
Experience Oriented Programs
"There is a clear emphasis on serious study at one's own pace in a very pleasant, informal, highly supportive atmosphere. I wouldn't change a thing." -- From a former CIRIMEX student
Like all other CIRIMEX programs, the Experience-Oriented
programs, are customized to the needs and goals of the group. They accommodate
groups of up to fifteen persons who want to experience the Mexican reality.
Unlike the language programs, there is minimal emphasis on language and groups
are housed on the CIRIMEX campus. Participants have the opportunity to observe
and interact with salient aspects of Mexican life in Guadalajara and its
environs, including the Plaza Tapatía, Tonalá, Tlaquepaque, Zapopan, etc.
Depending upon the interests of the group, opportunities are offered to explore
salient sectors of political , social, economic, religious or ethnic
significance, 2) colonial and historical sites, 3) the industrial base such as
the many international maquiladoras and the domestic ceramics, textiles,
glass-blowing, crafts, folk art, and popular markets, 4) the fine arts such as
the museums, the Ballet Folclórico and the outstanding examples of Mexico's
great muralist José Clemente Orozco, the popular culture such as the mariachis,
cinema, night life, civic and religious festivals and the nearby resort at Lake
Chapala and Ajijic.
Group discussions insure that each person succeeds in
assimilating, processing and sharing the information, impressions and insights
generated by the experience. The discussion groups may be conducted in Spanish
, English or a combination of the two. This program generally serves college
and university groups, and church / civic groups interested in justice and
peace issues.
SMALL-GROUP AND PRIVATE RETREATS
Small Group and Private Retreats in English or Spanish for individuals and small groups may be scheduled, except in the summer months, for whatever length of time the participants choose. Directed retreats, not including corporate retreats, are scheduled the first and last weeks of the month, depending upon the retreat master´s schedule. Living accommodations for retreat participants are provided on the CIRIMEX campus single or double occupancy. Aspects of the experience-oriented program may be combined with a retreat.SEMESTER ABROAD, MINI-SEMESTERS & WORK/SERVICE PROGRAMS
These programs generally serve groups from U.S. colleges and universities by
providing language, history, contemporary affairs and international relations courses,
work/service and individual study projects . Admission to these groups is
through the sponsoring U.S. school. College credits may be earned through the
sponsoring school. Small groups (ten or fewer) are lodged on the CIRIMEX
campus; larger groups may choose home boarding or nearby hotels.