UGA Cooperative Extension
International Public Service and Outreach
USDA-CSREES International Science and Education Competitive Grants Program
Escuela para Estudiantes Extranjeros (EEE) (School for Foreign Students)

The purpose of Cross-Cultural Studies: Mexico 2008 is to help extension agents and specialists better understand the cultural basis for interaction with Georgia's Latino immigrants and to learn ways to work more effectively with the Latino community. While there will be a special emphasis on the social and economic challenges in Mexico, the intention is to give participants a broad set of cultural experiences so that they can better understand, communicate with, and ultimately work more effectively with Latinos in Georgia.

Itinerary and Flights

The trip will commence on May 18 and conclude on June 1, 2008. Participants will arrive in the port of Veracruz and take a bus to Xalapa, the capital city of the state of Veracruz, Mexico and proceed directly to meet their host families. Xalapa will serve as a home base for the duration of the trip. The first week, participants will have the opportunity to attend Spanish classes and lectures from local professors on topics related to history, social services, immigration, agribusiness, and rural development. The first week will also consist of day trips to rural development organizations and local social services agencies. The second week will involve more visits and lectures. Participants will be visiting, among other places:

• university
• rural school
• social service agencies
• public health organizations (clinics)
• an orphanage
• other cultural related sites in Xalapa and nearby towns

1 June: AM2085, Veracruz to Mexico City, depart 6:30 am, arrive 7:30 am
1 June: AM636, Mexico City to Atlanta, depart 9:25 am, arrive 1:45 pm

Outcomes

1. Knowledge of the social issues, culture, and economy of Mexico.
   • Participants will be able to analyze and discuss various social aspects of Mexico and compare these to other Latin American countries as well as the U.S.
   • Participants will be able to compare and contrast Latin American and U.S. educational systems and values associated with these institutions.
   • Participants will be able to integrate various scientific and social concepts learned in a Mexican context into units and topics they utilize in outreach programs in Georgia.
2. Knowledge of values, thinking and behavior of Latino students, employees, and their families.
   • Participants will be able to compare and contrast the range of educational and family values in Mexico, other Latin American countries, and the U.S. and interpret these relative to the immigrant populations they work with in Georgia.
3. Knowledge of how to better assess the Latino community.
   • Participants are expected to use their understanding of Mexican culture to work more effectively with Georgia's Latino community.

Program Administrative Details

Registration for this program is supported by the UGA Cooperative Extension Service and the Office of Global Programs from a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CSREES International Science and Education Competitive Grants Program, on behalf of the county extension agents and specialists.

All agents will be in a home-stay environment with families selected by EEE. Related trip costs such as passport applications, medical fees (i.e., vaccinations and shots), travel to the Atlanta airport, and other potential expenses incurred while in Georgia are not included, so please check with your District/Department Head for assistance, if needed.

Vaccinations and Medications, Country and Consular Information

• CDC: Health Information for Travelers to Mexico
• CIA World Factbook: Mexico
• U.S. State Department: Mexico

Links about Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico

• Xalapa, Mexico
• Xalapa Tourism
• Visit Mexico: Xalapa
• Universidad Veracruzana
• Escuela para Estudiantes Extranjeros
• Latin American Network Information Center: Mexico
• Inside Mexico
• Mexico Travel
• Lonely Planet: Mexico
• Veracruz Tourism
• VisitXalapa.com
• USAID: Latin America and the Caribbean

Links about Trade with Mexico

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service has several reports about U.S.-Mexican agricultural trade and policy issues. They are highly-recommended reading.

• USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
• USDA FAS: U.S.-Mexico Trade
• USDA FAS: U.S. Exports of Agricultural, Fish & Forestry Products to Mexico
• USDA FAS: U.S. Exports of Agricultural, Fish & Forestry Products from Mexico

Immunizations

• Hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever as your health care provider recommends
• Tetanus
• Other immunizations as your health care provider recommends

Documents

• Passport. Provide a copy of the identification page to Dr. Ames via fax at 706-542-7891.
• Proof of medical evacuation and repatriation of remains insurance. Dr. Ames will purchase for each individual.
• UGA—Health Record for Overseas Programs. See Dr. Ames.
• UGA—Waiver of Liability. See Dr. Ames.
• Two extra passport size photographs. Please bring these with you.
• Sign and send "Agreement for Participation" to Dr. Ames via fax at 706-542-7891.

Applications may be required by the School for Foreign Students, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico. Dr. Ames will inform you prior to departure.

Necessities

• Sun screen
• Film, batteries, camera
• Insect repellent with DEET
• Small flashlight
• Your personal medications
• Anti-diarrhea medication as recommended by your physician
• Face cloths and one towel
• Personal toiletries

Clothes

• Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
• Umbrella and light rain gear
• Hat if you are sensitive to sunlight

Finances

Traveler's checks in $20, $50, and $100 denominations can be exchanged at banks and cambios (currency exchanges). Passports are required to exchange traveler's checks, and the name must be the same as on your passport. Cash is easiest to exchange but make sure your bills are of good quality and have no marks or tears. ATMs are available in Xalapa but they do not always work or may be out of money. Make sure you bring at least $100 in cash with you.

Baggage

One piece of carry on luggage and one piece of checked luggage are recommended. A small soft-sided backpack or case to carry a bottle of water, notebook, and camera are recommended. Pack light!

Gifts for Host Families and Speakers

Please bring small inexpensive gifts for your host family. Any caps, pens, key rings, and t-shirts associated with your programs make appropriate gifts. Since we will be visiting a rural school, a small package of pencils, paper, chalk, or other items to leave at the school would be very thoughtful.

We will also be visiting an orphanage so please bring school supplies to donate to the orphanage. Small sports equipment such as a deflated soccer ball is okay.

For More Information

For more about Cross-Cultural Studies: Mexico 2008, please contact:

Dr. Glenn C.W. Ames
Director, International Public Service and Outreach
1224 S. Lumpkin Street
Athens, GA 30602-1656
Tel: 706-542-7887
Fax: 706-542-7891
Email: games@uga.edu

Dr. Jorge H. Atiles
Associate Dean for Outreach & Extension
FCS State Program Leader
Office of the Dean
224 Dawson Hall
305 Sanford Dr.
Athens, GA 30602-3622
Tel: 706-542-4860
Fax: 706-542-4862
Email: jhatiles@uga.edu

For issues while in Mexico, please send a fax or email (preferred) to:

Mtra. Pilar Castillo de Gulson
Directora
Escuela para Estudiantes Extranjeros
Calle Zamora #25
C.P. 91000, Zona Centro
Apdo. Postal (P.O. Box) 440
Tel: +52-228-8178687 or +52-228-8177380
Fax: +52-228-8186413
Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
picastillo@uv.mx

Also, please contact Jackie Roberts (ipso@uga.edu) or Deborah Gonzalez (dgonzale@uga.edu) with the Office of International Public Service and Outreach at (706) 542-7887.