I'm Becca Thompson and I'm a junior this year. I'm a global studies major with a food systems minor. I am super excited to be a part of such an amazing program! I can't wait to try all the amazing Oaxacan food and I am looking forward to working on my Spanish! I've spent most of my life in New England, so I can't wait to experience a different place/climate/culture!

Dorothy's Introduction

Hi Everyone,
My name is Dorothy, and I am a junior Environmental Studies student (concentration in "Food, Land, and Community")  in the Rubenstein School. I've been to Mexico before, though never to Oaxaca, and I am very excited to experience a new place and culture. Also, I hear the tortillerias in Oaxaca are fantastic, so definitely looking forward to that.
I applied for this program somewhat on a whim. I knew I wanted to study abroad, in a Spanish speaking country. I also wanted to pursue a program type semester, rather than simply attend a university in another country. So, back in March or April when I felt that I should get this all figured out I applied to the Oaxaca semester because the Food Systems Track sounded mighty enticing. So here I am.
I am excited to meet you all.

Xochitl Calero

Hey guys! Im Xochi, I'm a sophomore social work major and sociology minor. Im really looking forward to going to Mexico because I love traveling, having adventures and experiencing new cultures. I think that the semester is going to be a very enriching experience that I won't ever forget and that will leave an imprint on me for the rest of my life, and I can't wait to meet everyone and share this experience!

Michela's Introduction

Hi! My name is Michela Grunebaum. I am a junior environmental studies major in the Rubenstein School. I am concentrating in health and the global environment, or something along those lines– I have not come up with the official title that captures my interests quite yet. I am looking forward to Oaxaca for so many reasons but most of all I am excited about getting out of my comfort zone. I can't wait to meet all of you!

¡Bienvenidos a Oaxaca!- Claire Introduction

¡Hola a todos!
I'm excited to spend the 2017 spring semester with you all in beautiful Oaxaca, Mexico.

For those of you who don't know me, I'm the T.A. for the Oaxaca pre-departure course and the In-Country Assistant Director of the Program, so we will be seeing a lot of each other during the semester!

This is my third year working for the Oaxaca Program, and it's been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I first came to Oaxaca as a student on the 2010 UVM program, and decided that Mexico was the place for me. After graduating from UVM in 2011, I moved back to Mexico and have done a variety of fun things since. I've been a farmer, an English teacher face-to-face and online, and now the TA and Assistant Director of the Oaxaca Program.

As a former student, I know how important study abroad is for most students, and it gives you the opportunity to explore so many global issues, including social, environmental, and food justice, human rights, identity and community, etc. I hope that you all find a new perspective and have the opportunity to explore your passions while on this program.

Looking forward to getting to know you all!
¡Saludos!
E. Claire Goodwin

Benito Juarez waterfalls in the Sierra Norte, Oaxaca, Mexico.