Explore Social Justice and Community in Mexico

I had an incredible experience during my time in the CGE Cuernavaca program. The content from my classes addressed issues that are still relevant 7 years later (such as migration, gender politics, globalization, and pre-Columbian art and more). I had a very unique opportunity to intern with a local plastics printmaker who creates beautiful social justice pieces.

This work has inspired me and continued to carry on as inspiration personally as an artist, art historian, and for someone who works in the non-profit section in Minnesota working for Indigenous artists and community development. It was an incredible interactive learning environment to be able to study and then be able to visit sites and meet many individuals from different communities.

The CGE Crossing Borders Program in Cuernavaca was an extremely significant experience in my life. The staff are incredibly well-versed in their areas of teaching as well as teaching cultural awareness. They are well connected to the community and have strong emphasis in community learning. Overall, the values of the program were very in line with my own, including their education philosophy and commitment to social justice and anti-oppression work. Cuernavaca is a beautiful city to explore with rich history and culture. My homestay experiences were the best memories I have to look back on. My Spanish improved immensely and I was able to communicate with people even with limited Spanish. This program is a must if you are passionate about cross-cultural learning and learning about cultural resistance through colonization. I learned so much about Mexico's history and culture, as well as learning more about myself everyday. This program is absolutely worth your consideration!

I left this program inspired and filled with experiences and stories. The combination of academic integrity, experiential education, and the lessons of daily life played a huge impact on my experience. My host family for 2 months became a great support system, my internship at a local school taught me so much, and my fellow CGErs brought a richness to the learning process. Cuernavaca is a great place to study and to live; close to Mexico City, with a lot of history and culture. I left wanting more.