FAQs
Why Mexico City?
One of the world’s great cultural centers, Mexico City has a vibrant and dynamic art scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and architectural treasures. The diversity of artistic and cultural traditions found within the city and its outlying areas offer students of art and art history the incredible range and historical depth found in only a handful of places around the world. No other place in the Americas offers the richness of Mexico City’s Pre-Colombian past, Spanish Colonial heritage and modern avant-garde spirit. From the Aztec pyramids to the Baroque palaces and cathedrals, and the works of Mexico’s revolutionary 20th century artists, Mexico city offers unparalleled opportunities and experiences for students of art. The historical range allows us to offer two interrelated courses in the art history of Mexico’s Pre-Colombian and Spanish Colonial periods and ensures that students will have the opportunity to see the very best that Mexico has to offer in the way of galleries, museums, and archaeological sites. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the many attractions of the capital city during their free days.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Students do not need to speak Spanish to participate in the study abroad program. However, we do encourage students to take a basic introductory course in Spanish before departure or at least purchase a Spanish phrase book for the trip. During our pre-departure meetings students will be provided with a lexicon of words and phrases to help them in their travels. All lectures and guided excursions will be in English and the program leaders will be on hand to help with any difficulties of translation. It is important that students be aware that, unlike the more tourist-oriented beach areas of Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, many people in Mexico City do not speak any English.
Can I go if I’m not a Metro State student?
Students from other colleges and universities may enroll in the program but must fill out the Metro State application and enroll in the course as a Metro State student. If you are not a Metro student and would like to participate in this study abroad program please contact the program leaders (Dr. Mollenhauer and Dr. Ripolles) about the requirements for your enrollment.
Can I go if I’m not an art major?
Non-art majors are welcome to participate in the program. However, all students must have completed the required pre-requisite courses, including ENG 1010, ENG 1020, and at least one of the following: ARTH 1500, 1600, or 1700. Students having taken English composition, art appreciation, and/ or art history courses equivalent to those listed above at other institutions are requested to contact the program leaders to confirm course equivalencies and to fill out any required override paperwork.
