PREPARE YOURSELF TO A WEEK OF EXPLORATIONS, DISCOVERIES AND STUDIES...

IN ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND VIBRANT CITIES in Latin AMERICA...

Mexico city, México!

 

The Project


Learning is a complex process that involves different aspects of our mind and body. This is why meaningful learning requires us to use not only our reason but our senses and feelings too. To grasp the reality and understand it, we need to go further in the learning process. We need to learn not only with our intellect, but with our hands and heart. In other words, to experience meaningful learning we need to learn in practice through personal experiences. Learning in practice, with our whole body, senses and reason, requires us to go beyond the books' representations. It demands us to deal with the real colors of life.

 That is the essence of this Project! 

The idea is to offer a possibility of meaningful learning through personal experiences in relevant urban environments. 

Urban environments are some of the most evident places that condense social, cultural, political and economic dimensions. Which means that exploring and studying such areas will open to us a great potential to achieve a better, consistent and meaningful knowledge about human spaces.

 

Mexico City


In the context of Latin America, one of the most expressive and insightful urban environments to study is definitely the capital city of Mexico, Mexico City.

Mexico City is a remarkable place. Mixing old and new elements, from its deep Aztec roots to the Hispanic heritage, this very cosmopolitan area was and is the stage of many political, cultural and social events that impact the region and the continent as well. Being the economic, social and administrative center of Mexico, Mexico City can offer us a variety of situations and places to learn and comprehend our historical and geographic contexts.

Such characteristics are some of the reasons why we chose the Mexican capital city to develop the 2024 Urban Features Project. Another very important motivation resides in the fact that Mexico City had implemented a public transportation system that is similar to the one that Paraná's capital city has: Curitiba's BRT model. The possibility to see and experience the Mexican BRT is one more factor that we strongly consider in this project - since with that we'll be able to compare and analyze how such urban mobility systems impact distinct realities in different contexts.

  

going beyond


If we want to improve knowledge and our critical thinking, it is crucial to go beyond theoretical formation. Applying ourselves in an in loco learning experience, will result in a more consistent and meaningful education.

 The urban Features project: Mexico city
is exactly about this!

And more... 

Through an intensive and immersive experience, in a project like this, a variety of skills and competences can be fostered and deeper developed.

It is an extraordinary opportunity to improve your IB learner profile... as open-minded to other cultures, as risk-takers experiencing a foreign environment, as inquirers to different traditions, as caring while empathizing with fellow urban dwellers, etc.

  

mexican realities, an itinerary


Making use of geographical skills and critical thinking we are going to unveil some of the distinctive Mexican realities. And all of this in a series of activities over one week long.

The activities will consist in the exploration of the Urban social and environmental features of Mexico City; which will happen through tours at the inner city, walking graffiti areas, experiencing the public transport system, visiting museums, eating local dishes, and learning important aspects of its political and cultural contexts. 

Plus, with the goal of fostering academic exchange, we'll expend a whole day visiting our sister-school Colegio Suizo de México, as well as interacting with its community.

Obs: Almost all the activities will happen with the support of the Non-Governmental Organizations that offers free tours and public lectures. (In this case, having no additional costs). For more details, check the activities' description below.

To see The Urban Features Project in action, take a look at some highlights of our 2022 Bogotá Trip
Credit: Swiss School News

Reportagem SSNews UFP Bogotá.mov

schedule


Considering our school calendar, together with the most appropriate time to travel to Mexico City, the third week of June seems to be the best option. This way, from Sunday to Saturday, June 16 to 22, 2024, is the optimum moment for this project.

PREVIOUS SCHEDULE:

Sunday (16/6/24):   - Arriving at Mexico City;

Monday (17/6/24):   - City tour in Downtown area of Mexico City [i];
  - Mexican Food experimentation [ii];

Tuesday (18/6/24):   - Visiting Colegio Suizo de México [iii]; 

Wednesday (19/6/24): - Mexico City Bus Rapid Transit exploration [iv];
  - Chapultepec Forest exploration [v];

Thursday (20/6/24):   - Visiting the Pyramids of Teotihuacán [vi];

Friday (21/6/24):   - Culture and Street Art: Coyoacán & Frida Kahlo [vii];
  - Free afternoon;

Saturday (22/6/24):   - Returning to Curitiba.

ACTIVITIES' DESCRIPTION:

[i] City tour in Downtown area of Mexico City: An introduction to Mexico City’s downtown area through an approach from indigenous times until the arrival of the Spaniards looking to stablish a new civilization. An insightful, fun-filled and informative walk about history, geography, gastronomy, architecture, and more. This walking tour goes around the best sights that the inner center has to offer. Its aim is to offer a possibility to students to discover and experience the city through the eyes of locals, and bring to life some cultural expressions, historical and representative institutions, the tragedies that have changed the city and more. (Organized by KactusMX NGO).

[ii] Mexican Food experimentation: A walking to different food stops in Mexico City inner center area, to explore local and diverse cultural mix Mexican dishes. While walking and eating, the background of local gastronomy, mostly when the Mexican territory was dominated by indigenous ancestors, will be presented. Throughout this experience the students will have the chance to get closer to the Mexican culture, walk around non-touristic spots and unveil the secrets of traditional legacy. (Organized by KactusMX NGO).

[iii] Visiting Colegio Suizo de México: A visit leaded by the Brazilian teachers to Colegio Suizo de México. The aim is to know the school community, buildings, projects and staff; as well as establish a cultural and academic exchange.

[iv] Mexico City Bus Rapid Transit exploration: A day long exploration in Mexico City famous public transport ‘Metrobús’ Bus Rapid Transit system. The group of students will travel through different bus stations, terminals and neighborhoods to have a local perspective and to know and better understand distinct realities of that urban area. (Lead by Brazilian Swiss School teachers).

[v] Chapultepec Forest exploration: Once a location used by Aztec rulers, Chapultepec Forest is nowadays an important green lung in modern Mexico City and one of the largest parks in the world. Its presence throughout history makes it a truly fascinating place to visit and explore. Inside the park the students will find the Chapultepec Castle, the Aztec Baths of Moctezuma as well as a colonial aqueduct. It’s also home to the popular National Museum of Anthropology, which houses artifacts such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun. (Lead by Brazilian Swiss School teachers).

[vi] Visiting the Pyramids of Teotihuacán: A visit to the impressive Ancient city of Teotihuacán, situated in the surroundings of Mexico City. This once influential city is now a World Heritage site declered by UNESCO, and it is home of the world-famus Pyramid and the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. Teotihuacán was considered a religious center in the Mexican Highlands, and was one of the largest and most populated areas in pre-Columbian times. Teotihuacán can be reached by subway and a bus. (Lead by Brazilian Swiss School teachers).

[vii] Culture and Street Art: Coyoacán & Frida Kahlo: A walking tour that explores: the enchanted blocks around the famed "Blue House" where the wonderful Mexican artist Frida Kahlo used to live; the ambience around the cobblestone streets on the way to the traditional Mexican Market Coyoacán; the green gardens of the Plaza along the San Juan church, an emblematic building of colonial heritage; the Fountain of Coyotes and its traditional spots to get a tasty churro, a fresh roasted coffee or an artisan ice cream; the colourful Street Art of the picturesque essence that the artists transmit behind the cultural beliefs of this splendorous ‘barrio’. (Offered by VivaLaVida MX NGO).


  

COSTS AND INTENTION

 The TOTAL COSTS WILL BE AROUND r$ 8.500,00
(TO COVER FLIGHTS, HOTEL AND MEALS)

If you are interested in being part of this amazing project, please talk to your parents/guardians and answer the questions below:

Please submit the form as soon as possible. The next week will be crucial to us to decide the Project continuity; and for this, we need already the selected candidates.

In case of questions, or further details, please get in contact.

Organization


Carlos Machado, EM & IB Coordinator
coord.em@chpr.com.br 



Clevisson Pereira, Geography/TOK teacher
clevisson.pereira@chpr.com.br