I just heard about this program offered through Vanderbilt
University for travel to Mexico this summer. Eligible teachers
include those who teach social studies, Spanish and ELL. While the
program is not fully funded, most of the program expenses are paid
for.

If you are interested, please link here. The website is onLook under Summer 2007 Professional Development Opportunities.

Vanderbilt University
Center for Latin American & Iberian Studies

Summer Overseas Professional Development Institute

Mexico, Past and Present

June 9 – 16, 2007
Director: Dr. Edward Wright-Rios, Professor of History

The Center for Latin American & Iberian Studies at Vanderbilt would
like to invite educators to participate in a professional
development program in Mexico (Summer 2007) entitled Mexico, Past
and Present. The institute will be organized and directed by Dr.
Edward Wright-Rios, VU Professor of History.

The purpose of this CLAIS institute is to enable educators to gain a
greater appreciation for Mexican history and contemporary culture
and to develop middle/high school level curriculum materials which
will help integrate this appreciation into classroom lessons.

The institute will be exciting and challenging, integrating visits
to archaeological sites and colonial landmarks, Mexican urban
experience and world-class museums, and rural life and indigenous
villages. There will be on-site seminar discussions of readings and
observations. As in most places, insights are best gained on foot,
and all participants must be prepared for a significant amount of
physical exercise. Some days will also begin early to take
advantage of the brief time span. In order to gain a sense for the
diversity of Mexico, the trip is divided essentially into two parts:
one centered in the national capital of Mexico City, and a second
portion in the strongly indigenous state of Oaxaca in southern
Mexico.

The institute will consist of three distinct components: (1) a one-
day orientation seminar, to be held prior to the institute on the
Vanderbilt campus, (2) the week-long institute in Mexico, and (3) a
one-day post-trip evaluation and curriculum development session.

Applicants must be able to participate in the program in its
entirety. This means that teachers must be able to participate in
all three aspects of the institute – before, during, and after the
trip. Participants are required to read assigned texts prior to
and/or during the institute and must participate in seminar
discussions. They must also attend the post-trip evaluation session
and participate in developing curriculum units on Mexico based on
their observations during the institute, which will be shared with
other participants. The details of this segment will be outlined as
part of the pre-trip seminar. Those who complete the institute will
receive a certificate of participation worth 30 professional
development hours.

The selection process: Teachers of social studies, Spanish, and ELL
teachers from both public and private institutions are encouraged to
apply. Priority may be given to applications from teachers at the
high school and middle school level. All applications will be
carefully reviewed by a selection committee. Finalists will be
required to participate in an interview with the selection
committee.

Passport: All applicants must have a valid U.S. passport no later
than April 15, 2007. Per the Department of Homeland Security’s
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), effective January 23,
2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Mexico are
required to have a valid passport to enter the United States.

Expenses covered by CLAIS include: (1) round-trip airfare from
Nashville to Mexico City; (2) travel within Mexico; (3) lodging
accommodations in Mexico, plus breakfast (7 days); (4) some group
meals; (5) instructional materials provided during the trip.

Expenses not covered by CLAIS include: (1) travel to and from
Vanderbilt University for the pre- and post-trip seminars; (2)
instructional materials to be used in pre-trip orientation; (3) some
meals on your own; (4) personal expenses, such as for gifts,
personal items, etc.

The application deadline is February 19, 2007.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must present the following
documentation to apply:
1. Completed application form, including attached essays.
2. Photocopy of two first pages of your passport along with the
application. (If you do not yet have a passport, you must obtain
one and provide us with a copy of these pages by April 15, 2007.)
3. Evidence of health insurance (e.g. photocopy of policy or
insurance card), with coverage for international travel to Mexico.
(along with the application)
4. Description of any dietary restrictions or health problems.
(along with the application)
5. A letter of recommendation from a supervisor or colleague.
(no later than March 1, 2007)
6. For applicants selected to participate, a letter from your
physician stating you are in adequate health to travel to Mexico.
(no later than May 1, 2007)

All applications must be submitted to Sarah Birdwell (Outreach
Coordinator) via mail, fax, or email. Photocopied attachments to
the application must be submitted via mail or fax.

VU Center for Latin American & Iberian Studies
Attn: Sarah Birdwell
VU Station B #351806
2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37235-1806
Tel. (615) 343-1837 * Fax (615) 322-2305
sarah.b.birdwell@vanderbilt.edu