* DOCUMENTED COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS AWARDED

2008 details for this program are subject to change as new developments and opportunities arise. Please check this page again for new updates; or contact Angus Whyte, Student Travel Program Coordinator, for the latest information.

The Huasteca Region of Northeastern Mexico is a hidden treasure. Lush mountains, valleys and coastal plains blend in with waterfalls, lakes, and cloud forests to offer visitors an abundance of nature-based outdoor activities to choose from. The setting is perfect for an active study of nature and ecology, and the several indigenous cultures that call this region their ancestral home—the Teenek, Nahuatl and Pame peoples—make this an intriguing cultural destination. Living in this setting of astounding natural beauty, traditional communities dwell in thatched-roofed homes in isolated villages where they farm, hunt and practice age-old customs.

Bridge Mexico 2008 offers Windsor Mountain students a chance to have fun, perform vital community service work, and experience genuine cultural exchange. Our students will:

·   Work alongside Mexican student leaders to repair, paint and improve local school facilities.

·   Help organize an annual Brigada Humantaria by assisting visiting medical professionals to distribute food, water, and medicine to local residents.

·  Create a friendship camp for local children including sports, games, and arts & crafts.  

·   Spend time living with host families practicing Spanish and enjoying music, dance, cooking and family oriented fun.

·   Explore the cities of Zacatecas, Ciudad Valles, Tampico, Rascon, and Saltillo.

Who should participate?

This program is designed for students interested in traveling to an exciting destination to share in cross-cultural experiences, community service learning, and language opportunities. Students should join this program ready to immerse themselves in Mexican culture as they connect with their Spanish-speaking peers on travel excursions and community service projects. Students should be prepared to meet new people, experience new cultures, try new foods, and show up with an open mind.

Projected 2008 Itinerary:

Days 1-2: Arrive in Monterrey and have a brief orientation in Saltillo. Meet your group and your leaders, and set out goals for group living and learning.

Days 3-5: Travel to Zacatecas and continue orientation. Delve into Mexico's past as you explore the historical town of Zacatecas.

Days 6-17: Make New Amigos in Agua Puerca. Get to know the Mexican students who complete your community service team. Start to teach and learn from one another and explore their home village. Help improve facilities at an orphanage or school building with your new intercultural group of friends. Maintain a garden that could feed families for generations to come!

Days 18-20: Huasteca Adventures. Enjoy beautiful hikes, rivers, waterfalls and beaches.

Days 20-26: Family Stays in Rascon. Live with your host families in Rascon, facilitate activities for local children and perform community service projects.

Days 27-30: Recreation and Wrap-Up. Have fun at your farewell banquet in historic Saltillo and say 'hasta luego' to your new friends

Program Details:

Dates: 7/8-8/6
Tuition: $4,795
Group Size: 16 students and 2 professional leaders
Student Grade Level: Finishing Grades 9-12
Starting/Ending Point: Monterrey (optional group flight out of JFK)
Accommodations: Rustic community building, homestays and hostels
Major Equipment Needs: Sleeping bag, multi-sport outdoor shoes, and day pack. Cell phones and personal listening devices (iPods, discmans, etc) are not welcome. Students will be able to call home three times: once upon arrival to the host country, once ten days into the program and once two days before the program’s end date.

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS AWARDED.

Tuition for this program is due in full by April 1, 2008. Travel expenses to and from the starting and ending points are the responsibility of the participant and are not included in the tuition. Windsor Mountain's travel consultant can help you in securing the most reasonable plan for coordinating your travel itinerary.

PLEASE NOTE:  Program details are subject to change.