Study Abroad Library

The University of Arizona and CIRMA, Antigua

Study the history of Central American revolutions and practice your Spanish in the shadow of three active volcanoes while receiving University of Arizona credit at the Center for Mesoamerican Research (CIRMA) in Antigua, Guatemala. At CIRMA, you'll learn about the society, politics, history and culture of Central America from professors who have lived what they teach. Your experience at CIRMA will be enriched by a series of conferences with nationally and internationally recognized experts. The conferences lead to in-depth discussions on topics such as ethnic relations, contemporary arts, the peace process in Guatemala, the Central American environmental crisis, and the significance of 'democracy' in Guatemala and the region. Field trips led by internationally recognized experts from the region will enable you to see for yourself how Guatemalans from different walks of life live and work amidst cultural, social, environmental, and political challenges. You'll see for yourself the realities that define life in the country today. In addition to these unique privileges, you will also have the chance to do an internships with CIRMA. On your own time you won't want to pass up the opportunity to explore the city's jazz bars, artisan markets and coffee shops or the archaeological ruins, hot springs and black sand beaches of the countryside.