CLACS recently caught up with Alex Vyborny, a UWM senior majoring in Geography and Urban Studies, to learn about the impact of her study abroad experience in Mexico. This past January, Alex participated in the two-week UWinteriM course, “Mexico: Air Pollution and Ancient Cultures,” offered through UWM’s Atmospheric Science program.
UWM Professor Jon Kahl will again offer the program in January of 2027, open to Atmospheric Science majors and non-majors alike. More information is available on the Center for International Education website.
Read on for Alex’s reflections and advice for other students considering the trip!
What made you want to join the Mexico Study Abroad trip?
I joined the trip because it combined everything I’m interested in – traveling through different landscapes, learning about human impacts on historical sites, and seeing planning practices in a new context. I’d always wanted to visit Mexico but didn’t know where to start, and this felt like the perfect way to experience the country meaningfully.
As a Geography/Urban Studies major, what drew you to Latin American studies?
Latin America brings together many themes I care about: urbanization, environmental change, cultural history, and the relationship between people and place. This trip in particular aligned my interests in how people interact with the built environment and how natural processes can impact spaces.
How did the trip inspire you to keep learning about Latin America?
Traveling across Mexico, meeting people, and seeing such varied landscapes made the region feel alive and complex in a way you can’t get from a classroom. It left me curious to keep learning and exploring long after the trip ended.
As you get ready to graduate, how do you plan to incorporate Latin American studies into life after college?
The trip gave me a perspective I want to carry forward – both personally and professionally. I already have a return trip to Mexico City planned, and I hope to keep exploring the region while applying what I learned about the culture, history, and environmental change to my future work.
What advice would you give students who are considering studying abroad in Mexico/Latin America but aren’t sure where to begin?
Go. It’s a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to experience a new place without the stress of planning every detail yourself. The program takes care of the logistics — where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and what you’ll see — so you can focus on learning, exploring, and enjoying the experience. In the end, the trip truly pays for itself and so much more. Reach out to Dr Kahl (the program leader), or anyone in the Study Abroad office. They are more than willing to answer any questions you may have.