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Traditions, Wisdom, Visions: An Exploration of Culture and Language of Mexico

Immerse in the language and culture with all your senses. Mexico is a land of contrasts and paradoxes: Rural - Urban, Traditional - Entrepreneurial, Indigenous- Colonial. Join our expert leaders for a transformative exploration of authentic Mexico. Discover the wisdom of its ancient traditions intertwined with modern life. Engage with its people. Experience its cuisine. And advance your Spanish language skills. (No previous Spanish language experience is required to participate.)

Dates: December 6-14, 2025

Cost: $4,699 per person

(through September 30, 2025, program cost is $4,999 beginning October 1)

(10% discount for companion participant sharing the same bedroom)

DEADLINES

• Registration closes Friday, October 31 (late registration available if space allows, contact us).
• Program fee balance due Friday, October 31.
• Program will be confirmed by Monday, November 3 (please wait to purchase airline tickets until you receive your confirmation).

Registration and Details for Mexico Program

 

Download the brochure.

Your program leaders:  
The program will be led by experienced educators who are both Dartmouth alums and, collectively, have over 60 years’ experience as Rassias instructors, Jim Citron ‘86 and Fernando Ausin ‘06.

We are committed to promoting principles of socially responsible travel. We partner with local, independent, and community owned businesses and organizations to support local economies, while ethically and respectfully engaging with the local culture.

During our exploration of authentic rural and urban Mexico, we will:

• Explore many of the  treasures of Mexico City’s Centro Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built atop the ruins of Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Aztec Empire, where history and modern dynamism intersect.  (DAY 2)
• Amatlán de Quetzalcoatl: Be hosted by the indigenous community of Temachtiani –  'Those who share what they know’ –   in the birthplace of the Aztec deity Quetzalcóatl.  Here, we will make tortillas the traditional way and connect deeply with the culture, the rituals, the food, and the way of life of this deeply spiritual community.  (DAY 3-4)
• Visit the precolonial canal and chinampa system in Xochimilco – another UNESCO World Heritage Site – and learn from entrepreneurs who are working to restore and conserve the area’s sustainable growing practices to provide nutritious food for Mexico City.  (DAY 5)
• Explore a Mexico City market and journey through Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and unravel fascinating stories of Mesoamerica’s ancient civilizations at Mexico’s renown National Museum of Anthropology. (DAY 6)
• Meet with social entrepreneurs and learn what they are doing to address some of the region’s most pressing modern social problems. (DAY 7)
• Learn directly from indigenous elders at the two-thousand-year-old city of Teotihuacán, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. (DAY 8)
• Experience and learn about Mexico’s diverse and delicious cuisine everywhere we go.

What is included: 

• Cultural immersion and language instruction in the Rassias Center of Dartmouth College language learning method (you are not required to have Spanish language experience prior to the trip)
• Two experienced Rassias program directors (Jim Citron '86 and Fernando Ausin '06)
• Single rooms with private ensuite bathrooms
• All meals (from dinner on arrival date up to and including breakfast on departure date)
• Round trip airport transfers
• All entrance fees, guides, drivers, and gratuities
• Insurance that includes out of country accident and sickness expenses, and emergency travel assistance. (Please contact us for a full description of coverage.)
• Authentic Mexican experience
• Supports local communities and economies

Registration and Details for Mexico Program

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Essentials to Consider Before You Go: 

• Walking Distance and Mobility:
  • Mexico City sits at approximately 2,200m elevation. Allow time to adjust. 
  • Moderate walking expected: navigating Mexico City’s Centro Histórico, Xochimilco canals, and Teotihuacán ruins. Terrain includes cobblestones and rural pathways.
  • Bring supportive walking shoes (breathable, cushioned).
  • If mobility is a concern, check in advance to confirm terrain difficulties and pacing.
• Clothing and Attire: 
  • December: morning/evening temperatures may dip into 10–15 °C; daytime usually warm, 20–25 °C.
  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and hydration remain important—even in cooler temperatures.
  • Early December offers mild weather, some rainy afternoons, and sometimes crisp evenings—pack accordingly.
  • Pack layered clothing: t‑shirts, long sleeves, sweater or light jacket; light raincoat; hat, sunglasses, sunscreen; insect repellent, personal toiletries and medication; journal for reflections and language learning; power adaptor for Mexico (Type A/B, 127 V, 60 Hz).
  • Include modest outfit options (e.g. long skirts, sleeves) for community and cultural visits.
• Food and Accommodation: 
  
  • Traditional Mexican cuisine— expect a variety of authentic regional dishes that incorporate local and seasonal fruits and vegetables and highlight Mexico’s rich cultural and gastronomical heritage.
  • Notify program coordinators of dietary restrictions or allergies ahead of time.
• Language and Culture: 
  • Language learning begins on Day 1 using the Rassias Method.
  • Cultural excursions include visits and interaction with indigenous leaders and social entrepreneurs. 
• Creature Comforts and Facilities:
  • Participants receive single rooms with private ensuite bathrooms
  • Basic toiletries and reliable Wi‑Fi are provided; bringing preferred personal care items is recommended.
  • Communicate any health, sleep, or accessibility requirements in advance.

Do you have specific questions about this trip? Email trip leader Jim Citron at jim.citron@dartmouth.edu or call Jim at 603-646-3432.