CONEXIONES founders chose Morelia, capital of the Mexican state of Michoacán, as the field site because of its extraordinary opportunities for the study of language and culture. Equidistant at 200 miles from Guadalajara to the west and Mexico City to the east, Morelia, a relatively small city (population near one million), preserves a provincial ambiance. Nestled in a high valley, Morelia has a mild climate and renowned colonial architecture. Students enjoy the provincial setting and traditional Mexican hospitality in the homes of selected host families.
Anthropologically, the region was the domain of the Tarascan or Purépecha civilization. Morelia is a crossroads of Mexican history and a center of art and culture. Michoacán is also the perfect place to study the Mexican countryside. Nearby is picturesque Lake Pátzcuaro and dozens of Purépecha villages, famous for their traditional fiestas and folk art. CONEXIONES 2008 students will have the opportunity to climb the famous Paricutín volcano and attend a village fiesta celebration in honor of San Juan (June 24). Endless in interest and appeal, Morelia and Michoacán provide an ideal context for CONEXIONES.
