Center for Global Education, Augsburg College

I had a wonderful study abroad experience with CGE in Cuernavaca!A few highlights that come to mind are the homestay, the instructors, the travelling and the internship. The homestay was initially one of the things I was most nervous about but the families are chosen very carefully for each individual student and I loved the opportunity to live in a home and participate as a member of the family (and it was soooo helpful in learning Spanish too!). The instructors were inspiring individuals who became mentors and role models for all of us-- they had incredible life stories to share and I think everyone in my group benefited immensely from them. The trips to the border and to El Salvador were also wonderful and I was amazed at the contacts CGE has with incredible people in both of these regions (and especially in the city of Cuernavaca!). And finally the internship... the opportunity to do an internship was certainly one of the most challenging experiences of my life but it was ultimately one of the most valuable things I've ever done. Being able to participate in a Mexican organization while simultaneously having the support of my fellow students and instructors at CGE enabled me to find my own strengths and contributions to the organization and it really helped shape my life-professionally and personally. I'm so glad to have studied abroad with CGE in the wonderful and vibrant city of Cuernavaca-- I recommend it whole-heartedly.

Participating in this program was truly a transformational experience for me. Cuernavaca is a beautiful location, with tons of history, social movements, and tourist attractions wherever you look. The staff on the program are wonderful, very attentive and knowledgeable. You can tell that they really care about their students and are passionate about social justice. One thing I really loved about the program is that you don't just sit in a classroom all day or have loads of reading and homework--you get to experience what you are learning through visits to different organizations, speakers, and homestays. The homestay was one of my favorite parts of the program, because I felt like I really became integrated in a community in Cuernavaca--I was no longer just a tourist or a student, but part of the local life and culture! I also found that my Spanish improved immensely while I was on the program, and the internship I completed in Mexico taught me a lot too. I was able to get a great senior social work internship (bilingual) working with immigrants in a fabulous social service agency when I got home. This is a great opportunity for undergrad students to study social work abroad, learn more about important issues like immigration, practice their Spanish, and make lifelong friends--all while getting credit towards their social work major. Don't miss out!