SPAN 396: Oaxaca and Oaxacalifornia: Responsible Tourism, Traditional Culture and Migration
Department: Latin American and Iberian Cultures
Director: For more information contact Professor Sarah Portnoy at portnoy@usc.edu
Dates: May 18 – June 12, 2026. (Students will spend the last few days on Zoom completing the final project and presentations).
(Students will spend 4 days in Los Angeles learning about L.A.’s Oaxacan communities and 3 weeks in Mexico (4 days in Mexico city exploring the Templo Mayor, museums, the city center and 16 days in Oaxaca visiting mountains, markets, indigenous towns, and waterfalls).
Location: Oaxaca, Mexico.
Course Description:
Discover Oaxaca—one of Mexico’s most culturally rich and biologically diverse states. This immersive program takes you into the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where sixteen indigenous languages are spoken and centuries-old traditions thrive.
Students will explore vibrant markets, taste world-famous cuisine, visit archaeological wonders, and experience the region’s stunning landscapes—from mountains to tropical forests. A highlight of the program is a multi-day stay with host families in indigenous communities, where you’ll learn traditional cooking, medicine, sustainable farming, and local arts.
Hands-on activities include painting alebrijes, creating lithographs inspired by political street art, and hiking a sacred mountain. With its unique blend of ancient heritage, contemporary creativity, and breathtaking natural beauty, Oaxaca offers an unforgettable opportunity to study art, history, food, and the environment—right where they intersect.
CLICK HERE to view the tentative syllabus or the one from the previous program.
Course credit:
This is a 4-unit course. An intermediate level of Spanish (SPAN 260) is required or an interview to assess speaking and listening skills.
*Application & Google Form Deadline: Monday, October 20, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.
*Please note: You need to fill out both, the LAIC Program Information Google Form and the Dornsife Faculty Led Programs Application in order to complete the application process. Please access both of the links below:
1. CLICK HERE to access the LAIC Program Information Google Form for 2026.
2. CLICK HERE to access the USC Dornsife Faculty Led Programs Application (it will become available on September 3, 2025.
Eligibility:
This is a class open to all undergraduate students and all majors.
Graduate students are ineligible to apply. Progressive students must contact the FLP office for eligibility prior to applying (flp@dornsife.usc.edu).
Clearance of SPAN 240 or equivalent by the end of fall is required. If students have not taken any Spanish courses at USC, took Spanish at other locations, or learned Spanish at home or by other means, please contact program director directly to see if they meet the language criteria.
Info Session: September 29th at 12:00 in THH 120.
Flyer:
CLICK HERE to access the flyer from previous program.
Estimated Costs (Excluding Spring Tuition). If on a mobile device, you may need to scroll left to right to see the costs.
| Airfare | ~ $400 (roundtrip) |
| Housing | ~ $380 |
| Meals | ~$150 (depends on how much you spend, all breakfasts and many lunches included)*Housing and breakfast with a local family. Most meals included. |
Note: Students should wait to purchase airline tickets until instructed to do so, as courses may be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
PLEASE NOTE:
Maymester FLP program costs range from $1,500 to $4,000 and are charged in addition to Spring semester tuition. Detailed costs are provided yearly in each program’s web page brochure under the “Costs” tab. All students are responsible for the full program fee. Fees are non-negotiable and vary based on location, length, season, and other program-specific factors. Fee Does Not Include: Tuition and fees, international health insurance (if applicable), textbooks, airfare, travel insurance, personal spending money, personal travel, and transportation.
Click here for more information on program costs and withdrawal policy starting in 2025-2026 school year.