Spanish Immersion Cultural Experience (SPICE) 2009

Five students visited Mexico as part of Winterim in January. SPICE has been a part of Winterim since 2004. Students with at least two years of Spanish (either practical experience or coursework at Martin Luther College) spend two weeks in Mexico building language skills and becoming more acquainted with Spanish culture and history.

The excursion includes an intensive one-week language course at the Spanish Institute of Puebla that offers six hours of instruction each day: four hours of one-on-one classroom learning and two hours of personal conversation with a guide. Students also attend a two-day conference with Mexican pastors and seminary students of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mexico.

Professor John Schuetze, who has led the SPICE trip for the past five years, sees a definite value in meeting with the students and pastors of our sister synod — even if only for a short time. “They are a small group and appreciate having the opportunity to gather together with those who share a common faith. It provides an excellent opportunity for spiritual growth and fellowship.”

The students also visit cultural and historical sites such as the Teotihuacán and the basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe. “The purpose of this program is to immerse the students in the language and culture of Mexico. Even though most of our students will eventually serve in the United States, chances are there will be some people from Mexico who will live in their area. This will help them better relate to and minister to our neighbors from the south.”

To qualify for the SPICE trip, students must complete some work at a congregation in the Milwaukee area where they assist with a Latino outreach program. “The clear focus of the program is ministry and preparation for ministry to Latinos.” As room in the program allows, SPICE is also open to pastors who want to improve their Spanish skills.