Trip abroad to open doors to understanding Latino culture

The trip is open to the public and is geared toward those who work directly with the Latino population.

"There is a huge demographic change for which we are unprepared," said Purdue Extension educator Susan Tharp. "We encourage community, business and church leaders, and medical and service workers who are involved with the Latino population to attend."

The trip itinerary will feature several cities and cultural activities outside of the normal tourist attractions, said Purdue Extension specialist Lee Stanish.

"Things are done so differently in Mexico, so we are trying to emphasize those differences," Tharp said. "We really want to improve cultural competency."

The nine-day trip will begin in Mexico City and will feature several cultural topics, including:

• A visit to a village where participants will learn about women's rights and poverty.

• Tours of the Agricultural College in Champingo and a public school.

• A visit with a family in a small village where participants will learn about the problems of a lack of social security for the self-employed.

• A trip to an indigenous market and several small villages, each of which creates its own distinctive crafts.

For more information about the trip or to get a registration form, contact Tharp at (765) 659-6380, tharps@purdue.edu. The total cost of the trip is $1,500, which does not include airfare. A $500 deposit is required at the time of registration.

Writer: Jennifer Stewart, (765) 494-8402, jsstewar@purdue.edu

Sources: Susan Tharp, (765) 659-6380, tharps@purdue.edu

Lee Stanish, (765) 494-9831, lstanish@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture

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