Food, Culture, and Power in Mesoamerica, Oaxaca
The University at Albany, SUNY continues to monitor and assess the COVID-19 Novel Corona Virus pandemic. All Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 education abroad programs worldwide are suspended, and Fall 2021 remains uncertain. While there are no definite answers on when education abroad programming will resume, programs abroad are not expected to all re-open at the same time. Instead, when education abroad relaunches only a limited number of programs and destinations will be available, evaluated based on global travel conditions, health and safety guidelines, SUNY System Administration re-opening protocols, and UAlbany priorities. Therefore at this time, students cannot apply for any UAlbany education abroad programs for Fall 2021 or any future term, as we await guidance and approval from SUNY System Administration. The process of review and approval to re-open programs and destinations will be ongoing. As you plan now for your global future, our dedicated Education Abroad team remains ready and available to assist and guide you! Join our virtual events throughout the Spring 2021 semester and check out our credit bearing virtual options for Summer 2021.
Take advantage of this opportunity to experience the culture of Oaxaca, Mexico firsthand. Taste the food and experience local traditions. Visit museums and enjoy tours of local historical sites. Learn about the gastronomic heritage and the role food plays in Mexico’s history and culture. You will not leave this program hungry.
Application Deadline
Program Start
Program End
Program Details
Take advantage of this opportunity to experience the culture of Oaxaca, Mexico firsthand. Taste the food and experience local traditions. Visit museums and enjoy tours of local historical sites. Learn about the gastronomic heritage and the role food plays in Mexico’s history and culture. You will not leave this program hungry. |
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Academics |
Academic Program*Program is subject to minimum enrollment. Learning ObjectivesYou will learn through observation and practical application about indigenous foods and their meanings in Oaxaca. You will also study the ways in which those practices have influenced regional and national Mexican food traditions from historical and political contexts by spending a week in Oaxaca City and making short day trips to two nearby towns. Course SyllabusFor reference, please refer to the Summer 2019 Course Syllabus for additional course information. Sample schedule for Summer 2020): Course CreditThis program counts as a 1-credit course with an option of additional credits for students doing an approved research project with Dr. Little. General Education Information for UAlbany StudentsCredits earned on this program will automatically satisfy the International Perspectives requirement. No additional approval is required for you to earn this general elective credit. Major/Minor Information for UAlbany StudentsCourses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, upon approval by the department. TranscriptAll courses taken abroad count towards UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary. |
Faculty |
Your InstructorThis course is taught by Professor Walter Little, a professor of anthropology within the UAlbany College of Arts and Sciences. Professor Little is an urban anthropologist who studies indigenous economics, material culture, and identity. He has conducted research in Guatemala and Southern Mexico since 1990. |
Accommodations |
HousingWhile in Oaxaca, you will stay at La Mariposa, Eco-Hotel or a similar hotel. More information about the accommodations will be provided at the UAlbany pre-departure orientation. MealsBreakfast daily is included at your hotel. Lunches and dinners daily will be eaten together as a group as part of the program experience. |
Costs |
Estimate of CostsReview this program’s Estimate of Costs. Note, there may be several tabs in the Estimate of Costs. Please be sure that you are reviewing the tab for your anticipated term and year abroad. More InformationClick for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid. |
Eligibility |
Academic Requirements
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Excursions |
Experiential LearningExperiential learning plays a critical role in your program experience. The program includes a number of cultural and historical excursions* to important and influential sites, so you will have the opportunity to experience the Oaxacan people and their culture as you learn about food production, sales, and consumption. Excursions and Activities**
*Excursions are a mandatory part of the program and specific destinations vary by program and availability. |
Scholarships |
Funding OpportunitiesExternal scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs. |
Testimonials |
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Contact |
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Location |
About the CityLocated in a beautiful valley, Oaxaca de Juárez is a Mexican city in the state of Oaxaca that is renowned for its rich indigenous culture and Spanish Colonial heritage. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 on the basis of its well-preserved colonial architecture and in 2010 UNESCO recognized the region’s culinary contributions to World Intangible Culture. It is, without doubt, the most important cultural center in Southern Mexico, bringing together a diverse community of intellectuals, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and political leaders. |
Duration |
Application AvailabilityApplications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
Program Dates05/19/2020 to 05/28/2020 Program Schedule
Please refer to the Summer 2019 Itinerary for reference. *Schedule is tentative and subject to change Flight InformationThere will be a designated roundtrip flight itinerary to Mexico. You will be expected to purchase a seat on the designated flight on your own, AFTER acceptance into this education abroad program. If you choose to depart from Mexico on 5/19/2020, you will be accompanied to the airport by Dr. Little. If you choose to stay in Mexico after 5/27/2020, you will not be accompanied to the airport, and will be responsible for making your own arrangements. More information regarding flights will be available upon acceptance. |
Overview |
About the ProgramIn Mesoamerica (Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador), food is a powerful form of cultural expression that is embedded in local and global politics and power relations. This 1 credit education abroad course will explore Mesoamerican native culture from the lens of its rich food heritage in Oaxaca, Mexico. Program OrientationsUpon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The summer pre-departure orientation is typically conducted in late April. Support ServicesYour Faculty Leader is responsible for guiding all aspects of the program and will be available throughout the on-site portion of the course to manage any concerns or questions you may have while abroad. The faculty accompany you on all program activities and outings. |