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Change of plans for Oaxaca program
November 17, 2006
Ten PLU students, two UPS students and PLU professor Paloma Martinez-Carbajo will not be returning to Oaxaca to complete their semester abroad.
They have been in the southern Mexican city as part of the PLU/UPS fall semester program. For the past two weeks, the group has been on a study tour to Mexico City and Puebla.
Oaxaca is experiencing civil unrest provoked by a prolonged teachers’ strike and growing dissatisfaction with Oaxaca’s governor. Last week, the U.S. State Department issued a public announcement stating “U.S. citizens should continue to avoid travel to Oaxaca City,” effective through Jan. 17, 2007.
“This is a real disappointment and will be a blow to the students,” said Susan Mann, director of study away and associate director of the Wang Center for International Programs. “The group has felt safe in Oaxaca and has had powerful learning experiences. But, with the State Department clearly advising against travel to Oaxaca at this time, PLU can not move the students back.”
Tamara Williams, PLU professor of languages and literatures and director of the Oaxaca program, and UPS professor John Lear notified the students of the change in plans on Thursday. The students will complete their academic work in Puebla, taking classes taught by faculty from ICO, the Oaxacan language institute with which PLU is affiliated.
Additionally, since the State Department warning is effective through Jan. 17, PLU is also canceling the Oaxaca J-term program, Mann said.
The decision was based on information provided by PLU’s contacts in Oaxaca and updates from the State Department. It came after thoughtful deliberations last week, including a discussion at the President’s Council, Mann said.
PLU’s semester study away program in Oaxaca is designed for advanced Spanish language students with an interest in Latin American studies. The program explores the intersection of development, culture and social change through the lens of the dynamic and evolving context of contemporary Mexico.
Located in the southwestern Mexican state of Oaxaca, the program explores the rich diversity of contemporary Mexican culture. It strives to build understanding of one of the United States’ closest – yet least understood – neighbors.
For more information, contact Mann at 253-535-7629 or mannsm@plu.edu.
Photo by Tamara Williams
Oaxaca is experiencing civil unrest provoked by a prolonged teachers’ strike and growing dissatisfaction with Oaxaca’s governor. Last week, the U.S. State Department issued a public announcement stating “U.S. citizens should continue to avoid travel to Oaxaca City,” effective through Jan. 17, 2007.
“This is a real disappointment and will be a blow to the students,” said Susan Mann, director of study away and associate director of the Wang Center for International Programs. “The group has felt safe in Oaxaca and has had powerful learning experiences. But, with the State Department clearly advising against travel to Oaxaca at this time, PLU can not move the students back.”
Tamara Williams, PLU professor of languages and literatures and director of the Oaxaca program, and UPS professor John Lear notified the students of the change in plans on Thursday. The students will complete their academic work in Puebla, taking classes taught by faculty from ICO, the Oaxacan language institute with which PLU is affiliated.
Additionally, since the State Department warning is effective through Jan. 17, PLU is also canceling the Oaxaca J-term program, Mann said.
The decision was based on information provided by PLU’s contacts in Oaxaca and updates from the State Department. It came after thoughtful deliberations last week, including a discussion at the President’s Council, Mann said.
PLU’s semester study away program in Oaxaca is designed for advanced Spanish language students with an interest in Latin American studies. The program explores the intersection of development, culture and social change through the lens of the dynamic and evolving context of contemporary Mexico.
Located in the southwestern Mexican state of Oaxaca, the program explores the rich diversity of contemporary Mexican culture. It strives to build understanding of one of the United States’ closest – yet least understood – neighbors.
For more information, contact Mann at 253-535-7629 or mannsm@plu.edu.
Photo by Tamara Williams