This program of the Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME) is aimed at Mexican students 18 years of age or older, who seek to learn or improve their Spanish, learn more about Mexican culture and customs, and carry out support work in communities.
The Cultural Immersion and Volunteer Program consists of a three-week trip to Mexico, in which students will have the opportunity to carry out support work in communities. This program began two years ago from the Ministry of Foreign Relations (SRE) and the IME, with the participation of about 150 students.
Manuel Sada Vázquez, director of Linking at the IME, explained that "the idea is to link the children of migrants who left Mexico with the second and third generation of Mexicans abroad." In addition, he stressed that it is not a vacation program: "The plan is not to invite them as tourists, and for the students to come on vacation, but to participate and contribute to the communities in which they are going to be."
This year young students can stay in the State of Mexico, Hidalgo Jalisco, Michoacán and Mexico City. However, due to social distancing restrictions, only 80 spaces will be opened for this program this year.
Some requirements to participate were: be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, have a valid passport and have proof of studies. Sada Vázquez explained that the program is aimed at students from universities in Canada and the United States, as well as from Community Colleges.
The program will begin on July 18 in Mexico City.
