Casa Herrera is an extension of The University of Texas at Austin’s Mesoamerica Center in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua in Guatemala. This upcoming May, it will become the headquarters for the new Latin America Bridging Cultures program focused on the study of Maya and colonial heritage in Guatemala and Belize. The program offers a unique chance at the kind of experiential learning abroad that is gained during a semester-long program in only four weeks from May 31 – June 27, 2017.
“We are excited to launch this new program as a Maymester because we want to give opportunities to students in COFA to experience the dynamic history, archaeology and visual cultures of Central America,” writes Dr. Astrid Runggaldier, assistant director of the Mesoamerica Center at The University of Texas at Austin and one half of the leadership team for Bridging Cultures in Latin America alongside Dr. David Stuart. “We realized with previous programs during the academic semesters that for students in the arts – especially students who need access to studio space — it is difficult to go abroad for extended periods of time. We hope that this Maymester, open to all majors across the university, will also give our COFA students the chance to learn about and be inspired by the vibrant cultures of contemporary and ancient Latin America."
The Bridging Cultures in Latin America: Maya and Colonial Heritage program coursework relies on hands-on observation and experience throughout the dynamic countries of Guatemala and Belize. As such, students will travel extensively throughout Guatemala and Belize to experience archaeological sites, museums, villages, cooperative businesses, natural reserves and protected ecosystems, and will be matched with local family stays for their time in Antigua.
The Bridging Cultures in Latin America team is committed to reducing financial barriers to the study of Central American culture and history. Financial support for one student applicant in the amount of $1,500 to defray the cost of the program will be awarded.