Harvard Students in Mexico: A Growing Global Engagement

This summer, we welcomed 12 of our Harvard University students to Mexico as part of our Mexico Summer Internship Program (SIP). Over the course of two months, these students worked with various organizations on projects of global significance, made possible through the invaluable collaboration with key local institutions and organizations.

The program offered students a unique opportunity for both cultural and academic immersion, allowing them to explore Mexico deeply while making meaningful contributions to important research and projects. Our students were hosted by a diverse group of organizations, including Ashoka, Otros Dreams en Acción, Escuela de Gobierno y Transformación Pública del Tecnológico de Monterrey, Educación para Compartir, Clubes de Ciencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales y Biomédicas at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro Nacional de Evaluación para la Educación Superior (CENEVAL), and Vía Educación.

Through these partnerships, students engaged with critical topics such as social innovation, education, biomedical research, and social sciences, thereby enriching their knowledge and experiences. "We are delighted to have hosted these students and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future," said César Chávez Álvarez, Director of Research, Technical Quality, and Academic Innovation at CENEVAL. "This has been a continuous learning process for us as well."

Beyond their research and professional work, students participated in a variety of cultural and academic activities, including visits to historical sites and specialized talks on key issues. “I discovered many Mexicos in such a short time—the rich culinary and cultural diversity, as well as challenges like over-tourism and water scarcity in the city,” shared Nathalie Cruz, one of the 2024 program participants.

The students’ research significantly contributed to projects supporting both the Mexican government and various local organizations. “Their ability to analyze data collected in our labs has made this experience a true collaborative effort, enriching both sides,” noted Citlalli Osorio Yáñez, a researcher at the Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas at UNAM.

A particularly enriching aspect of this experience was the interaction with host families, which provided students with deeper cultural immersion. "My house became their home, and she became part of my family," said Tania Galicia, who graciously supported the program as a host.

We are incredibly proud of the contributions our students made during their time in Mexico and deeply grateful to the organizations and families who supported them.