CSPP Spanish Language and Cultural Immersion Program: Mexico City

“My experience in Mexico City was life changing. This must seem a pretty extreme statement about a 5 week experience, but I truly gained more knowledge during the program about my culture than I have in 26 years of living in Southern California.” - D. Jasmin Zamarripa Summer 2005 Participant

It is a matter of social justice to better meet the mental health needs of Latino communities. The California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University seeks to meet this goal through its mission of training clinicians to work in an increasingly international and multicultural world.

The CSPP Spanish Language and Cultural Immersion Program aspires to change the world for the better. We agree with Margaret Mead’s view that we should “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” As part of this effort, CSPP offers a five-week summer immersion program each year at the Alliant, Mexico Campus. We agree with the view expressed by Paulo Freire that “the world is seen not a static reality, but a reality in process, in transformation (Freire, 1970, p.64).

We invite you to come, to engage and dialogue, and to be a part of an experience aimed at transforming how we approach clinical work in our interconnected world.

“The truth is that I did not know the trip was going to leave such a powerful and lasting impression on me.  Initially, my only interest was to go to Mexico City to learn Spanish. This was a personal and professional goal for me. However, the trip is purposefully organized to give you much more. I came back home not only learning Spanish, but I feel like I discovered a new part of myself. I feel more whole and confident than ever before. It has effectively rekindled my passion for helping others.”   -Barbara Zager Summer 2006 Participant

Why Consider an International Immersion Experience?

The effectiveness of providing cross-cultural training has been proven to be successful in a variety of settings (Bhawuk & Brislin, 2000; Cushner, & Brislin, 1997; Hall & Gudykunst, 1989). Cultural competency trainings in particular have been shown to improve communication, trust, treatment regimens, and appropriateness of services. Obtaining these competencies lead to improved services and outcomes for target populations (Brach and Fraser, 2002). Even brief cultural competency trainings have been shown to improve knowledge, communication and positive health outcomes (Way & Stone, 2002).

Gaining these competencies is becoming increasingly important due to the globalization of our societies. For example, Latinos are now the fastest growing subgroup in the United States and already comprise more than 12 percent of the total population (US Census, 1999). California has the highest Latino population of any state and by most calculations now account for one in three persons in California (US Census, 1999).

Unfortunately, those in Latino communities often struggle in connecting with mental health service providers who have received adequate training to address the clinical needs of this population. This can lead to clinical impasses in regard to joining, assessment, the selection of appropriate intervention strategies, and misdiagnosis.

Learn more from participants in the program - view our video.