Explorations in Oaxaca: The Link between Animals and Culture by Raquel Rodriguez Landrau, Animal Science major

This past summer, I explored some of my main interests while studying abroad: culture, history, and animal care. I had the opportunity to study in Oaxaca, México, for three and a half weeks, as part of the Penn State Maymester in México: Culture and Community-Based Learning program. The program, based in the College of Education, works with the Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca (UABJO), in Oaxaca, México, to help Penn State students develop social justice perspectives, leadership, and advocacy skills while experiencing a multilingual and multicultural life.

Before the trip, seven students participated in a 7-week, one-credit course on Language, Culture & Community, where we learned about equity and social and cultural issues in Oaxaca, especially as they impact language, indigenous lives, the global economy, and Oaxacan culture. The 3-credit study abroad experience itself included a Spanish class, interactions with assigned Mexican peers, excursions, and a research project exploring Oaxacan culture. My research project, Cultural Values and Significance of Animals in Oaxaca, explored the values influencing the interaction with and protection of domesticated and wild animals in the Mexican state. Through interviews and observations, I found that Oaxacan communities recognize the importance of rescuing, preserving, and conserving animal populations as valuable components of nature and culture.

During our abroad experience, we each lived with a different Mexican family and attended exciting field excursions and experiential learning opportunities. For example, we visited the Calpulálpam de Méndez Ecological Center in the Sierra Juárez’s mountain valley, in south-western Oaxaca. The population in this area mostly works in agriculture, and the Sierra Juárez is considered a “magical town” as it has a famous healing center showcasing traditional healing, medicinal plants, and spiritual and physical healing. We visited the ecological center and the mountainside where they promote sustainability and environment conservation. There were spaces where visitors could not use shoes or socks, which promotes respect for and connection with nature.

Our group also visited historical towns like Monte Albán and San Bartolo Coyotepec, which were important centers of the Zapotec civilization (over 2500 years ago). Monte Albán is an ancient Zapotec capital, considered a UNESCO World Heritage site (as it has an “outstanding universal value” for humanity). San Bartolo Coyotepec is known for “barro negro” (black clay) pottery and crafts markets, and some of these unique pieces are exhibited at the State Museum of Popular Art of Oaxaca. We also visited the Árbol de Tule (Tule Tree) in the Santa María del Tule town center. The Montezuma cypress is considered the stoutest tree trunk in the world (with a circumference of 137.8 ft).

Another exciting excursion was the visit to the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga Mazunte (CMTM), an educational center for the study and rehabilitation of sea turtles in Mazunte, Oaxaca. It was fascinating to learn about this center’s commitment to rescuing, breeding, and protecting several species of turtles. They also help educate the public, provide economic alternatives to fishing, and manage dog populations near nesting sites (with rescue partners). This visit gave me a fantastic opportunity to witness one of the most important conservation efforts in Mexico.

On the way from one of the excursions, we stopped to eat at the Rancho Zapata Restaurant. To my surprise, the restaurant owners had converted part of their land into a non-profit animal rescue space. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to tour the rescue area and informally interview the staff. I found out, for example, that they receive animals that have been mistreated, through a grant from the government. I was fascinated by their commitment to nurturing these animals. In other excursions, I also had the opportunity to visit a cat café and to care for stray dogs.

The most exciting visit for me during the trip was my visit to the UABJO’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Zoology. I had the opportunity to tour the school and interview a few professors and staff. I found out that in México one does not have to complete an undergraduate degree before attending veterinary school; the veterinary medicine degree is a 5-year (undergraduate) degree. This institution also has a strong social commitment, demonstrated by the quality of its community services and volunteer work in animal shelters.

This educational study abroad opportunity allowed me to learn about my heritage, improve my language skills, and experience the historical and cultural perspectives that influence the care of animals in México. Not only did I experience personal growth during the three weeks of my experience abroad, but I find that I can translate the experience into assets for my future career. I learned that I am much more resourceful speaking Spanish than I thought I would be. I was also more comfortable communicating and interacting with college students and with professionals in a different cultural context. I also successfully conducted interviews in Spanish and develop a project focusing on an unfamiliar cultural experience. Finally, having spent time with upperclass (juniors-seniors) Penn State students provided me with insight into some experiences I need to pursue at Penn State to make the most of my college life. This study abroad experience was a game-changer for me, and I now have the goal of experiencing working with animals in many other countries.