Mexico Experiential Storytelling Abroad (MESA)

Program
This hybrid embedded reporting experience in partnership with USC, will focus on reporting on ongoing or current issues in Latin America. Reporting will take place on location in several cities in Mexico, as well as remotely. Classes will be held in person on campus, on-site in Mexico, and virtually. Students will utilize text, audio, video, photos, social media, and other media if applicable to tell narrative stories in English and/or Spanish of people affected in the region and examine larger themes related to the current or ongoing issue selected.  

Dates
July 31 – October 30, 2023 

Travel  
July 31 – August 11: Mexico City 
September 1 – 4: Tijuana 
October 9 – 13: Optional in-person trip to Mérida 

Curriculum  
Students enroll in JOUR 464: Experiential Journalism in Latin America (2 units), taught by professors Laura Castañeda and Amara Aguilar.  

Eligibility  
This class is open to all JOUR majors or those with demonstrated experience in journalism, media, or related fields. Open to sophomores and above. Graduate students may also apply. 

Cost 
Tuition, 2 units: $4,488 (included in semester tuition costs; financial aid applies) 
Program Fees: $2,000* 
*(includes flights and lodging for reporting trips to Mexico City, Tijuana, and Mérida) 
Students are responsible for their food and personal spending while abroad 

COVID-19 Update: It is required that all students going abroad are compliant with USC’s COVID-19 Vaccination policy.

*USC Overseas Health Insurance is required on all USC-approved study abroad programs. If a student is already enrolled in USC (domestic) Health Insurance there will be no additional charge for USC Overseas Health Insurance; students will be charged the domestic, on-campus rate (noted above). If a student is normally covered otherwise and waives out of USC Health Insurance on campus, students will be charged USC Overseas Health Insurance at a rate of $97/month (2019-2020 rate).

Funding is available, please contact ascintl@usc.edu for funding inquiries.  

Interested students, please email Georgia Stahl at stahlg@usc.edu.