"I could never have learned what I did from a book or a lecture. I had to live the border—see it, touch it, feel the dry heat, experience the racial profiling – to really understand it. There were so many times this semester when words were unnecessary. We just had to look, at the wall, the military bases, etc." ~past participant

Location
The Border Studies Program is based in the southern Arizona borderlands in Tucson, Arizona. This unique program is situated in a way that students are able to fully embrace and understand the complexities of this dynamic region.

Tucson is an excellent location for both the fall and spring semester programs. In Tucson, there are a number of scholars and academic programs that focus on migration and border issues at the University of Arizona, while the city itself also boasts a strong social movement responding to migrant deaths, borderlands militarization, human rights, and civil liberties. The Border Patrol’s Tucson sector is the top crossing point for undocumented immigration. The Tucson sector is also the point along the border experiencing the most severe humanitarian crisis as hundreds of migrants perish every year in the harsh desert environment.

While migrants passing through this sector come from all over Mexico and Central America, the highest percentages have been from Chiapas and Oaxaca, both of which the spring program visits.

Eligibility
The fall program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors of all academic majors and backgrounds. The spring program is open to juniors and seniors only. Two years of college level Spanish (or equivalent) are required for the spring program.  Students from all colleges and universities are eligible to apply.

Credits
Students may earn 18 semester credits (or equivalent) for successful completion of the program. All students must be full time participants.

Resident Director
Riley Merline is The Border Studies Program Resident Director. He coordinates all aspects of the program throughout the semester and works closely with the students. Riley also teaches the core seminar courses for both semester programs.

Program Dates
The Border Studies Program takes place every fall and spring semester. Each semester program runs for 15-weeks and includes a break. The spring semester begins mid-January and the fall semester begins mid-August.

The 2010 Roots and Routes of Migration Seminar will begin on January 20 and end on May 5, 2010.

Program Fees
The program fees will be announced in 2009. The fee covers academic costs, room and board, and required program excursions as well as transfer of credits and grades. A non-refundable deposit of $350.00 will be due upon acceptance. Students at member colleges of the Great Lakes Colleges Association, Inc. (GLCA, Inc.) remain eligible for their college's financial aid program and should consult the Financial Aid Office on their campuses.

Students are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the program site, books and materials, independent travel, and personal expenses.

"My learning experience was packed and stressful. It was also hugely satisfying and enlightening. I’m ready for anything now." ~Program Participant

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