Educational Study Trip to Mexico
Submitted by Mary Crooks and Patricia Steiner
 
Problem:
As more immigrants arrive in Iowa and settle in both urban and rural communities, there is an increased need for understanding the culture, families and other aspects of life that those people bring with them.  There are many ways to gain understanding and information, but they are limited in their capacity to teach the realities of life in countries such as Mexico.  It is particularly important for those who work in fields that serve immigrants to have a solid knowledge base of the culture of the country of origin.
 
Extension response:
ISU Extension to Families has provided leadership in programming that meets the educational needs of those who work with immigrants, particularly those from Mexico and other Latin American countries.  ISUE staff have had the opportunity to participate in educational study trips to Mexico to learn about the culture, politics, economics and family life of that country.  Some staff has received support to offer this same opportunity to community leaders and human service providers, such as health care workers and  educators.
 
In March, 2005, Patty Steiner and Mary Crooks, ISUE Families Field Specialists led a group of 17 Iowans on a study trip to Mexico.  The life changing impacts are documented in this report.
 
Impact:
Twelve participants have returned evaluation forms after the study trip.  All 12 gave the educational experience a rating of Excellent on a scale of excellent, good, fair or poor.  The evaluation questions and their responses are as follows:
 
Tell us how you feel you benefited from the trip to Mexico.
Learned of Susan Smith's work (improving health care in an isolated rural village) and people living at the Cuernavaca garbage dump.  It was wonderful to hear about how our group participants work with Latino families in Iowa.
 
Not only did I increase my knowledge of the cultural aspects of Mexico, but I had an opportunity to meet some wonderful people from Iowa and Missouri.  Traveling always stretches me, making me adapt and appreciate what I have at home.
 
I realized how small gifts of money, food, clothes can go a long way to improve life for a child or family.
 
I learned so much about Mexican food preparation.  I was given the opportunity to talk to a high class chef.  (by restaurant owner in Mt. Pleasant)
 
I have a new understanding of the word Poverty and Third World.  None of my reading prepared me for the housing and living conditions I saw.  I am better informed and with more knowledge, I can be more of an influence for change.
 
It has been one of the most enlightening and moving experiences of my life.  I can better understand why people migrate to the U.S.  In many cases it's a choice of life or death for them and their families.  The learning about the indigenous people was interesting.  It is very interesting to know that not all Mexicans come from the same place in terms of language, belief, and geological location.
 
I have a better understanding of the Mexican Culture and that they are proud people which will help me not to be judgmental when they come into my office for assistance.  I can't put into words how moved I am and how lucky I have been my whole life, compared to the way they have to survive.
 
A deeper appreciation for things we take for grant in the U.S. and increased anger of our treatment and attitudes toward 3rd World Counties.  U.S. consumption and how we use the other countries to our ends is really eating on me.
 
For me it was an unforgettable experience into the many different social levels of the Mexican people.  I have a better understanding of what the quality of life is like in Mexico for most people and why the wages of USA are so appealing.  $3 per day isn't enough for anyone to survive on, let alone a whole family of 10 or so people.
 
I am exposed to children within Des Moines County who are from Mexico that
speak very little English - this trip helped me learn more about their culture
and put me in their shoes (trying to communicate without knowing much of the  
native language).
 
The trip was a wake up call and a reminder to me of the challenges that people around the world are facing just to live day to day.  These challenges exist in our own communities as well, but we get caught up in our routine and get lax about reaching out to others in meaningful ways.  It was inspiring to meet the volunteers in Mexico that are working hard to make a difference in the lives of others.

What is one important thing you learned on the trip?
I really enjoyed the new experiences in Cuernavaca.  Susan Smith's work was very intriguing.  The living conditions and medical issues were troubling, yet so real.  Many of these issues (health) are so sad as they have been essentially eliminated in our country.
 
Experienced life in multiple colonias in Mexico-gaining knowledge of the specialized talents in each.  Came to appreciate the Zapotec people and their history, as well as the Nahuatl people from Susan Smith's colonia-Tlamacazapa.
 
Susans Smith's program taught me how many interwoven factors there are to problem solving.  Public health issues.  I was unaware of heavy metal poisoning in the mountains, the dry toilets program-was great to see how that was implemented.  I also found the process of teaching women a skill to supplement income approach to helping indigenous populations improve their lives.  The Cuernavaca dump was absolutely touching.
 
I saw so much about life in Mexico from the eyes of the children.
 
Poverty in Mexico is more widespread than I imagined and water issues more serious.  Dignity and pride are possible even if you live in and work in a dump.
 
Most people, no matter where they come from, are just trying to do the best they can for themselves and their families.  One can definitely see Maslow's Hierarchy y of Needs in action here.  Another thing learned is that everyone can probably help in some way if they choose to.
 
Compassion.  I have experienced a number of emotions on this trip; but one thing I have learned is that the Mexican people are proud of the heritage and country.  They do not want to leave to the USA unless they are very desperate.
 
To be more appreciative of what we have.
 
Poverty was more than I thought it would be.  I thought it would be bad, but it was worse than I expected.
 
How fortunate the people are who do make it across the USA border from Mexico.  And also how blessed we are in the USA with a social system and accountable government.
 
I learned so many valuable things - one important thing is how it feels to be an "alien." I felt safe, but apprehensive about doing things outside the group.  It gave me a
different view of the "aliens" in the U.S.
 
I have learned how amazing it is that people can come from isolated villages of Mexico to the United States and become successful.  They leave family and friends, struggle to become part of a new community while learning a new language and a new culture.  They show such strength and determination.  Ana Pang is an example of so many of the immigrants that have truly overcome enormous obstacles to achieve their dream.

What do you plan to do as a result of this experience?
Share experiences with Growing Strong Families program educators and 4-H Program Coordinator.  Work with Jill Breach as opportunities become available.  Share experiences with others in county, community and area.
 
Continue to learn more about indigenous tribes of Mexico.  Appreciate immigrants and their plight.  Continue to promote VAMOS at St. Thomas Moore Church and perhaps encourage sponsorship of a child at the Oaxacan Street Childrens Program.  Bring more people to share in this wonderful experience of the culture of Mexico.
 
I hope I can convey message of hope and responsibility to others in my community, at church, at the office and amongst my neighbors.  I hope to get a mission trip off the ground.
 
I plan to help as best I can.  I plan to open an outreach program for Mexican children in my business in the USA.
 
Continue political activism with more fervor-immigration reform and environmental issues.  Organize the Washington 6 for action.  Share what I learned.
 
I'm not quite sure.  Before I came on this trip, I prayed that God would lead me to the experiences that I needed to experience.  Now my prayer is that He will enlighten me on how I should respond to what I've experienced.
 
I would like to sponsor a child at VAMOS and possibly the Oaxaca Street Childrens Program.
 
Use the information in the community.  Make others more aware of the problems.
 
Learn Spanish so I can be more helpful with the Latino Community at home and other people who need help.  I am going to be more vocal about our government policies.
 
Try to help share the wealth of knowledge I have learned with others in the USA and make some changes to better the lives of the Mexican people.
 
I'm not sure exactly how I will use what I learn.  I plan to share my experiences with students and teachers - I have already had a lot of interest and questions about my trip. I
hope to share what a fascinating place Mexico is.  One question teachers keep
asking is, "Would you go back?" - I tell them yes, it was wonderful. Thank you!!
 
Use the information in the community.  Help make others more aware of the problems and hunger in the world.
 
First I plan to increase my interaction with Latinos in our community.  We are also seriously considering some type of volunteer work in Mexico next winter.   Our local newspaper ran a front page two-day story about our experiences as well as the Gorhams.  That has created the opportunity to share with many others as they inquire about our experiences after reading the newspaper stories.  A few have even expressed an interest in visiting Mexico to learn more.

Contact:
Mary Crooks, Family Life Field Specialist
Iowa State University Extension - Louisa County Office
317 Van Buren Street, Wapello, IA   52653
Phone (319) 523-2371; Fax (319) 523-2375
E-mail mcrooks@iastate.edu