For all interested in learning about the workers' struggle and the independent unions in these times of NAFTA, neo-liberalism and globalization.

This 2-week program is meant for all who are interested in the major players involved in the economic plans of neo-liberalism and globalization and the history and actuality of unionism. One of its central activities is the participation in the 1st of May parade, together with independent unions.

The Workers' Movement in Mexico includes:

Daily intensive Spanish language instruction in a schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Students are placed in classes at the appropriate skill level with a maximum of five students.

The afternoon 'práctica' from 12:20 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., includes classes focusing on vocabulary of the social struggle, reading and discussing texts about globalization, living and struggling for social rights in Mexico, the role of the government, the different unions in the country, the 'maquiladoras' and the 'Plan Puebla Panamá' and the place of international unions etc. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays we will visit different organizations and invite people to come and tell about their experiences.

Three times a week there is an extra activity in the afternoon or evening. In the first week we focus on general themes like neo-liberalism, globalization, national and international syndicalism and the proposals of the zapatista movement. There will be time to talk about our own experiences with international solidarity. We will visit a sewing production center, a small factory that produces objects of recycled plastics and the industrial center of Cuernavaca.

In the second week we explore more specific items like the relationships between unions, alliances and the 'maquila' and we meet people of different unions (health workers, teachers, people working in a co-operative, journalists…). We will visit 'la Ciudad de la confección' (a production center of clothing) and a 'maquila', but most of all we will participate in the 1st of May parade in Mexico City, together with independent unions.

Although we offer translation in any activity if necessary, we highly recommend persons who have no or little knowledge of the Spanish language to arrive earlier and have some classes before the start of the program.

Homestay with a Mexican family

The experience of sharing daily life with a family provides a vibrant sense of the Mexican people and makes the program more personal and profound. It also provides participants with ample opportunity to practice Spanish in everyday situations. All our families are gay and lesbian friendly. (Hotel or apartment accommodations are also available if you prefer.)

Cost: US$1,025
Full room (shared) and board with a Mexican family, two weeks of intensive Spanish instruction, educational materials, cultural activities, local excursions in the Cuernavaca area and excursion to Mexico City on the First of May.

Cost does not include round trip air fare to Mexico City, nor transportation from and to Mexico City airport. US $ 100 deposit due at the time of application, refundable only in the unlikely event that CETLALIC cancels the program. Application due one month before program start date. Childcare available at an extra cost.

Note: CETLALIC operates yearround. Students can expand their Spanish language study either before or after program dates.

[TO GET AN APPLICATION FORM CLICK HERE]

For more information or for an application for The Workers' movement in Mexico please contact:

Jorge Torres infor@cetlalic.org.mx

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