Mexico
Explore Yucatán: Environment, Culture, Community
Join Dr. Cassandra Drake and Dr. Jennifer Helzer in Merida, México for Explore Yucatán: Environment, Culture, Community, a short-term study abroad experience focused on ecology, culture, sustainability, community-based tourism, food systems, visual storytelling, and ethical cross-cultural learning.
This 10-night, 11-day program runs January 9 – 19, 2027, and gives students the opportunity to participate in field-based activities, cultural experiences, and community engagement in rural and urban contexts. Students will examine the connections among the Yucatán’s ecosystems, communities, agricultural traditions, tourism, and local knowledge.
Program experiences include:
- Exploring coastal systems, mangroves, cenotes, and ecotourism
- Studying ecology, agriculture, ethnobotany, cuisine, and regional food systems in the field
- Learning about Yucatecan culture, community-based tourism, sustainability initiatives, and local, indigenous knowledge systems
- Shared accommodations include double occupancy in hotels and group housing, as well as common areas.
Stan State students will earn 3 units of academic credit for either GEOG 3040 [GE, UD-4] or LIBS 4250 [LIBS 3 or 4]. Spanish fluency is not required, although some Spanish skills are helpful. A valid passport is required to participate. All majors are welcome!
Program cost with 3 units = $1850 + Airfare
Students should budget for some meals, personal expenses, and travel to and from the departure airport in Northern or Central California. Additional information about application requirements and travel documents will be provided by the CSU Stanislaus Study Abroad team.
If you are interested in applying, please contact the Study Abroad team at study_abroad@csustan.edu.
Healing, Community, and Practice: Exploring Indigenous and Collective Models of Social Work
Major: Social Work
Location: Mérida, Mexico
Program dates: January 10–17, 2027
Faculty leaders: Dr. Sara Cadalig and Dr. Shradha Tibrewal
Join a faculty-led experience in Mérida, Mexico, and learn alongside students and faculty at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY). Explore mental health, community wellness, and Indigenous and collective approaches to social work.
Through reflective discussions, organizational visits, and community-based learning in Maya towns, you’ll gain perspectives to bring to your practicum and future professional practice. This reciprocal exchange offers students from both countries opportunities to share experiences and learn from one another.
Program highlights:
Learn alongside Indigenous and Maya communities: Participate in hands-on activities, explore Indigenous cultural traditions, and visit community-led organizations.
Explore mental health and community wellness: Engage with coastal ecosystems, mangroves, and traditional Indigenous food systems through community-led experiences connecting land, community, and culture to collective well-being.
Connect theory to practice: Explore mental health and social work practice through visits to community organizations and partner universities.
Exchange perspectives: Collaborate with UADY social work students on cross-cultural social work practice and professional development.
Eligibility:
MSW students in all pathways: Two-year, Three-year Turlock and Stockton, and Hybrid. Spanish fluency is not required. A valid passport is required to participate.
Academic credit: Participants earn a total of 4 units across two courses:
- 1-unit Winter Social Work Independent Study: The Study Abroad team will register students once their $250 deposit is received. Tuition for this winter course is waived.
- 3-unit SW 5057: Students must register for this course during the Spring 2027 semester.
Estimated cost:
$1,000 per student, including lodging, on-site transportation, and the course fee. Airfare and personal expenses are additional. The $250 deposit is applied toward the total program cost, leaving a remaining balance of $750.
Accommodations:
Shared accommodations in hotels and group housing, including common areas.
Priority application deadline: November 20, 2026
Acceptance notifications: November 30, 2026
$250 deposit due: November 30, 2026
Deposit refund deadline: December 4, 2026
Remaining $750 balance due: December 11, 2026
Information sessions via Zoom:
- November 4, 2026: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
- November 16, 2026: 6–7 p.m.
Pre-departure orientation: Early December; date to be confirmed.
Spanish fluency is not required. A valid passport is required to participate.
Additional application, lodging, and travel details will be provided by the Study Abroad team.
Questions? Contact study_abroad@csustan.edu.
