The Border Studies Seminar for Educators will bring together educators – professors, teachers, students of education, education administrators, and religious educators – from all around the U.S. to participate in a BorderLinks travel seminar along the border. This seminar provides a platform for educators to see, experience, discuss and reflect on border issues with colleagues in the field of education. Join fellow education professionals in exploring the complexities of the U.S./Mexico border through a joint analysis of the following core themes: immigration policy and law, human rights and labor conditions, migration, global economics and the implications of NAFTA, international politics and U.S./ Mexico relations, drug and human smuggling, border militarization and security, community organizing, education and social services.
Expect to meet with individuals along the border including academics, human rights activists, labor organizers, government officials, community leaders, immigration specialists, public defenders, border artists and migrants. Potential visits include maquilas (foreign-owned assembly plants), migrant shelters, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, a micro-credit institution and local humanitarian aid organizations. In addition to structured visits, participants will have the opportunity to stay with host families in Nogales and engage with local community members along the border.