A&SRC Explorers
Welcome to A&SRC Explorers!
Experiencing Mexican Culture
A&SRC Explorers is the signature program of the Arts and Sciences Residential College (A&SRC). This application-based competitive program is open to full-time A&SRC members in good academic standing with demonstrated RLC, campus, and community engagement.
Selected students will enroll in Encountering Global Cultures (MLNG2000) during the Spring 2025 semester and travel abroad during Spring Break (March 8-15, 2025). Our destination is Mexico, with stays in Mérida and surrounding areas in the Yucatán Peninsula.
The student cost for this travel experience is $425.00 (plus passport acquisition fees). The program’s sponsors (UTC’s Center for Global Education, College of Arts and Sciences, and Division of Access and Engagement) cover the remaining cost.
Our faculty-led cohort will explore sites of pre-Columbian civilization, consider how the confluence of Meso-American and European cultures informed Mexican cultural identity, and experience a glimpse of daily life in modern Mérida.
Join us and explore historically rich and culturally vibrant Mexico!
Tentative Itinerary
(March 8-15, 2025)
- Enjoy pedestrian and bicycle tours of "la ciudad blanca," Mérida, Yucatán.
- Engage and exchange with students and faculty at the UADY (Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán).
- Experience local music and dance traditions at the live Vaquería Yucateca show.
- Mingle with the locals at a Mercado (market) shopping adventure.
- Swim and soak up the sun at Progreso Beach.
- See and hear Mayan legends come to life at the Mayan World Museum of Mérida.
- Explore the Mayan ruins at the Chichén Itzá and Uxmal archaeological sites.
- Discover the significance of cacao (chocolate) at the Choco Story Museum.
- Contemplate Mayan mysticism as you relax in a cenote (underground swimming hole) excursion.
- Consider colonial plantation life and economy on a henequen hacienda tour.
Program Dates and Deadlines
- A&SRC Explorers Application Submission: November 1, 2024
- Notification of Program Admission: November 15, 2024
- Renew/Apply for a passport: December 1, 2024
- Withdrawal without a penalty fee: January 6, 2025
- MLNG2000 Course Enrollment: January 12, 2025
- Travel Dates: March 8-15, 2025
Quick Links
A&SRC Explorers FAQs and Itinerary
Program Withdrawal Policy: coming soon!
Eligible Events: coming soon!
Eligible Volunteer and Service Activities: coming soon!
Contact Us
Dr. Nikolasa Tejero
A&SRC Director
Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
423-425-4621
387 Lupton Hall