IFSA Summer in Mexico

During your IFSA Summer in Mexico, customize your study abroad experience by taking a class during the four-week Session 1 or take a class during the four-week Session 2. During Session 2, you may also elect to take the Essential Spanish class. You can also extend your studies by enrolling in both Session 1 and Session 2.

SESSION 1 CLASS

Ecology and Sustainable Development
Language of Instruction: English
One of the challenges for society today is to raise awareness to conserve natural resources in the long term. Knowledge inventories and their value by society, are necessary and urgent. This class addresses aspects of the history of ecology, as well as conceptual components of tropical ecosystems and the ways in which they interact in the environment. This requires we approach ecology as an interdisciplinary science, enabling us to understand its importance in the recovery, preservation, and protection of the environment. Although the class devotes part of the time to the deepening of theoretical content, it also provides opportunities to the practical side, through participation in field excursions. The class includes the development of a practical assignment by students, which helps to put into practice the concepts and skills presented in the class. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Essential Spanish
Language of Instruction: English and Spanish
If you’ve never studied Spanish before, you can take this optional, introductory class in Spanish language and Mexican culture. By introducing key words and phrases and venturing out into the city to practice them, you’ll gain essential skills to communicate effectively and navigate in a new culture. (1 U.S. semester credit hour)

SESSION 2 CLASS

Contemporary Issues in Public Health in the Yucatán
Language of Instruction: English
Increasing diversity in the socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial composition of our communities has presented healthcare providers with new challenges when responding effectively to patient health and wellbeing. This class examines the public and private healthcare systems of Mexico, mainstream and traditional care in urban and rural settings, and local prevailing health issues such as cervical cancer, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in order to understand the patients’ expectations and understanding of their health differ from their own cultural context. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Essential Spanish
Language of Instruction: English and Spanish
If you’ve never studied Spanish before, you can take this optional, introductory class in Spanish language and Mexican culture. By introducing key words and phrases and venturing out into the city to practice them, you’ll gain essential skills to communicate effectively and navigate in a new culture. (1 U.S. semester credit hour)

Australia Outbound Program
Students enrolled at select Australia universities are invited to participate in Session 2 of this program. The program is open to students of all year levels and all fields. Students will earn 45 contact hours credit; the equivalent of one subject.

Please see the Australia Outbound term below in the Dates and Fees section for program fees and expected expenses in Australian dollars. For more information on the Australia Outbound program, please reach out to us at australiaoutbound@ifsa-butler.org.

Language Requirement
To enroll in Spanish-taught classes, you must have a specific language level. Please visit our Language Requirements page for more details. If you have questions about whether you qualify, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
• You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university. Students attending select Australia universities are also eligible.
• You must have completed at least one (1) full-time semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.

Recommendation Letter
Not required.

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.