Puebla is Mexico's third largest city, located sixty miles southeast of Mexico City. The two-week program is designed for future student affairs professionals. It not only exposes students to the educational system in Mexico but also involves them in a service learning activity. Involvement in the service learning activity helps students learn about some of the cultural, social, political and economic issues in Mexico and to reciprocate this learning with people in Mexico as part of their cultural exchange program. Students are encouraged to reflect upon their lives and the lives of others in light of what they learn from other people and other places.
Past participants report that the experience in Mexico has had a profound impact on their lives.
Not only has the experience expanded their view of diversity but they have also developed an appreciation for international students who study in the United States and for U.S. students on study abroad programs. This course fulfills one of the electives in the CSAL program and CSAL students are strongly encouraged to participate. A grant from the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley and the Dean of Students Office has helped keep the costs to students as low as possible to encourage participation.