In May 2008, the Kutztown University Communication Design Dept. will again offer The Traveler’s Sketchbook, Drawing on Location in Mexico. This 3 credit, 17 day course runs May 14-31, 2008.

Throughout the trip we sketch daily, indoors and out. We visit museums and cathedrals, but we also climb an ancient pyramid high in the Seirras, don hardhats to tour a silver mine, and experience three of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities. Each student must complete a sketchbook of at least 25 pages documenting the travel experience.

The class begins two hours north of Mexico City in Querétaro, recognized by the UN as a World Heritage Site for its magnificent colonial architecture. After three days sketching in Querétaro we travel by bus to Guanajuato. Here you live for one week in the home of a Mexican family and study each morning at the Instituto Cervantes. The native speakers of the Instituto offer a crash course in “Survival Spanish.” Learn enough to get directions, order a meal, or find a restroom. If you already speak Spanish, you will be placed in a small group to refine your conversation skills. Afternoon Guanajuato sketch excursions include the Valenciana Silver Mine, the Diego Rivera House, and the option of climbing the mountain, La Buffa, overlooking the city.

The third town we visit, San Miguel Allende is a famous artists’ colony with many US residents. If you get homesick, this town has English language menus and movies. We go sketching at a cactus preserve, see a mural by David Siqueros and visit the galleries and crafts markets. Options here, at an additional cost, include mountain biking or a visit to a natural hot springs. We return to Querétaro for a final critique prior to departure from Mexico City.

The cost of this adventure is very reasonable. Tuition (3 credits, in-state*), KU fees, lodging, many meals, and excursions is $1833 payable to Kutztown University. Travel to Mexico City will be approx. $375 additional. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from Mexico, but can arrange to fly to Mexico with the professor.

*Costs are estimates, to be approved by KU Council of Trustees in 2008.

Students must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better. Students are selected on a point system based on total number of credits completed, with additional points for Spanish language study, possession of a valid passport, a brief application essay explaining your interest in the course. For application or further info contact: mccloske@kutztown.edu

Very Important: a US passport is now required for travel to and from Mexico. If you are considering this course, or any summer travel abroad, apply for your passport now!