CGCC Faculty Members Recap Inspiring Trip to Mexico

Faculty members David Muñoz (Philosophy/Religious Studies) and Sue Steele (Math) recently returned from a two week long trip to Mexico City and Guanajuato as part of the 2015 Global Engagement Faculty Development Program  offered by the Office of International and Intercultural Education. Steele and Muñoz were two of six district faculty members chosen to represent CGCC, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and the state of Arizona to facilitate the internationalization of the MCCCD curriculum and colleges.

While in Mexico, they were fully immersed in the study of the country, and gained a first-hand understanding of its distinctive people and culture. They traveled to the University of Guanajuato where they interacted with students and faculty about academic research, curriculum development and other means to establish beneficial relationships between the Maricopa Community Colleges and the University of Guanajuato. They also had the opportunity to visit key cultural, archaeological, religious, and historical sites including: the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Museo Frida Khalo, Basilica de Guadalupe and Museo Nacional de Antropología e Historia in Mexico City as well as the Museo Casa Diego Rivera, Teatro Juárez and Monumento el Pípila in Guanajuato. 

We had the opportunity to with chat with Steele and Muñoz about their recent experience. Here's what they had to say...

"The past three weeks spent in Mexico were a life changing experience for me and my outlook on Mexican culture. There were bonds created amongst Maricopa colleagues as well as educators and professionals of Mexico that will stay strong for a long time, if not forever.  The value that came from this cultural exchange is priceless,  not only to educate my students on Mexican culture but also to develop relationships with Mexican officials and share pedagogical and technological ideas. Our connection will allow the people of Guanajuato to be introduced to new advances in technology in hybrid classes in addition to exposing the students at Chandler-Gilbert Community college to the culture,  sites and structures in Mexico through math problems. I strongly suggest any educator to take advantage of the opportunity to experience the beauty and richness of Mexico through this unique program." -Sue Steele, Math Faculty 

"This trip has been amazing not only for the opportunity to participate with faculty members from different colleges and disciplines but also, the immense richness of information, academic dialogues, inspiration and plain friendship we were able to develop.  I do think all of us enriched not only our academic life but also, our personal experiences, these grew throughout the past 3 weeks full of activities, conferences, tourist sites, and conversations we had among ourselves.  I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to engage in diversity, culture, and academic advancement. -David Muñoz, Philosophy & Religious Studies Faculty