About Mexico...

Towering Mayan and Aztec pyramids, arid deserts, Spanish colonial cities, colorful markets, friendly people and palm-fringed beaches – Mexico offers all of this and more.  With cultures steeped in history dating back thousands of years and diverse natural beauty unrivaled in the new world, Mexico is sure to keep even the most well-traveled in awe. 

Stretching southward from its northern border with the United States to its southern borders with Belize and Guatemala, Mexico separates the Pacific Ocean in the west from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea in the east. Mexico’s climate varies from arid to tropical.

Mexico, or Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, is comprised of 31 states and one federal district not unlike the District of Columbia in the U.S.

Mexico offers limited transportation, accommodations, attractions and tours for people with limited mobility or other types of disabilities and accessibility varies widely throughout the country. But with the right attitude, an open mind and a bit of an adventurous spirit it can be an extremely rewarding destination.

The rights of people with disabilities in Mexico are guaranteed by law and protected by a combination of judicial and administrative mechanisms within the government.  Rights protected include access to education and employment, right to marriage and parenthood, political rights, access to courts, and rights to privacy and property. Benefits guaranteed by the government include training, employment, rehabilitation and counseling, independent living and participation in decisions affecting themselves.

Accessibility of the built environment is part of the law, but varies widely throughout the country.  According to the government of Mexico, there is special transport available for medical treatment, education, work and for recreation. 

In 2003 the Mexican government recognized Sign Language as an official language in the country and passed laws to improve access to interpreters in public institutions. For more information about disability legislation in Mexico, go to Disability World.

Disability Organizations

Disability organizations working in Mexico can be an invaluable resource before, during and even after your exchange experience.  For a comprehensive list of organizations working in Mexico, visit MIUSA's on-line searchable database of disability organizations.

Exchange Programs

Language Schools / Programs

Spanish is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world with nearly the entire population of Central and South America speaking the language as well as Spain and a significant portion of the population of North America.

Immerse yourself not only in the language, but the culture, history and daily life of this, the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world.  There is no better way to learn a language than to live where it is spoken every day! 

There are hundreds of programs and schools located all over Mexico from Chihuahua to Chiapas. Learn Spanish in the jungle, on the beach, in a rural village or in a colonial city - the choice is yours!

Below are listed just a few of the many programs available to study Spanish in Mexico:

Adventures in Real Communication
Adventures in Real Communication offers long-term homestay, language and cultural exchanges for students ages 11 to 18.

AmeriSpan Unlimited
AmeriSpan Unlimited is a privately run company that specializes in Spanish Immersion, Volunteer/Intern and Educational Travel programs throughout Latin America and Spain. Programs are open to everyone including professionals and families.

Eurolingua Institute
The Eurolingua Institute (EI) is a for-profit organization offering intensive language programs and cultural homestays through over 70 institutes worldwide to participants ages 16 to 75

Instituto Cultural Oaxaca
The Instituto Cultural Oaxaca or the Oaxacan Cultural Institute offers intensive Spanish instruction and cultural activities for one to four weeks to both students and professionals

International Studies Abroad
International Studies Abroad (ISA) offers study abroad programs for university credit. All programs emphasize language acquisition and cultural immersion for high school students, teachers, and college students.

Into-EdVentures
Into-EdVentures offers inbound and outbound academic exchanges to secondary school students for educational, cultural and language learning, for five to ten months.

Languages Abroad
Languages Abroad is an international language-travel organization offering individuals, families, students and groups to language programs that best suit their needs, interests and preferences.

Proyecto PROJIMO
Proyecto PROJIMO - Programa de Rehabilitacion (PROJIMO Rehabilitation Program) is an intensive, informal conversational Spanish training program taught by people with disabilities.

Spanish Abroad Inc
Spanish Abroad, Inc., offers customized Spanish language programs at various locations throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Programs are open to teens, students, adults and professionals.

World Heritage International Students Exchange
World Heritage conducts exchanges for US and international high school students for language and cross-cultural purposes.

For more Spanish language schools and programs in Mexico, Google 'Study Spanish Mexico' or visit the following websites:

StudySpanish.com SpanishinMexico.org

Scholarships, Fellowships and Internships

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State sponsors several scholarship, fellowship and internship programs available to university students, scholars and professionals from Mexico and the United States. Information about the programs listed below is available by contacting the ECA.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is committed to ensuring that all of its activities reflect the full diversity of American society and culture.  The Bureau seeks and encourages the involvement of both Americans and foreign citizens in its programs from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply!

http://exchanges.state.gov/education

Fulbright Scholarships/Fellowships

There are a four different types of Fulbright opportunities to Mexico. For information about these programs, go to: Fulbright Online or the Mexican Fulbright Commission (COMEXUS)

Other Scholarships and Fellowships

The Council of American Overseas Research Centers Multi-Country Research Fellowship Program for Advanced Multi-Country Research 2006-2007
The program is open to U.S. doctoral candidates and scholars who have already earned their Ph.D. in fields in the humanities, social sciences, or allied natural sciences and wish to conduct research of regional or trans-regional significance.  Scholars must carry out research in at least one of the countries which host overseas research centers.

New York Community Trust Scholarships—Dewitt Wallace Youth Travel Enrichment Fund
AFSC offers scholarships to selected participants through a grant from the New York Community Trust (NYCT)—Dewitt Wallace Youth Travel Enrichment Fund. The Travel Enrichment Fund aims to “provide valuable educational travel opportunities to those who could not otherwise access or afford them.”

Office of Citizen Exchanges
These exchanges demonstrate how Americans deal with the issues of professional interest to the foreign participants. In addition, programs are designed to give Americans international and cross-cultural perspectives. Programs may extend over more than one fiscal year and include travel by American specialists overseas and visits of foreign specialists to the U.S. as part of the same, coordinated program.

Gilman International Scholarship Program
Eligible U.S. undergraduates can apply to receive financial support for study abroad programs worldwide through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Established under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, the Gilman Scholarships provide up to $5,000 for American students to pursue overseas study for college credit.

Stories About Mexico

Read stories from people with disabilities who have participated in exchange programs in Mexico - where they went, what it was like, what worked, what didn't and much more! Stories About Mexico.

Links

Bilingual directory of scholarships, fellowships and student loans in Mexico

IIE Passport – Study Abroad Funding for Mexico

StudyAbroad.com offers information for students (high school, undergraduate and graduate) seeking study, language, internships, volunteer or other opportunities abroad. They also offer an on-line travel guide with maps for Mexico.

Study Abroad Links offers information on study abroad programs in Mexico including university year, semester and summer abroad programs.

Worldwide Classroom has a list of programs in Mexico for young people and adults as well as a helpful travel planner. 

Mexican Government Tourism Office

BBC Mexico Country Profile

Deafness in Mexico

  Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy,misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.