“Monmouth in Merida” Discussion

A popular site for tourists, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has also been the site for the past three springs of a semester-abroad experience for Monmouth College students.

At the final Monmouth Associates program of the academic year on May 16, Monmouth faculty members Ken Cramer and Trudi Peterson will discuss what Monmouth students experienced in and around the beautiful and vibrant host city of the program, Mérida.

The program will begin at noon in the Whiteman-McMillan Highlander Room of Stockdale Student Center.

“Monmouth in Mérida” gives students an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a Spanish-speaking culture for a full semester at the same cost as staying on campus. In addition to their regular courses – which includes two taught in Spanish – students are given an optional service-learning opportunity and stay with host families.

With biweekly excursions to cenotes, ruins, natural areas and a Mayan village, students receive broad exposure to local culture, both ancient and modern. An additional trip during Holy Week – this year to Cuba – expands their Caribbean experience.

The cost for a buffet lunch is $10 ($9 for Monmouth faculty and staff). Reservations can be made by calling 309-457-2231 by May 14 or by email at alumni@monmouthcollege.edu.

A free shuttle van transports passengers from two locations to every Associates luncheon. The van stops at the northeast quadrant of the Public Square at 11:45 a.m. and at the Faith United Presbyterian Church parking lot at around 11:50 a.m. It returns to both locations immediately following the program. Shuttle reservations can be made also by calling 309-457-2231.