Mexico Experiential Storytelling Abroad (MESA)

Applications are now closed. 

Program
This hybrid Julymester program will focus on reporting on ongoing and current issues in Latin America. In the summer of 2024, the program will take place in sunny Mérida, Mexico in the Yucatán, as well as remotely. Classes will be held on Zoom and on-site in Mexico. 

Students will partner with university students from Anahuac Mayab University on collaborative storytelling pieces and will spend time exploring cultural landmarks in the region. Excursions to local sites like the Mayan pyramids and cenote swimming holes are included in the program experience. Spend the final few weeks of summer exploring beautiful southern México and reporting like a local!   

Dates
July 15 – August 23, 2024

Zoom classes held the weeks of July 15, August 5, August 12*, and August 19

*August 12th class in-person (optional) with students visiting from Anahuac Mayab University

Travel  
July 21 – August 3, 2024, in Mérida, Mexico in the Yucatán

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

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. 

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 and will be considered on a case-by-case basis dependent on their program requirements.

Cost 
Tuition, 2 units: $4,708 (included in Fall semester tuition costs; financial aid applies)
Program Fees: $1,000*
*(this cost covers the round-trip flight and lodging in Mérida)
Students are responsible for their food and personal spending while abroad.
Select scholarships will be available to cover the program fee costs. 

For questions, please contact ascintl@usc.edu. 

*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 $107/month (2023-2024 rate).