IFSA - January in Mexico

What could be better than exploring Mexico's Yucatán region in January? With temperatures hovering around 85 degrees during the day, you'll warm up quickly to the culture, and visit sites such as world-famous Chichén Itzá. In the three-week Multicultural Psychology class, perfect to fulfill an elective or social science requirement, you'll actively examine the ways psychology is socially constructed. With activities included, your stay in the Mérida will be even more valuable and memorable.

• Mérida's compact size makes it easy to explore the city's squares and market in this tranquil, yet cosmopolitan city.
• Spanish architecture adds to Mérida's beauty and personifies the city's long history.
• Enjoy free evening concerts and a thriving nightlife in a student-friendly atmosphere.
• The three-week Multicultural Psychology class is a perfect elective or can be used to fulfill a major requirement, and you will earn 3 U.S. semester credit hours.
• Take your learning into the field and examine how culture informs psychology and beliefs about mental health while engaging with local doctors and community advocates.
• All activities, including meals and transportation, are included in the program fee.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

To make the most of your three weeks in Mérida, IFSA takes your learning outside the classroom with multiple co-curricular activities each week – designed to honor indigenous Mayan culture and engage with locals who champion increased visibility and resources for mental health challenges. These experiences may include:

• A visit to archaeological sites including Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• A day trip to Yaxunah to learn about contemporary Mayan peoples and their cultural rituals.
• A guest lecture on health promotion and consumer awareness in Mexico.
• An interview with a social psychologist to learn about their applied community projects.
• A meeting with an educational organization that promotes mental health awareness in public schools.
• All activities, including meals and transportation, are included in the program fee.

MULTICULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY

Students in this class will place psychology from a global perspective, learn that cultural differences impact behavior, and explore through a cross-cultural approach those behaviors and mental processes that may be universal. In so doing, students will examine and critically analyze theories associated with multiculturalism and diversity.

The class will explore the ways in which psychology is socially constructed and will pay particular attention to the following factors as they influence human development: oppression, language, acculturation, economic concerns, racism and prejudice, sociopolitical factors, child-rearing practices, religious practices, family structure and dynamics, and cultural values and attitudes. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

REQUIREMENTS

GPA: 2.0 minimum

LANGUAGE: No Spanish Required

Application Procedure:

STEP 1: Investigate Programs

Use the Program Finder to explore the more than 100 IFSA study abroad program options. For guidance selecting the best program for you, call 800.858.0229 or schedule a 15-minute consultation with our Engagement Specialist.

STEP 2: Apply to Study Abroad with a Specific Program

When you find the right program, select Apply Now. You will create an account in the IFSA Student Portal, following the instructions to provide additional information as requested. Based on the program you choose, you will have a dedicated IFSA Program Advisor to help you through the application process. The application wizard will populate with items that you can get started on right away.

STEP 3: Complete Application Items

Be sure to complete all of the application items no later than your program’s deadline. Your home university may have internal deadlines as well, so be sure to check with the study abroad office.

STEP 4: Submit Your Application

Once all application items in the portal are complete, your IFSA Program Advisor will process your application and let you know about how long an admissions decision will take.

Every application will require the following:

• An official transcript for all college and university work you have completed to date.
• A passport valid for six months after your program end date.
• Program approval from your home university.
• Additional items based on the program you choose.
• Some programs may require an academic recommendation from a professor.