The Latin American Experience: Cultural Diversity and Intangible Heritage in Mexico is a three-credit Summer 1 course that has both on-campus and overseas components. The course introduces students to a wide range of topics including the history and diversity of Mexican communities and the complex relationship that they historically had/have, race politics and debates over national belonging and concert of cultural heritage. They will also explore the benefits and challenges associated with the recent promotion of cultural heritage and diversity by NGOs, grassroots organizations, the government, and international cultural policy entities as a potential engine for economic development. The trip includes visits to historical and cultural sites, academic institutions, NGOs, and interactions with local musicians, dancers, artisans, and craftspeople.
Students will be encouraged to do preliminary study in Spanish through the Rosetta Stone program online.
Course Credit: 3 credits (LTAM-L210)
Mandatory pre-travel classes (Fridays during the second 8-week of Spring 2022): March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 25 and 29; 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Travel to Mexico: The study tour will take place from May 15 – 27, 2022. The travel component of the trip can be physically intense and students should be prepared for long days in a hot climate. Students will submit their last assignment after returning from the travel.
The program is open to ALL IU Bloomington undergraduate students.
Additional program requirements are:
At least 18 years old
Have minimum IU Cum GPA of 2.7
Have not participated in OVPDEI-sponsored study abroad programs before (Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ghana, India and Peru)
Seniors must have graduation date of no earlier than August 2022. The program carries credits for Summer 1 semester.
This is an OVPDEI custom study abroad course. Therefore, students in the following OVPDEI academic programs receive subsidized price:
Hudson and Holland Scholars Program (HHSP)
Groups Scholars Program
21st Century Scholars Program
FASE mentor or OVPDEI-funded ASC tutors
Selection preferences are given to those who have no previous study abroad and overseas travel experience.
$1,450 – for selected students in OVPDEI academic scholarship program The program fee includes course tuition (3 IU credit hours), roundtrip transportation from Bloomington to the airport, roundtrip international flights, airport transfers in-country, accommodations in Mexico, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), domestic transportation to and from all excursion sites, entry fees to all museums and historical sites, lectures and workshop fees, student travel insurance, and administrative fees. *Program fee is subject to change due to unforeseeable circumstances.
Additional Variable Costs:
Cost of US passport ($180: $165 passport + $15 passport photos). Expedited service costs additional $60.
Recommended vaccinations ($0-$400). Consult your health insurance provider or IU Health Center
Personal spending money in Mexico ($0 to $300) to purchase gifts, personal items, additional or alternate meals, and tips for services)
The selected OVPDEI students automatically receive an OVPDEI scholarship towards the Mexico program. Therefore, students are not eligible to apply for additional funding through the summer study abroad scholarship from OVPDEI.
Students are responsible for securing funds for the student portion or full cost (if not receiving the automatic scholarship) for the program. Since it is a Summer 1 course, students must be registered for at least 6 credits (another class) to apply for student loans.
Potential Scholarships for Program (please check your eligibility for each scholarship)
The course is intended for, but not limited to, students interested in topics such as human rights, social justice, social movements, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, history, immigration, gender studies, literature, linguistics, enthomusicology, indigenous studies, and anthropology and African American and African Diaspora Studies.
Qualified applicants will receive an interview request from OVPDEI Overseas Studies & Scholarship Program. Each interview will take about 10-15 minutes.
The applicants will be notified of the decision by February 25, 2022. Participation is contingent upon attending all pre-trip sessions, paying all required deposits and fees, and abiding by the rules/guidelines of the program.
Please contact the OVPDEI Overseas Studies and Scholarship Program (demaschl@indiana.edu) with questions.
January 28: Information session (1 p.m. Zoom) February 13: Application deadline (11:59 p.m.) February 25: Selection decision March 4: Student acceptance March 11: $500 Deposit is due (non-refundable) March 25: On-campus sessions start April 29: On-campus sessions end May 15-27: Travel to Mexico
Complete/submit signed acceptance form
Complete all necessary forms for OVPDEI, IBERO, and Office of Overseas Study (instruction will be provided)
Pay deposit (Due March 11)
Apply for/renew passport (Apply now. Passports are issued for ten years.)
Apply for Hutton Honors College, Gilman, and other applicable scholarships. Please note that the OVPDEI summer study abroad scholarship cannot be used for this program.
Acquire necessary vaccinations and medication
Attend mandatory class sessions
Attend pre-departure orientation
Pay the remaining Mexico course balance to Bursar (Due May 10)
We will be monitoring the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and will be communicating with the accepted students.
Please read the most recent statement on the Coronavirus Outbreak on the IU Office of Overseas Study website: Statement on Coronavirus Outbreak
Students are advised to avoid incurring any financial commitments related to the study abroad until 60 days prior to the program start date.
