On this program, you will learn what undocumented migrants go through on their journey to the U.S. and the strategies used to enforce border control, as well as the affects it has on borderland, and transnational communities. The program begins in Tucson, Arizona, near an entry point in the United States, and there you will learn what undocumented migrants encounter once on U.S soil. Then, you will travel to Mexico City for a few days before transitioning to the program base in Oaxaca, Mexico and focus on learning how international economics, labor shortages, war, and immigration policy affect migration patterns. 

Courses are taught in English and Spanish, with readings, lectures, and discussions happening in either or both languages depending on the context. Therefore, participants are required have completed at least three recent semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent, and the ability to follow coursework in Spanish. Students will stay in two types of homestays: an urban homestay in Oaxaca, Mexico and a rural homestay in Mixteca Alta, Mexico. Housing in other locations will vary. After your coursework is completed you are required to do either an individual research project or an internship within the community, research or government organizations and/or NGO’s.