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- What is the Mexico Alternative Spring Break program?
An opportunity for NKU students to spend Spring Break in Mexico doing volunteer
service work in the city and countryside. You live with host families, learn
about Mexican culture and society first hand, and have a bit of time for
tourism, too.
- When is it?
The next trip will be March 2005, coinciding with NKU’s Spring Break.
- What kind of work do we do?
Last year we helped two community development centers in impoverished urban
neighborhoods by doing maintenance work, helping in their food distribution
program, and preparing and participating in their spring fund-raising open
houses. We also did maintenance work at a rural YMCA camp.
- Where do we stay?
We will stay with host families in Mexico City, possibly with some time in
mountain town of Tepoztlan. The host families all have family members in their
late teens and early twenties who serve as guides for NKU students.
- Is there time for tourism?
Weekends and evenings are available for tourism. In 2004 the group spent a day
at the pyramids of Teotihuacán; in 2003 the group spent a day at the floating
gardens of Xochimilco. Evenings in the city are usually spent "on the
town" with host families.
- How much does it cost?
The cost varies with the airfare and subsidies we are able to obtain. The cost
of the program in 2004 was approximately $700. This included airfare, ground
transportation, lodging and most meals. For many students, most of this cost was
covered by an NKU International Scholarship. Contact the Office of
International Programs for information.
- Who is eligible to go?
Any NKU student in good standing. Our group will include two NKU faculty/staff members
and from 10 to 13 students.
- Is a knowledge of Spanish necessary?
No. Students with no Spanish are placed in homes of families who are English
speakers. Some basic knowledge of the language would be helpful, but is not
required. Our group will meet before the trip to practice some basic Spanish
words and phrases.
- Can I get academic credit for the participating in this program?
The program can be taken for one hour’s worth of pass/fail credit. In 2004 those who registered for INTL 300 were required to write a report on selected topics drawing from their experiences on the trip.
- How do I apply to go?
The 2005 program will be announced in early Fall, 2004. In the meantime, contact
Amy Bode or Anne
Perry in the NKU Office of International Programs.
- Does NKU have other Alternative Spring Break trips?
Yes. There were two other Alternative Spring Break trips in 2004. One was sponsored by the Biological Sciences Department; students studied the flora and fauna in remote parts of Costa Rica. Another, sponsored by the History Department, visited several World War II battlefields in Europe.
