Cal Poly Humboldt students volunteer at CRISMA – Vamos México

Students to Volunteer at CRISMA in Mexico During new International Service Learning Program

Published November 15, 2023

Cal Poly Humboldt students, along with faculty and staff, will travel to Guanajuato, Mexico, from Jan. 10-21, 2024, as part of the University’s newest International Service Learning Program.

There, they will spend 10 days learning about local culture and history and working at Centro de Rehabilitación Integral de San Miguel de Allende (CRISMA), a rehabilitation clinic in San Miguel de Allende.

CRISMA offers physical, speech, and occupational therapy and psychological services to patients and their families. It was established by Vamos Mexico, a nonprofit organization founded by Marta Sahagún and her husband, former Mexican President Vincente Fox.

Students will observe medical professionals at CRISMA and assist with tasks such as helping patients with exercises. They will also spend a few days traveling and exploring Guanajuato, including cultural tours and a visit to the University of Guanajuato.

The program is open to all Humboldt students, and there is no language requirement. Students from majors including Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, and Kinesiology are especially encouraged to participate.

Before embarking on the trip, students will participate in a Service Learning course. The course prepares students on topics such as Service Learning pedagogy, Mexican/Guanajuato history, team building, rehabilitation therapies offered at the clinic, and more.

The program, led by the Department of World Languages & Cultures, is the newest International Service Learning Program at Cal Poly Humboldt. WLC also offers International Service Learning Programs in the Philippines, and opportunities to study abroad in Senegal, Spain, and France.

“International Service Learning opportunities are a great way for students to learn about careers, other cultures, and themselves,” says Matthew Dean, World Languages & Cultures department chair and professor. “As they broaden their horizons, they are better equipped to be informed global citizens.”

¿QUIÉNES SOMOS? HISTORIA Fundación Vamos México es una organización social sin fines de lucro que inició sus actividades el 24 de Septiembre de 2001. A lo largo de estos años de trabajo se ha contribuido a nivel nacional y local con diversas causas sociales relacionadas con: educación, salud, adicciones, desarrollo comunitario, discapacidad entre otras.   En Enero de 2015, Fundación Vamos México recibe el Centro de Rehabilitación Integral San Miguel de Allende, CRISMA, con el compromiso de otorgar tratamientos adecuados a niños y adultos con discapacidad de bajos ingresos.   CRISMA es un centro de atención integral que brinda servicios de diagnóstico y tratamiento de rehabilitación física y neurológica a personas con discapacidad principalmente aquellos que por su condición social no tienen accesibilidad a estos.   MISIÓN Mejorar la salud y la calidad de vida de personas que padecen alguna discapacidad física o neurológica, brindando servicios de rehabilitacion con excelencia en calidad y profundo sentido humanitario.   VISIÓN Ser una Institución líder en atención integral a pacientes con discapacidad, reconocida nacional e internacionalmente por su investigación y por su atención con excelencia en calidad y sentido humanitario.   VALORES • Honestidad • Compromiso • Transparencia • Sentido Humanitario • Disciplina