Guadalajaraimmersiontrip2007

Immersion in Culture and Language in
Guadalajara, Mexico
Franklin College
January 2007

In January of 2007, thirteen Franklin College students and two Franklin College Professors, Dr. Sara Colburn-Alsop and Dr. Kathy Carlson, headed to Guadalajara for a three-week odyssey into the language, culture, and lifestyle of Mexico. During the three weeks, students met each morning in the historic city and were paired with a different teacher and cultural tour. The city of Guadalajara served as the classroom for students to observe and learn about its people, culture, history, and language. The rotation of teachers and guided tours exposed the students to a wide variety of accents, personalities, and aspects of Mexican culture. In addition to the five hours of daily one-on-one oral/aural practice with teachers, the group had workshops in ceramics and painting, singing, and dancing. Students increased their language proficiency in Spanish and expanded their knowledge of the Mexican culture by living with a carefully chosen host family (2 students per home).

I would like to extend a very important thank you to licenciada Marcela Ruiz, the teaching coordinator, Señor Vicky Aldana Guzman, the family coordinator, Professor Kathy Carlson, and all the families and numerous teachers that participated in the program. Without their help, this program would not be the success that it is!!!! ¡Mil Gracias a todos!

I would be happy to answer any questions or address comments you might have with respect to the program or the website. I can be reached at scolburnalsop@franklincollege.edu . Interested individuals can also take a look at the individual student links below and/or the links to the program Syllabus, and the program Itinerary .

La familia Zuluaga Fernandez del Valle with Jana White and Jasmin Hashi Jana White and Jasmin Hashi	La familia Larsen Robles with Amanda Bailey and Savannah Williams Amanda Bailey and Savannah Williams
La familia Perez Chavez with Nicole Hensley and Lindsey Query Nicole Hensley and Lindsey Query	La familia Rodriguez Flores with Andrea Heiden and Christi Law Andrea Heiden and Christi Law
La familia Valdivia Llañez with Megan Myers and Jessica Hall Megan Myers and Jessica Hall	La familia Fernandez del Valle Araiza with Claire Mills, Mike Lapota and Megan Gushwa Claire Mills, Mike Lapota and Megan Gushwa

Last updated: 08-Feb-2007