Central Mexico

Globalization Through the Three Faces of Mexico

Mexico is a magic land rich in culture, with 68 indigenous languages, a mythic history about the arrival and influence of the Spanish, and a modern overlay of industrialization, technology, and globalization. With 25 million people, how can urban Mexico City attend to the exponential arrival of rural people and serve their needs for water and food? How are the outlying areas of Mexico dealing with these same issues of migration? What about the Indigenous peoples?

Participating in this journey, you will be able to experience the three faces of Mexico: Indigenous, Spanish and Modern. You will deeply engage with communities that are developing their own strategies to address the global human issues of water and food security.

Depending on the length of your experience, you will visit Teotihuacan (with the Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest in the world) and/or Technoctitlan, (the foundation for Mexico City). You will also visit the murals of Diego Rivera, a testimonial to the emerging class struggles after Mexican Independence. Traveling on to Queretaro you will see the aqueduct, designed in 1723, that is mostly still intact. Nearby you will learn about the Indigenous people who have some of the most elaborate community art in all of Mexico.

Throughout the week your experience will be interwoven with the perspective of Indigenous peoples, their history and their current reality; the remaining legacy of Spanish language, governmental and religious structure; and the new challenges of migration and globalization. Starting in Mexico City, the multi-character of the country will be revealed in visits to historic sites. As well, you will learn about the current issues of the population through engagement in a program dedicated to the right to water.

Traveling on to Queretaro and Guanajuato, you will spend time in one of the cities known for a beautiful colonial center and a grand aqueduct. Your time in community will include visits and activities oriented around sustainable development, rural agriculture, the educational system and community initiatives for vulnerable groups, including the Indigenous community.

The cuisine of Mexico is known the world over for its unique use of traditional foods including corn, beans and squash, often called the three sisters. While in Mexico City there will be opportunities to try various traditional dishes including Mexico City style tacos, mole (from Oaxaca) and chilaquiles (a breakfast specialty). In Queretaro there is more rural fare and the opportunity to taste some specialities of the region including cactus dishes and various sweets. For those with food allergies or needing a special diet, accommodations are made.

In Mexico City, a modest local hotel will provide double accommodation that includes breakfast. This historic hotel is located near the major avenue of Paseo de la Reforma and the US Embassy. While in Queretaro a small local hotel near the city center will house the group and provide breakfast.

Upon arrival and after resting from the flight, an orientation will be provided including an introduction to Central Mexico with facts about local customs and culture, safety, rules and expectations. Volunteers will also learn about the critical issues facing communities, including access to water and food. The orientation will provide an overview of activities for the week and background on the projects, people, and places where we will engage.

Via International is also prepared to offer a curriculum in support of this journey. This includes reading lists, pre trip seminars and post trip reflection modules.

Isla Urbana – is a non-profit organization that believes a scarcity of clean water for humans is an unacceptable injustice. Daily, millions of people living in Mexico City fathers, mothers, sons and daughters strain to meet their fundamental water demands. Isla Urbana secures families water future by catalyzing the rainwater harvesting revolution.

Fundacion Comunitaria de Bajío – is a civic engagement organization, socially responsible and committed to social justice. They work to strengthen community organizations and initiatives, forge alliances and mobilize resources that support a process of sustainable development.

Loyola University Maryland

"l highly recommend Via International as a great host agency for meaningful immersion programs, both domestic and international. They are rooted in the community with years of experience and relationships, organized and offer great educational input for the participants. They have everything you need fora comprehensive experience.

Andrea Coicochea, Assistant Director International Immersions

The Impact

The experience of an immersion program impacts post-travel

Discover the historical, political, and religious constructions of community within Mexico and develop a global lens for comparison.

Analyze the social movements and identify areas of support and challenge.

Participate in community-defined service projects supporting water catchment and lombricomposta (worm composting).

Learn the issues surrounding water and food security in both highly urban and rural areas.

Understand how leadership is demonstrated at the community level, through community-based programs.

Interested in visiting this location?

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