Mexico comes to Southampton

MeXsu, the Centre for Mexico-Southampton Collaboration at the University of Southampton is hosting a week of events to promote culture and society from Mexico. They range from mariachi bands to classical music and dance with modern film, drama and talks at arts venues including the Turner Sims Concert Hall, Nuffield Theatre, Phoenix Film Society and Harbour Lights Picture House. The Anglo Mexican Foundation in Mexico City helped to secure some of the Mexican artists.

Mexico Week will be officially launched at a reception at the University by Mexico’s Ambassador to the UK, Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza.

MeXsu was created by Clare Mar-Molinero, Professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages to draw Southampton’s attention to this fascinating country. “I want to put Mexico on the agenda for people in the city, highlighting what it has to offer, and dispelling some of the negative stereotypes associated with it. Our aim is to promote and foster links between the University and Mexico, encouraging student and staff exchange visits and inspiring joint research projects,” she says.

Modern Languages staff at Southampton encourage students to spend time studying or working in Mexico. A ‘Year Abroad’ in the country enables them to perfect their command of the language and learn about its culture. “While Mexico is a long way from home, we find every student who chooses to live there for a year finds the experience both rewarding and enjoyable,” adds Clare. Mexican students also cross the Atlantic to study at Southampton; many Mexican university teachers of English are enrolled on Southampton’s innovative online MA in English Language Teaching.

Mexico Week coincides with the traditional Mexican Day of the Dead festival. An altar to remember ancestors will be set up at the University’s Avenue Campus; staff and students will explain the significance of the items on display. Local schools will be visiting the altar and staff have prepared teaching materials about Mexico for them.