This spring break, any student can enjoy the relaxing sunny beaches of Mexico and immerse themselves in the culture for credit.

Richard Crome, associate professor of Spanish, said his spring break trip to Mexico is an “eye opener that will establish new horizons” for Eastern students. The trip shows students “the real Mexico,” not just the tourist attractions like Cancun, or as he calls it “Miami Beach South.”

“In Cancun, you only see the microcosm of Mexico that’s been created for tourists,” he said. “We experience Mexican culture through our own eyes.”

Students will leave March 7 from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and return March 17 after spending 10 days touring Mexico. The group will visit the different Mexican states including Hidalgo, Puebla, Veracruz, Chiapas and Quintata Roo.

The trip begins in Mexico City, touring the Basilica of Guadalupe, the National Cathedral and the National Museum of Archeology. In addition, he said the final two days are set aside for rest and relaxation on the blue turquoise beaches of Cozumel.

Among the many sites visited on the trip will be the city of Palenque, located at the edge of the rain forest jungle. Students will explore the jungle and the archaeological ruins of the city, known as the “jewel of all the Mayan ruins in Mexico,” he said.

The ruins are “so far beyond anything we can imagine in this country,” Crome said. “They are very inspiring.”

Students who have participated in the university trip in previous years were delighted by many aspects of it. Crome said many were impressed and awed by the enormous size and mass of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Also, he said students fall in love with the high altitudes and fine forests of Zacatlan as the group spends a day picnicking in the countryside.

Students will not be able to spend the whole trip just soaking in the scenery of these magnificent sights. Each students is required to attend four meetings before the trip to discuss their interests and develop ideas for projects which they will work on throughout their stay in Mexico, he said.

The project is assigned to each student, requiring an intense investigation into the Mexican culture. Projects can range from architecture, history, foods, archeology or “anything that will help students increase their depth and understanding” of Mexico and promote involvement with the people of the culture.

Crome said a students will be allowed free time, especially towards the end of the trip, to explore and relax.

Results of each student’s work will be submitted and evaluated for two credit hours in the Introduction to Hispanic Culture course.

There is no prerequisite for the trip and students do not need to be Spanish speaking. However, Crome said students involved in Spanish may walk away with a better appreciation for their language studies because they get to communicate with natives and utilize their skills in real life experiences.

The trip costs $1,050 which includes air and surface transportation, hotel, guide fees and entrance to archeological zones. The cost does not cover tuition which is an additional $255 for undergraduates and $265 for graduate students, and any airport fees or incidental taxi fares and food.

Applications, which are available in the foreign language department, are due Feb. 5. Ten students are currently enrolled, but Crome is hoping to take 18.

“This trip can be the beginning of a lifetime of being prepared to live, work and function in a bilingual society that is a reality in many areas of the United States today,” Crome said.