An academic and cultural experience to understand migration from its communities of origin
To understand migration, we must understand where it comes from.
Servicios Educativos del Bajío A.C. (SEBAJ), through its Training and Consulting Department, presents “Roots of Migration: Mexico–USA from Guanajuato”, a Winter 2026 program designed as an immersive academic and cultural experience exploring the roots and realities of migration between Mexico and the United States, with a special focus on Guanajuato.
Over the course of seven days, participants will have the opportunity to explore migration from social, cultural, academic, and human perspectives through field visits, conversations, academic discussions, and direct encounters with communities and people whose lives are connected to migration.
Understanding migration from its roots
Migration between Mexico and the United States is a complex phenomenon with deep social, economic, cultural, and human dimensions. Guanajuato has a particularly important connection to this history, with communities and families whose experiences have been shaped by migration across the border.
For this reason, “Roots of Migration” goes beyond concepts and statistics to explore the experiences of people and communities directly connected to migration.
Through a fully bilingual English–Spanish program, participants will engage with different perspectives while creating opportunities for reflection, cultural exchange, and collaborative learning.
📚 What does the program include?
The program offers a 40-hour academic experience that includes:
- Visits to migrant communities of origin in Guanajuato.
- Discussions with experts on public safety challenges and their impacts.
- Meetings with returned migrants and their families.
- Conversations with families searching for missing loved ones.
- Analysis of migration policies and their impact on both sides of the border.
- Opportunities for reflection, cultural exchange, and collaborative learning.
- Accommodation at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
- Travel insurance.
- Transportation for airport transfers, community visits, and field visits.
- Welcome dinner and institutional dinner in Guanajuato City.
- A fully bilingual program in English and Spanish.
The combination of academic activities, field experiences, and community encounters provides participants with an opportunity to explore migration from multiple perspectives.
🎓 Who should attend?
“Roots of Migration: Mexico–USA from Guanajuato” is intended for:
- Students.
- Academics.
- Researchers.
- Human rights advocates.
- Migration and immigrant rights professionals.
- Individuals interested in understanding migration between Mexico and the United States.
📅 Program dates and location
Arrival: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Departure: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Location: León, Guanajuato, Mexico.
Activities will include visits and experiences in León, communities in Guanajuato, and Guanajuato City.
🗣️ A bilingual learning experience
The program will be conducted in English and Spanish, creating a space for participants from different academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds to share perspectives and experiences.
The bilingual format is designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration around the realities of migration between Mexico and the United States.
🎓 40-hour Certificate of Participation
Participants will receive a 40-hour Certificate of Participation upon completion of the program.
Airfare is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.
🌎 Guanajuato: a place to explore the roots of migration
Guanajuato provides an opportunity to approach migration from one of its places of origin and to explore the communities, stories, and experiences that are part of this cross-border reality.
Rather than studying migration only from a distance, “Roots of Migration” invites participants to encounter it through its people, communities, and roots.
📩 Information & Registration
In the USA
Benjamin Waddell
Tel. +1 (505) 386-0060
bjwaddell@fortlewis.edu
In Mexico
Dyana Wiechers
Tel. +52 (477) 578 12 88
cursos@sebaj.org.mx
Organized by:
Training and Consulting Department, SEBAJ A.C.
🌱 SEBAJ — Educating to bear good fruit.