend that students travel in nous region can be noted with the existence pairs or small groups and would strongly discour- of many churches. Poblanos boast that they age you from traveling alone or taking overnight have a church on every corner. buses. Acapulco is currently one of the most dan-  Chachalacas, Veracruz: (7 hours) A small gerous cities in the world, so it is off limits, as is beach area, on the Gulf of Mexico. There the whole state of Guerrero in which it is locat- aren’t any large hotels and there are very ed. few tourists, except during the high-volume vacation periods. Day-Trips, Weekend, and Travel Destinations  Veracruz, Veracruz: (6-7 hours) Very im- for Vacation Before or After the Summer Ses- portant sea-bearing port of entry throughout sion Mexico’s history. A great deal of Caribbean presence and influence in the area can be PLEASE NOTE: seen in the traditional Jarocho music, a mix  Keep your Mexican cell phone (which we will of Indigenous, African and Spanish culture. provide you) charged and turned on with Some of the beaches are hidden by the oil sufficient air time so that we can reach you rigs. The nicest beaches close to the city are (and vice versa) in case of an emergency. slightly south, in Boca del Rio, Veracruz. You  Use only radio taxis (using the cell phones can take a bus from the city of Veracruz. we provide or regular phones).  Oaxaca (7-8 hours) A beautiful colonial city in  Travel in pairs or small groups. the state of Oaxaca, near Monte Albán, an  Avoid traveling alone or taking overnight important archeological site. Oaxaca is a buses. great place for food and is known for its chil-  It is also very important that our staff be able es, chocolates and chapulines to reach you in case of an emergen- (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 cartel activity.) Beach area north of Acapul- co, which is not as “touristy” and is a more secluded locale, away from large cities. It also boasts some of the best marlin fishing in the world.

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 Guadalajara: (8-10 hours) One of the largest Please note that you may make arrangements to and most important economic cities in Mexi- store your belongings in our facilities and to pick co. Mariachi music is very popular here. them up between 8:00am and 3:00pm Mon.- Guadalajara also has a lot of bars/clubs/ Fri. However, CGEE takes no legal responsibility restaurants. for items that are lost or stolen while in storage.  Mazunte, Oaxaca (12 hours from Mexico City) If you choose to travel extensively, please be sure Very nice beach area in Oaxaca. To get there, to budget accordingly. In the past, students have you have to take a bus to Pochutla, and from traveled in small groups by bus to historical sites there take a camioneta or a taxi colectivo to or ocean beaches, such as Puerto Escondido, Isla Mazunte. There aren’t any large hotels – you Mujeres, Guadalajara, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. can rent out a nice room from a local. It is When traveling by bus on a careful budget, US known as a “hippie” beach. $35-40 per day is sufficient. You may want to al-  San Cristóbal, Chiapas: (11 hours) San Cristó- lot extra funds ($100-$300 recommended) for bal used to be the capital of the state of Chia- souvenir purchases, nightlife, emergencies or pas. The presence of the Zapatista uprising other extras. can be seen all over the city. It is a beautiful colonial town nestled in the mountains. Visits from Family and Friends Family and friends: You are more than welcome It is very important that our staff be able to reach to come and visit. It is best to visit after the pro- you in case of an emergency. Therefore, we ask gram ends, but you may visit during the program. you to complete a Travel Information Form and Some students have commented in the past that email it or an email with “TRAVEL INFO” in the they found visits by friends and family during reg- subject heading to the International Resident As- ular program time to be extremely stressful since sistant ([email protected]) and Ann they are busy most of the day and have home- at [email protected] BEFORE you travel work to do. Remember, they are cramming 60 outside of Cuernavaca. Be sure to take your hours of class time into three short weeks, and charged cell phone with you (along with the that doesn’t count studying. Absences due to charger) and keep it turned on so that we can travel with family and friends do not count as reach you in the case of an emergency. excused absences. However, it is often possible to attend classes, listen to guest lectures, and Optional Travel After the Program Ends participate in excursions with you. After the program ends, you may want to stay in Mexico for an extra week in order to travel with A Note to Parents and Legal Guardians: As men- other students, family members, or friends. We tioned above, we very much enjoy meeting you advise that you decide this before arranging your and would love to have you visit. It is important return date, as we have found that many stu- for you to know that sometimes parents’ visits dents do want to stay one more week but have during periods while students have classes puts set the date of departure immediately after the extra pressure on them, as they feel that they program ends. Keep in mind that most airlines must entertain you in addition to trying to com- charge approximately US $100 or more for any plete their coursework and participate in a very date changes. busy schedule. Therefore, we recommend that you visit AFTER the program ends. We highly dis- courage you from taking your children to the beach or traveling elsewhere with them at times when they would have to miss classes and other program activities. However, if you arrive while classes are in session, you are more than welcome to attend speakers and excursions with the group.

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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

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

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The “Centenario” has a large track field for run- Soccer: There is a soccer field in a neighborhood ning laps. It is on Avenida Universidad, en route close to CEMAL, just off J.H. Preciado. Some stu- to the Morelos state university UAEM. Take the dents have gone to play with the youth from that #1 bus on Avenida Morelos downtown and you neighborhood, and have had positive experienc- will go right past it. It takes 30-40 minutes by es, but you should probably go accompanied by bus. Parque Chapultepec is also a really nice another student until you have established a rela- place to go running, but it’s about a 30-40 minute tionship with the youth there. There are also soc- bus ride from Casa CEMAL, and there is a small cer teams to which the staff can connect you. 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. Activities at the Community Center The Center is up the street JH Preciado, past Puente 2000, and next to the cemetery. The classes may have a minimal cost.

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

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Capoeira: Students have enjoyed taking Capoeira Many very respectable-looking places have wait- class week day afternoons in Cuernavaca. Classes ers who sell drugs or owners who are involved in are usually 100 pesos (US$5) per class or you can the drug trade. For that reason, we urge you to discuss with instructor to obtain a package deal. follow staff’s warnings about places that we have deemed off limits and to be extremely careful Knitting, Sewing, and other crafts: Right before about anywhere else you go! reaching Cuernavaca’s cathedral (about 10min walk) you can find a small crafts store that offers I. Restaurants supplies and classes for no extra cost, Monday-  Los Arcos: An outdoor café next to the Zóca- Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Near there, lo. Open for lunch and dinner with many tra- there are also various places that offer work- ditional Mexican dishes and a great location. shops, including drawing, literature, sculpting, Also has live music and salsa dancing. etc.  El Barco: Two locations in Cuernavaca. A great place to try Pozole, a good option par- Socially Responsible Nightlife in Cuer- ticularly for Mon nights, when many other restaurants are closed. navaca  La Fontana: A great place to gather for pizza, It is important to note that overt discrimination beer, and a casual, fun atmosphere. on the basis of race, class, and sexual orientation  La Maga: Good food in cozy environment. is very common in Cuernavaca. There are numer- Especially noteworthy is their lunch buffet ous clubs whose bouncers are known for only (with lots of great vegetarian options!). allowing foreigners and rich-looking, light-  Pizza Roma: Great little restaurant with gour- skinned Mexicans to enter, while excluding dark- met pizzas. Eat in, take out, or delivery. skinned Mexicans. We ask you to be aware of  Restaurant El Salto: A nice restaurant located these dynamics when going out in Cuernavaca so a short walk from Casa CEMAL, right next to that you do not inadvertently participate in or the San Antón waterfall. It closes on Tues- support practices that violate your own values days and shortly after 8:00pm other days. and those of this program. We appreciate your Live music on Thursdays and Fridays. feedback so we can continue to update our lists  Taquería La Gringa: Delicious place for tacos. for future students. Three locations throughout the city. Great options for vegetarians. Their alambres are a In addition, as mentioned earlier, alcohol abuse must try! is a serious health risk and a particular problem  Marco Polo: A True Italian restaurant located in study abroad. Therefore, we highly encourage right opposite to cathedral on the second you to develop a social life that does not depend floor. Perfect for groups. Great views from upon alcohol. There are movie theaters, bowling balcony. Huge variety of pizzas and wines. allies (which are more expensive than in the Their house wines are a must try. U.S.), restaurants, cafes, and other places you  Néctar Tropikal Pizzería: Famous for their can go to have a good time without consuming pizzas and sauces, Néctar truly brings fusion alcohol. Italian-Mexican cuisine to another level. They are also popular for their international craft Due to the current violence between rival drug beers from Germany and Belgium. cartels, you need to be especially careful when  La India Bonita: India Bonita is a peaceful res- going out to places that serve alcohol, as many taurant with lots of greenery in spite of its bars, discos, and nightclubs serve as fronts for location in the middle of downtown Cuerna- the drug trade. vaca. Excellent table side service. Waiters are very attentive. Don’t go by name this place is authentic Mexican.

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 Los Colorines: The place is lovely with a lot of  Barecito: This is a very small, gay-owned bar colors truly Mexican. The service is really that is open to the LGBTQIA community and good the waitress are really attentive and the community at large. No cover. Live per- helpful on how the food is served and give formances by local artist and painting exhibi- you a good detail about the different meals. tions are commonly held at Barecito. The chilaquiles are handmade and the flavors  La Maga: Good drinks, cozy and artsy envi- are incredible. All the food is really good with ronment with live music most weekend moderate prices. nights. During the daytime, this has a great  Las Mananitas: Located in the outskirts of and inexpensive salad bar and buffet. Cuernavaca. Las Mananitas restaurant and  La Rana Sabia: In front of the Cuernavaca ca- hotel. A perfect place to have a romantic date thedral, this is a very nice place to visit if you or a business meeting with its beautiful, flow- are interested in workshops and literary gather full garden, with a great experience of ex- erings, including poetry slams. otic birds loosely mingling with the guests. A  Starbucks Centro Cuernavaca: Located right advanced booking is highly recommended. at the heart of downtown Cuernavaca and  House Café + Lounge: Located across the arti- alongside the Palace of Cortes, Starbucks is a san’s market. House café and lounge is an bustling location with friendly staff and a upscale restaurant. A perfect place for a date warm atmosphere. in town. Excellent service both in English and  Gandhi Coffee and Library: A local coffee Spanish. It has both inside and outside seating shop with English-speaking staff. Inexpensive areas. It serves fusion food. and comfortable environment for study.  El Madrigal: El Madrigal Cuernavaca offers a There is a huge selection of books to choose heavenly location. They offer a vast selection from. of international dishes. Their staff is extreme-  Celito: Designed with the impression of shar- ly attentive, and the customer service is im- ing Mexico’s culture, it’s vibrant colors share peccable, all that in a wonderful atmosphere. a warming environment with plenty of art It is also a hotel and the architecture does not and coffee hosted by local farmers and disappoint. Would be a great place for a gath- artists. ering or wedding reception.  Al Paradiso: With excellent views from its  Anticavilla Restaurant: The hotel/restaurant balcony, this medium-sized coffee shop is are an Italian establishment with the restau- famous for its daily activities and outstanding rant being a Member of the Chaine Des Rotis- coffee drinks. Each day is themed with a new seurs and displayed a silver plate on the wall activity such as Friday Movie Premiers, so from Academia Italiana della Cuciana indi- please check in ahead of time or take a ran- cating it was Ristorante Verde Salvia. The mix- dom stop to explore. ture of an open-air concept restaurant with  Café Colibre: Small but great outdoor space modern and Mexican hacienda styles provides located in the center of downtown Cuernava- an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. ca. A tasteful dessert selection and good service. II. Recommended Cafés  Expendio de Café: Known for its huge selec-  Los Arcos: An outdoor Café next to the Zóca- tion of coffee beans for sale, you can actually lo. A popular meeting place for foreigners and go and learn how to brew your own coffee Mexicans. There are evening happy hour spe- without any necessary purchase. cials 8:00-10:00pm. Live Salsa and Cumbia music on Sun, Thursday and Fri evenings and lively dancing initiated by the diners. No cover. (also see listing in Restaurants).

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 Coffee Gringo: Located in downtown Cuerna-  Barecito: Truly small, Barecito is a hid- vaca, a majority of its staff are friendly stu- den gem of its own. Located in the dents from local colleges with medium Eng- centro, Barecito is the growing hip bar lish-speaking skills. A small but good selection in town with inexpensive drinks and of coffee drinks. The environment is beautiful live music. Recommended only for with soothing background music supported small groups. by a lovely pool designed by a local artist and  La Trinchera: Similar to Mercado a patio. Comonfort, La Trinchera is an open space area with bar stands and music. III. Recommended Bars, Movies and Shop- All types of drinks with great food op- ping Malls tions. Busy on weekend so go early! A. Bars  L'Arrosoir d'Arthur: Located in the  Mercado Comonfort: Just next to the heart of centro, L’Arrosior d’Arthur is cathedral in downtown Cuernavaca, a luxurious bar with a great wine se- Mercado Comonfort is famous for its lection. Great seating environment free open space with bar stands and with outside patio with a very calm food stalls. Great for all groups. Very atmosphere. busy on Friday and Saturday nights.  La Guayaba Pulqueria: Their pulque The Mojito stand there is known as drinks are one of the best in town one of the best in town. with plenty other inexpensive drinks.  Las Plazuelas: A main strip filled with Famous for their own draft beer. different types of bars with music and B. Movies: dance floors, Las Plazuelas is a one  Cinemas Las Plazas: It is located in place fits all. Like all locations, take downtown Cuernavaca. Is cheapest precautions and travel in groups or but isn't a high-quality system video pairs. Popularly known for their 5-liter and audio. All movies featured in this beers and inexpensive drinks. cinema are all in Spanish.  Mr. Chile: Two-floored bar with reg- Cine Morelos: Located right across gaetón music and upbeat waiters, Mr. Jardin Borda and in close proximity to Chile is famous for their Michelada the Cathedral. It features small budget drinks with plenty of chile and their movies from all over the world. It’s mojitos. Basic snack options. Located fairly inexpensive and movies are outside of Cuernavaca center, plan to aired in several languages. call a taxi in the evening.  Cinemex: Running 3 locations in  Plaza Marina: across the city in plaza Cuernavaca,  A big center filled with bars and dance Forum and Galerias shopping malls. floors, Plaza Marina is known as ‘the Tickets starts from 80 pesos for basic round up center’ for Mexican college and goes all the way to 220 pesos for students. It truly is a one place fits all VIP access. All locations have Imax 4d and is famous for their variety of and Dolby digital systems. Plenty of drinks. options to choose for snacks.  Pachuco Rey Mezcaleria:  Cinepolis: Cinepolis has 2 operational  If you want some of the best mezcals locations in Galerias and D10 mall re- in town, Pachucho Rey holds its title. spectively. Tickets starts from 80 pe- Descent pricing. One of the busiest sos for basic and goes all the way to places in town on weekend nights; go 220 pesos for VIP access. early! Reggaetón music and weekly salsa and cumbia nights.

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C. Special: Bowling Ally E. Special deals and promotions: There are Located on the third floor at Plaza Cuer- always special promotions in town. One navaca, Alboa features bowling and bil- of the most popular is the 2x1 deals that liards tables for lots of fun with family makes your third purchase free. Keep and friends. Shoes are available onsite your eyes open for them. Most bars and for rental. A large food and drinks menu coffee shops have special deals running to keep you and your friends busy and that you can check online or when you happy. Tuesday promotions of 2x1. walk in they are normally written D. Shopping Malls:  Galerias: A little far from CEMAL, Ga- On boards. Students often times can lerias is one of the largest shopping open store membership cards such as malls in Cuernavaca. It houses inter- Cinepolis, Cinemex and La Comer and national brands from Tommy Hilfiger Starbucks. to Adidas and Nike among countless With ISIC student card: others.  Best Western: 20% student discount  Plaza Cuernavaca: Built similar to on accommodation Californian style shopping centers,  Hotels Zar: 15% student discount Plaza Cuernavaca is a great place to on accommodation find local brands in an outdoor atmos-  The Hamburger Club: 20% student phere and a calm indoor center. discount on burgers  Plaza Forum: Newly built in 2017, Plaza 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 Ga- lerias.

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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  St. Michael´s and All Angels Church (English Library)  Biblioteca Dr. Jose Felix Frias Sanchez  La Rana Sabia

V. PLACES TO AVOID (PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY!) Please avoid the following locations due to the presence of violent incidents and poor business ethic practice among other reasons.  The Bull  La Tereza  Attico (CLOSED as of Spring 2018 but may reopen.)  Drea’s Karoke Bar, on Avenida Vicente Guerrero  Antonio Varona (a small neighborhood

Please additionally avoid any additional bars, discos, and nightclubs that CGEE staff warns against. Please regularly check the bulletin board and your emails for updated information.

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

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Religious Life Muslim Temples Mexico is a predominantly Roman Catholic country. Therefore, there are many Catholic religious Masjid Dar As Salaam services available for students who would like to Circuito Tequesquitengo No. attend them. In fact, there is a Catholic church 150,Tequesquitengo, Morelos, Phone: 734-347- just one block down the street from the Center. 0995 In addition, there is a growing number of Website: http://www.islam.com.mx (visit for Protestant churches here, including Baptist, Epis- worship times) copalian, Methodist, Pentecostal, and others. There is also one orthodox synagogue in Cuerna- Mezquita Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab vaca and several conservative and other syna- Sur 77 No. 32 int. 7, esq. Lorenzo Boturini, Col. gogues in Mexico City. The following is a brief list Lorenzo Boturini, Deleg. Vanustiano Carranza, of a few of the religious services that we know of. Mexico City, 15820 Please join us in updating and completing our list Phone: (55)5650-4612, English (55)3166-81-13 of religious services. Also, once you have arrived Website: www.islammexico.net in Mexico, please call each place of worship you are thinking of attending for more information on Protestant and Evangelical Churches their service times (which tend to change). Anglican/Episcopal If you do not find information about your reli- St. Michael´s Episcopal Church gious group below, please contact Ann Lutter- Calle Minerva #1, Colonia Las Delicias, Cuernava- man-Aguilar at [email protected], as she ca, Phone: 315-2870 will try to assist you. Website: www.cuernavaca-anglican.org

Services in English at 10:45am and in Spanish at Jewish Synagogues 5 :00pm on Sundays

Cuernavaca The Good Shepherd Anglican Church Orthodox services at a Jewish nursing home Corner of Calle Degollado and Guerrero, Colonia Madero 404, Baja California, Cuernavaca Centro, Cuernavaca, Phone: 315-2870 Services are on Sat morning.

Baptist Synogogues in Mexico City Iglesia Bautista Monte Abarim Alianza Monte Sinai (Orthodox) Ocotepec #612, Colonia Reforma, Cuernavaca Tennyson #134, Colonia Polanco, Ciudad de Mex- (behind Sam´s Club), Phone: 311-4362 ico Phone: 01-55-5280-6369 Capital City Baptist Church

Sur 138 Esq. Bondojito, Colonia Las Americas, Del Agudes Achim Alvaro Obregon, Ciudad de Mexico Montes de Oca 32, Colonia La Condesa, Ciudad Phone: 01-55-5516-1862 de Mexico Phone: 01-55-5553-6430 Methodist Judaismo Humanista de Mexico Iglesia Metodista de Mexico A.R. Reforma 2233 E., Sauces 402, Cuidad de Mexico Calle No Reelección #31, Colonia Centro, Cuerna- Phone: 01-55-5559-6638 vaca Phone: 312-9429 Bet-El Horacio 1722, Colonia Polanco, Ciudad de Mexico Phone: 01-55-5281-2592

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Non-Denominational Christian Roman Catholic Masses

Centro Cristiano Catedral de Cuernavaca Álvaro Obregón 321 Hidalgo #17, Colonia Centro, Cuernavaca (on the Phone: (777) 318 - 59 – 65 corner of Morelos y Calle Hidalgo) Email: [email protected] Phone: 318-4590, 318-4596 Services on Sundays at 11:00am and Bible Stud- Mass times: -M F, 7 :00m, 12:00pm and 7:00pm; ies on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:00pm. This Sat, 7:00pm; Sun, every hour and a half from is within walking distance of the Augsburg cam- 7:30am to 1:30pm, 5:00pm, 6.30pm and 8:00pm; pus. English mass 10:30am Sun en la Capilla del Car- men Compañerismo Estudiantil, A.C. (*youth group only, not a church) Parroquia de San Antón Calle Leyva y Abasolo (in front of a school in the J.H. Preciado #112 (down the street from Casa Templo Philidelphia) CEMAL, walking away from el Puente 2000, on Phone: 322-0457 Email: ivanvalla- left-hand side) Phone: 312-7947, 313-0075 [email protected], [email protected] M-F (except Tuesdays) 6pm. Sunday: 8:00am, 9:30am, 10:30am, and 6:00pm. No mass on Sat. Presbyterian Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana Bethel Parroquia de Ocotepec Jardin San Juan #10, Colonia Centro, Cuernavaca Av. Miguel Hidalgo #304, Esq. Aldama, Ocotepec, Phone: 312-3564 Cuernavaca Email: [email protected] Phone: 382-1156

Pentecostal Parroquia de Tejalpa Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Emmanuel Plaza de la Asunción #1, Cuernavaca, Phone: 320- Reforma #4, Colonia Centro, Temixco (just out- 9817 side of Cuernavaca) Parroquia de La Lagunilla Christo Obrero Phone: 325-1021 Manzana 11, Lote 21, Av. Mariano Matamoros, Cuernavaca Quaker Phone: 102-4644 Casa de los Amigos Ignacio Mariscal 132, Colonia Tabacalera, Ciudad Parroquia de Plan de Ayala Nuestra Señora de de Mexico, 06030 Guadalupe Phone: 52-55-5705-0521, 52-55-5705-0646 On the corner of Otilio Montano and Emiliano Website: http://www.casadelosamigos.org/ Zapata, Cuernavaca website/quakercommunity/ Phone: not available quakercommunityindex.htm Note: There are many Catholic churches in Cuer- navaca. This is just a partial listing. In many Cath- olic churches, there is a sign posted outside with a list of the times for Masses.

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MONEY MATTERS

A major question you are likely to have is how There will be several artisan groups, including much money to bring and in what form. Your fees women’s cooperatives associated with people we cover all living and program-related travel ex- meet whom you may want to support. You will penses, as well as course reading packets, during find that because some items are less expensive the program. You need to cover the follow- in Mexico, you may feel rich and spend freely and ing: your travel to and from Mexico City; the cost quickly. Beware of this tendency! Your money of required texts, most of which must be bought will disappear rapidly if you are not careful! in the U.S. before departing for Mexico; the US $30 deposit for cell phones and keys; and money for travel on your own (optional).

CGEE recommends bringing both cash in U.S. dol- lars and an ATM card with your PIN number, as you can withdraw money regularly from ATM machines, which are common all over Mexico. Most students prefer their ATM cards to carrying large amounts of cash. If you’d like to bring a Visa card or MasterCard, you will find that many of the fancier stores, hotels and restaurants ac- 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.

For one block you may spend as little as U.S. $200. Those of you with generous shopping hab- its may spend up to or even more than U.S. $500. How much you bring obviously depends upon your lifestyle: the number and cost of gifts and souvenirs you purchase, how much you go out to the movies, go bowling, and/or go dancing in clubs, and how much additional travel you plan (as well as how simply or extravagantly you do it), and your financial capabilities and how long you are staying in Mexico.

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WHAT TO BRING TO MEXICO

We cannot emphasize enough the matter of If you enjoy going out to clubs, you will probably packing lightly! Most airlines allow one checked want to bring at least one outfit along for night- bag weighing up to 50 pounds, plus one carry-on life, taking into consideration the fact that Mexi- bag. However, it is your responsibility to check cans tend to dress up more for nightclubs than with your airline regarding its current policies. As North Americans do. a general rule, you should be able to transport all of your luggage up two flights of stairs on your Since the weather in usually moderate in Cuerna- own without difficulty. Remember, in addition to vaca, most of the time you will only need casual, a larger bag, you may also want a small backpack warm-weather clothing and a light sweat- or other bag to use for day trips and/or weekend er. Since you will be here during the rainy sea- trips. son, we also recommend that you bring a small, collapsible umbrella and/or light raincoat. With regard to clothing, you can dress however you feel most comfortable (except in pajamas) to School supplies and standard U.S.-brand toiletries your Spanish classes. However, in general, Mexi- are easy to find in Cuernavaca at reasonable pric- cans tend to dress slightly more conservatively es, so don’t pack big bottles of shampoo, deodor- than most North Americans. Because shorts are ant, etc. Some items, such as contact lens solu- considered to be extremely casual here, we ask tion, suntan lotion, condoms, and tampons, are both women and men not to wear them on some available but at prices somewhat higher than in of the excursions and when we have guest speak- the United States. The electrical current is the ers. Female students may also find that wearing same as in the U.S., so you do not need any spe- short shorts can draw unwanted attention— cial adapters. In the CGEE guesthouses and the capris are culturally appropriate option for warm homes of many host families, the outlets are weather. Please avoid bringing military style or made for two prongs, so you may wish to bring at olive-colored clothing. least one 3-prong to 2-prong adaptor.

If you are conducting an internship, you will prob- Most basic items, including clothing, can be pur- ably need to dress professionally, although it de- chased in Cuernavaca fairly inexpensively, so pends upon your placement site. Professional don’t worry about bringing everything. If in doubt dress in Mexico does NOT include: low-rider about something to pack, think about carrying it pants, crop tops, tank tops with spaghetti straps (along with all your heavy books and everything (unless worn under a jacket or blouse), or any else you’re packing) and then decide. clothing that might expose the lower back and midriff areas. Be sure to bring a few shirts that Remember: You have to be able to carry every- are not T-shirts, crop tops, or tank tops. thing you pack, so pack as lightly as you can with You may wish to dress up when you go out danc- all your heavy books. ing or attend parties with your Mexican host family and other friends. Many former students have commented that they wished they had more clothing for the nightlife in Cuernavaca.

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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

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MEXICO SUMMER 2018

Cuernavaca MEXICO

U.S. State Department Country Information

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 tion Grupo 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! :-)

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