Study Spanish, Floriculture Marketing in Mexico

As the Latino population in the United States continues to rise, the growing industry is faced with both a challenge and an opportunity. A week-long study program in Cuernavaca, Mexico, “A Spanish Immersion: Floriculture & Marketing,” led by Texas A&M University horticulture professor and extension specialist Don C. Wilkerson, can give ornamental growers a competitive edge and the necessary skills to profit from this booming and vital labor source.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn or practice functional and conversational Spanish in small classes with accredited teachers. In the afternoons, they will partake in educational field-study tours focusing on floriculture production and marketing.

Cuernavaca is one of Mexico’s most historic and beautiful colonial cities, known as La Ciudad de Eterna Primavera (the city of eternal spring). The city’s environment is ideal for a wide range of ornamental plants, landscapes and gardens and the state of Morelos is a center for the production of floriculture crops, according to a University flyer.

The cost per participant is $800 for double room occupancy or $950 for single room occupancy, which includes the registration fee, suite accommodations, two meals a day, tours and excursions, books, and wireless Internet access. Roundtrip airfare and ground transportation are not included.

For more information regarding this unique educational opportunity, please contact Don C Wilkerson, professor and extension specialist at d-wilkerson@tamu.edu or (979) 458-4433.