CLACS Faculty Prof. Jon Kahl Leads Study Abroad Experience

Photos of study abroad participants provided by UWM Mexico Study Abroad Course: Air Pollution and Ancient Cultures Facebook page.

During UWinteriM 2025, Professor Jon Kahl (UWM, Atmospheric Science) led a study abroad experience to Southern Mexico titled, “Mexico – Air Pollution and Ancient Cultures”. The group included 14 UWM students and marked Kahl’s 15th year organizing this unique opportunity.  

Before departing for Mexico, the group spent a day and a half at UWM preparing for their journey. Under Kahl’s guidance, students participated in lectures and laboratory sessions covering a range of topics, including meteorology, air pollution, environmental corrosion, and precipitation collection/measurement. And they also spent important time honing their Spanish language skills! This time spent preparing for the trip ensured that the group was well-equipped to engage with both the academic and cultural aspects of the program once they arrived. 

Kahl’s extensive experience leading this program, combined with his deep connections in Mexico, has allowed for the program’s continued success. As Kahl spends approximately one month in Mexico each year, he and his local contacts were able to provide firsthand knowledge of each of the sites and institutions visited, enriching the students’ overall experience. Over the course of the program, students had the opportunity to visit five magnificent sites of cultural heritage, including the renowned archaeological sites of Monte Albán and El Tajín.  

The group headed to Monte Albán on the 11th day of their trip. Monte Albán is the capital of the ancient Zapotec civilization and is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Mexico. The site is located a few miles to the west of Oaxaca and sits on top of a mountaintop that the ancient Zapotecs flattened using hand tools. The high altitude of Monte Albán allows for a spectacular 360-degree view of its surroundings, in addition to large pyramids, ceremonial ball courts, and carvings. 

 

Photo of study abroad participants at Monte Alban provided by UWM Mexico Study Abroad Course: Air Pollution and Ancient Cultures Facebook page.

 

Day 14 brought the group to El Tajín archaeological zone. El Tajín is famous for its “pyramid of the niches” and ball courts where competitions ended in human sacrifice. During its peak (600-900 AD), Tajín was the town and ceremonial center of the Classic Veracruz civilization. Fun fact: Tajín means ‘thunder god’ in the Totonac language!

 

Photo of study abroad participants in El Tajín provided by UWM Mexico Study Abroad Course: Air Pollution and Ancient Cultures Facebook page.

 

The great success of the study abroad experience would not have been possible without Kahl’s passion for the program. Students returned from the experience with a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between meteorology, air pollution, and cultural heritage. They also gained insight into the difficulties and paradoxes involved in preserving cultural heritage sites in developing countries – as well as lasting friendships with both UWM and Mexican university students.