Elective sites in other locations, such as Mongolia, are in development.

A Word About Safety

In periods of political instability in Mexico, we have had to curtail travel into Mexico for the safety of participants. When this has occurred, students redesigned their rotation to stay "state-side". For example, one group chose to look at the politics along the border of Mexico and Texas. They traveled to Austin , Texas, our capital city, and met with state legislators. They also traveled the border all the way from Brownsville to El Paso, speaking with healthcare providers and community organizers regarding the effect of the violence on families on "this side" of the border. It was a huge success.

During another rotation marked by the uncertainty of violence, students remained in this area, deep South Texas. They worked in homeless shelters and with unaccompanied minors from Central and South Texas detained in children’s refugee centers. Their research and insight provided much information regarding the mental health of children in these shelters.

During rotations when participants go to Mexico, our U.S. faculty physicians escorted the students to Ciudad Victoria and back. While in Mexico, the students stayed in pediatric residents' homes and worked in teams, not going out alone.
As in all international travel, safety is an issue. We strive to provide a safe and productive experience in this international location, the Texas/Mexico border.