2009 Binational Summer Seminar on Border Studies in Tijuana
May 25 - June 26, 2009
Flyer [ PDF (65.17 KB) ]
Program Description:
This summer, the USD Trans-Border Institute will collaborate with the Universidad Iberoamericana in Tijuana to host the 2008 Binational Summer Seminar on Border Studies. The program will engage students in direct hands-on learning about the U.S.-Mexico border relationship, North America regional integration, and the dynamics of the new global economy. As its long-term goal, this program will also work to develop a network of informed leaders and stakeholders to champion the goals of greater North American cooperation and cross-border integration.
Specific topics of study will include:
- U.S.-Mexico relations and the border;
- North American trade and economic development;
- immigration patterns and policy;
- border security and law enforcement;
- environmental sustainability; and
- the history, arts, culture, and people of the border region.
This program will consist of daily course content, activities, and learning experiences to expose students to issues related to NAFTA relations and economic development, immigration policy and patterns, geography and demographics, border security and law enforcement, environmental sustainability, and arts and culture. In addition to daily classroom experiences, students will tour maquiladoras and port of entry installations, meet U.S. and Mexican authorities and representatives of key business and community organizations, engage community service projects to help border communities, and visit poor and wealthy communities on both sides of the border.
Program Dates:
Seminar Dates: Monday, May 25 - Friday, June 26 (Students arrive on May 24 and depart on June 27)
Application Process:
Applications due : April 1, 2009
Pick-up and submit full application at the Trans-Border Institute, along with a $25.00 reservation fee, and a copy of university transcript.
Program Requirements:
Language Proficiency:
The program is conducted in both Spanish and in English, so a good level of comprehension in both languages is necessary. Because most lectures will be conducted in Spanish, students from the U.S. and Canada are expected to have a minimum of 3 semesters of Spanish language competency. However, written assignments may be completed in English.
Passport and Visa:
To spend more than 72 hours in Baja California, students are required to have a visa issued by Mexican authorities (a visa can be readily obtained from the Mexican Consulate or at the border upon entry). To return across the border into the United States, students are required to have a passport, or other proof of national origin (e.g., a driver's license and an original copy of their birth certificate).
Previous Academic Partners:
The Bi-national Summer Seminar in Border Studies has previously involved students from various partner institutions in the United States, including the Georgetown University, University of Notre Dame, and University of San Francisco. As part of a new collaboration through the Trans-Border Institute, the University of San Diego began formal participation in the program in 2008..
Program Costs:
Full cost to be paid before the start of the program is $1,500.00. This includes tuition, on-campus lodging in Casa Manresa (double rooms), excursion and service learning transportation (including trip to the peninsula). A limited number of scholarships may be available for USD students who apply by April 1, 2009.
Costs not included are books, meals, traveler's/medical insurance, Mexican visitor pass ($20), travel to and from the program, and personal and miscellaneous expenses. Average estimated expenses for these items from San Diego are around $800.00 total.
Additional Program Information:
For additional program information, please visit the website of Universidad Iberoamericana at http://www.tij.uia.mx, or contact the Trans-Border Institute:
Trans-Border Institute
University of San Diego
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: 619-260-4090
Email: transborder@sandiego.edu
