Oaxaca, Mexico
Application Information
Fall 2011
Designed for advanced Spanish language students with an interest in Latin American Studies, this fall semester program explores the intersection of development, culture, and social change through the lens of the dynamic and evolving context of contemporary Mexico.
Located in the southwestern Mexican state of Oaxaca—declared “Humanity’s Cultural Patrimony” by the
United Nations given the presence of roughly sixteen linguistically and culturally isolated indigenous communities—the program explores and affirms the rich diversity of contemporary Mexican society and culture. It engages the issues that challenge the country’s continued growth and establishes a foundation to understand the history of U.S./Mexico relations, and the Mexican experience in the United States. Ultimately, the program strives to build knowledge and understanding of one of the U.S.’s closest yet least understood neighbors.
Criteria used in selecting participants will be a combination of:
(1) grade-point average, cumulative 3.0 minimum;
(2) at least 4 semesters college-level Spanish, or the equivalent and prefer 5 semesters of Spanish (all program instruction will be in Spanish);
(3) faculty recommendations; one must be from your Spanish language professor;
(4) evidence of good citizenship;
(5) a personal interview by the selection committee, if deemed appropriate;
(6) academic interest.
Normally, those entering their junior and senior years will be given preference over those who will be sophomores. Sophomores of special merit and ability will be carefully considered, however. It is the applicant’s responsibility to see that the following items are returned to International Programs by February
15, 2011. All necessary forms are attached.
A complete application will include the following items:
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Completed and electronically signed application
Unofficial transcript showing grades through the most recent term.
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Essay questions
Statement of Understanding
Documentation of your Spanish language experience if it is not on a UPS transcript
One recommendation from a Spanish language faculty member
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Name & phone__________________________
Personal recommendation (preferably a roommate or an RA)
Name & phone_________________________________________________________
* Priority is given to students who will have taken Spanish in the semester preceding their anticipated study in Mexico.

Statement of Understanding:
I declare that the responses on all of my application materials are true and accurate. I give permission to have my application materials duplicated and given to members of the Selection Committee and the Program
Director. I also give permission to the Office of the Registrar to release a transcript when necessary to verify my satisfactory academic progress and completion of prerequisite courses (if applicable). Student Financial
Services has my authorization to release the information about whether I am in good financial standing with the University.
I have read and understand all materials about the, Oaxaca Program. To make the program a success, I agree to:
1.
Provide accurate information on all application materials.
2.
Show consideration for fellow participants, faculty, administrators, and host country persons.
3.
Register, attend, and complete the course of study.
4.
Maintain good academic standing.
5.
Refrain from abuse of alcohol.
6.
Refrain from use of illegal drugs.
7.
Abide by the codes of conduct of the U. of Puget Sound and the laws of Mexico.
8.
Meet the financial obligations of the program.
I agree to meet the participant expectations listed below:
1.
Be committed to an academic program, which will be both vigorous and exciting.
2.
This commitment means full-time enrollment and participation in all academic and related activities.
3.
Participate in an orientation session given by UPS, to be announced at a later date.
4.
Keep International Programs informed of any address change.
5.
Prepare a questionnaire of the program at its conclusion. Questionnaires will be kept on campus.
By printing my name on this statement, I affirm that I understand the University of Puget Sound reserves the right to remove me from the program for failure to abide with these guidelines, and may inform my parent/guardian of my dismissal from the program. The authority to take this action rests with the on-site administrator, with prompt, formal report to the Dean of the University and/or the Dean of Students.
Name of Applicant Date
Please return this form, unofficial transcript, and letters of recommendation to:
International Programs, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner, Tacoma, WA 98416-1055
NO LATER THAN February 15, 2011

A P P L I C A T I O N f o r t h e O a x a c a , M e x i c o P r o g r a m
Faculty Evaluation for Study Abroad Applicants
Fall Semester 2011
To be filled out by the applicant
Name of applicant
Name of recommender
TO THE APPLICANT: When completed and returned to us, this form & accompanying letter of evaluation will be used in the admission process. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you may have access to
this form. You may, however, waive your right to access in order to facilitate a candid appraisal.
Signature of Applicant Date
TO THE RECOMMENDER: As you will note above, the applicant has been given the option of waiving or retaining the right of access to this recommendation. If you have questions, please feel free to contact
International Programs at 879-3652. Do not give this form to the applicant, but return it directly to
International Programs, Howarth 215.
Studying abroad requires constant personal adjustment. We appreciate your careful assessment of this student’s qualifications in the following areas (please address as many as you are able in your accompanying letter):
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Intellectual ability and motivation: to include seriousness of purpose; interest in other cultures; intellectual curiosity; past academic performance; ability to learn independently.
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Maturity: to include sensitivity and tolerance of others; sensitivity to diversity; ability to work well with others and to adjust well to new situations; adaptability, flexibility and ability to deal with stress; and his or her potential for successfully adjusting to life and study in a foreign country.
The Study Abroad Selection Committee would appreciate any other comments you may wish to make about this student’s application for study abroad. ave minor reservations about this student’s participation.
Name and title Phone
Institution &/or department
If not Puget Sound, give address:
Signature of Recommender Date
Please return this form and your letter of recommendation to:
International Programs, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner, Tacoma, WA 98416-1055
NO LATER THAN February 15, 2011

A P P L I C A T I O N F O R t h e O a x a c a , M e x i c o P r o g r a m
Personal Recommendation for Study Abroad Applicants
Fall Semester 2011
To be filled out by the applicant
Name of applicant
Name of recommender
TO THE APPLICANT: When completed and returned to us, this form & accompanying letter of evaluation will be used in the admission process. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you may have access to
this form. You may, however, waive your right to access in order to facilitate a candid appraisal.
retain my right of access to this recommendation.
Signature of Applicant Date
TO THE RECOMMENDER: As you will note above, the applicant has been given the option of waiving or retaining the right of access to this recommendation. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the
International Programs at 879-3652. Do not give this form to the applicant, but return it directly to
International Programs.
The student whose name appears above is applying to participate in a University of Puget Sound-affiliated study abroad program. Because the program presents an unusual opportunity for students to experience different cultures firsthand, and because this demands special qualities on the part of students, the Study
Abroad Selection Committee feels a particular responsibility to select highly qualified applicants. Your full and honest evaluation of the student will be appreciated by the Selection Committee.
Living abroad, while taking part in a rigorous academic program, requires constant personal adjustment.
Students often are faced with stressful situations in both their academic and living environments. We would like your candid opinion of this student’s potential ability to cope in different living situations. The following questions are simply guidelines to help you evaluate the student:
1.
How long have you known the student, and what is your relationship to him/her?
2.
How would you describe this person?
3.
If selected, this student will be required to make an adjustment to a challenging situation. The student’s success in the program will be strongly affected by this adjustment of living in a foreign environment. Based on your knowledge of the applicant, please give us your opinion of the student’s ability to make such adjustments.
4.
The Study Abroad Selection Committee would appreciate any other comments you may wish to make about this student’s application for study abroad.
5.
Name Phone
Address
Signature of Recommender Date
Please return this form and your letter of recommendation to:
International Programs, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner, Tacoma, WA 98416-1055
NO LATER THAN February 15, 2011