Harvard Summer Program in Mexico

Health, safety, and security are paramount in Summer School Study Abroad program planning and execution. Our security consultants at Harvard Global Support Services (GSS) continually monitor and make recommendations to Harvard Summer School programs regarding current travel risk levels and situations around the world. GSS’ current risk rating for Mexico is Elevated Risk. As always, we will work closely with GSS to help prepare you for a safe trip and provide information and resources for your security and well-being while abroad.

This eight-week advanced Spanish program explores the complex history of Mexico through its rich artistic culture and public art while also engaging with new initiatives to integrate contemporary art into the public sphere. You will actively participate in artistic, social, and cultural projects being developed in Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca through weekly visits and excursions to an array of cultural, social, and artistic venues.

At the end of the program, you will create a public art installation where you engage with the themes explored in class and reflect on your linguistic and cultural experiences in Mexico City and in Mexican cultural institutions.

Program Structure

The program includes advanced Spanish language classes three times a week at the DRCLAS Mexico Office in the heart of Mexico City. Students will engage with invited speakers and participate in one field trip each week. Excursions to significant sites throughout Mexico — Teotihuacán, Puebla, and Oaxaca — form an integral part of the curriculum.

The course counts as one full-year course (8 credits) of degree credit and as two half-year courses towards the foreign language citation. It also fulfills the Harvard foreign language requirement.

Course information will be posted here soon.

Mexico’s capital is one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the world. Students will have the opportunity to engage not only with public art but with the unique rhythms of daily life in the city through its diverse neighborhoods, public transportation, and architectural features.

Accommodation

You will be placed individually or in pairs (in individual rooms) with host families. All accommodations will offer access to wifi, a kitchen, and laundry. Host families will be located in safe, central neighborhoods with access to public transportation. You can expect a 30–45 minute daily commute to the DRCLAS Mexico Office by public transportation.

Host families will provide breakfasts and dinners. The program will provide some additional meals over the course of the program.

To apply, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed at least one year of college or be a first-year student
• Be in good academic standing

Students enrolled at any accredited university are welcome to apply. See the How to Apply page for more information.

The Summer 2025 application will be available via link at the top of this page in early December.

Each program has unique requirements included in the online application. Beginning your application early is the best way to ensure that you have sufficient time to review and complete the application requirements by the deadline.

You may apply to no more than two programs; if applying to two programs, you will be asked to rank your two applications in order of preference (first and second choice). Any applications submitted in excess of the maximum of two will be automatically withdrawn. You will be notified of your admissions status in each program in early March.
A complete online application includes:

• Basic personal information
• A statement of interest
• Your most recent transcript
• Program-specific requirements (if applicable; may include letters of recommendation, etc.)

Interviews may be requested at the discretion of the program.

Be sure to read about the funding options available for Harvard Summer School Study Abroad programs.

If you have questions about the application, please contact the Harvard Summer School Study Abroad Office by email at SummerAbroad@Summer.Harvard.edu.

The program fee includes:

• Tuition
• Accommodations
• Scheduled program activities
• Some meals (the program will provide further details)

You will also need to budget for a number of expenses not covered by the program fee. The amounts listed below for these out-of-pocket expenses are approximate, and you may incur additional expenses not noted here. Your actual expenses will depend on a number of factors, including personal spending habits and currency exchange rates. Note that expense categories — especially airfare — may be subject to significant fluctuations.

• International airfare ($1,600 – $2,000)
• Ground transportation ($250)
• Meals ($600)
• Personal expenditures, communications, course materials, and miscellaneous ($800)

If you have specific questions about personal budgeting, please contact the program directly.

See Funding and Payment for information on how to submit payments and funding options.