"...I truly came away from this study abroad class with much more interest and insight on Mexican politics. Having great leaders who guided us throughout the trip made all the difference."
“It was a tremendous opportunity, experience, and value for the money.”
“It was such an incredible experience. I'd recommend it to everyone I know.”
10 day study trip to Mexico
2009 March 7- 15
Earn
3 credits
Course Directors:
Professor Desmond Dinan, Jean Monnet Professor, and
Michal McElwain Malur, Director of External Programs
Transnational Trade and Governance: A Case Study of Mexico
Mexico is among the world's most exciting democracies and one of the most dynamic economies. Twenty years ago Mexico was an inward looking, less developed country in financial crisis, focused on guarding itself from its dominating northern neighbor. Today, Mexico is a vibrant, outward looking member of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Mexico is America's third largest source of imports and second largest export market. It has entered into more than a dozen Free Trade Agreements with 40 countries, including the EU. With GDP growing consistently at 3 to 4 percent, Mexico has become the world's 8th largest exporter. It is a major destination for foreign direct investment. Mexico boasts an oversized portion of the world's richest men; yet, 40 percent of Mexicans live in poverty, and 20 percent in extreme poverty. It is home to world-class companies, while half the workforce labors in the informal economy. Half of all Mexicans are under 26 years of age. One million jobs must be created each year just to keep even with the growing workforce. Massive emigration disrupts communities; the drug trade is growing, and the justice system remains best avoided. Yet, new pockets of manufacturing are growing and technology-based industries are sprouting up. The emerging middle class fuels a robust democracy. It has just survived its second truly contested election, one of the closest of any democracy in history. Immigration from and trade with Mexico will also be issues in America's upcoming Presidential Election.
Mexico offers perhaps the richest international experience possible to a serious student of public policy.
Program fee: $3,200
Application/Contact The application deadline is Jan 30th 2009
2008 Program Schedule
(The 2009 program schedule will be posted later this fall. In the meantime, please use last year's program schedule as an example of lectures and activities)2008 Course Readings and Assessment
Administrative Details/flight informationPhoto Gallery
Currents, features the Study Abroad program.Why study abroad? A message from the GMU Provost
Student Comments/TestimonialsPre/post-departure lectures are required:
Sat, Feb 21 Orientation and lectures Fri, Feb 27 Review and Discussion of Readings (followed by an informal social/dinner - at the participants' individual cost - for those interested) Sat, March 28 Wrap-up and Presentation of Group Projects *If spring tuition goes up, so will the price (difference per credit hour).