"My experience here in Mexico has been both a growing and a life changing experience. From learning to speak, think, and express myself in another language, to developing enriching relationships, to rapid journeys that we took to at least 10 out of 31 states thus far, this country offers a diverse arena of opportunities and experiences. As we reach the end of our 10 week adventure, and I sit and think of what Mexico has meant to me, my mind is led through an array of images, from the meandering rows of silver markets in Taxco, yet then it leaps over into a collage of vibrant colors and diverse indigenous groups of Oaxaca or rather to the myriad of artistic centers and late nights at the hippest "anthros" in Mexico City; at the end of this journey one can only say that Mexico is a treasure box of surprises, and such programs as offered by TAMU Study Abroad hold the key to unimaginable surprises."

Participant in the Summer 2003 Texas A&M Mexico International Communication Program

  The Mexico Global Media program provides direct exposure to research, theory, and work experience with organizations involved with international communications. This program explores the context of North American communications industries, as well as academic and business discourses about Mexico-US relations and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Teaching on-site at La Salle University and the Texas A&M Mexico City Center is an invaluable component of the study abroad curriculum. These courses will provide students with direct exposure to professionals working and researching in the communication sector. They will interview and research case studies in Mexico City, which is a global communications nexus in Latin America. Students will learn about key institutions for NAFTA communications and cultural literacy from researchers and professors from Mexican universities. Lectures and research will occur at La Salle, which is a highly regarded institution in North America and has been a sister institution for this program for about a decade. The internships are the focal point of the second 5-weeks, and are designed for students with an interest in enhancing their perspective, to include an understanding of the international workplace. This program has many established business and government contacts. Qualified applicants will work typically in a media outlet or public relations department or corporation. In the past, students have worked at companies such as Televisa, Radio ABC, American Chamber of Commerce, American Express, Mexicana Airlines, and the Center for the National Arts (Cenart). The Internships are dependent upon the student's preferences, experience, and fluency. Because of international agreements, the internship is unpaid, but provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to learn how business is conducted in Mexico.

Course/Syllabus

Description

Professor(s)

COMM 335

Intercultural Communication (3 hrs)

Patrick Burkart

COMM 458

Global Media (3 hrs)

Patrick Burkart

COMM 484

International Internship (1-3 hrs)

Patrick Burkart

COMM 684

International Internship (1-3 hrs)

Patrick Burkart

COMM 685

Directed Studies - Mexico (3 hrs)

Patrick Burkart

LBAR 484

International Internship (1-3 hrs)

Patrick Burkart

LBAR 485

Directed Studies - Mexico (3 hrs)

Patrick Burkart