Six University of New Mexico (UNM) students and three faculty members from various departments have embarked on a month-long study abroad program in Córdoba, Southern Spain. The Abriendo Mundos/Opening Worlds (AMOW) Study Abroad Program offers a unique hands-on learning experience focused on student-centered strategies tailored to diverse learners.
Funded by donors, the program prepares New Mexico’s future and current educators through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates bilingual education, language arts, social studies, and special education. Participating education students will gain practical experience by working directly in public school classrooms serving predominantly Roma families.
The cohort includes undergraduate and graduate student teachers, ranging from early-career candidates to those specializing in special education. Mia Sosa-Provencio, director of AMOW and Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy at UNM’s College of Education and Human Sciences, emphasized the importance of selecting a diverse and committed group of participants.
“We intentionally include students beyond just bilingual educators because all teachers, regardless of subject, need to be equipped to support multilingual learners with varied abilities,” said Sosa-Provencio. “Our goal is to prepare teachers with skills and knowledge to serve students speaking any language, not just Spanish and English.”
The program focuses on innovative teaching methods, incorporating visuals, art, performance, play, and place-based historicized curricula to ensure all students can access content regardless of their linguistic or learning backgrounds. Partnering with the University of Córdoba, AMOW aligns with their shared commitment to global democracy, student agency, and culturally relevant curriculum.
“The University of Córdoba’s work explores how to foster open access for diverse students and how cultural sharing enriches learning environments where people from different backgrounds coexist,” Sosa-Provencio explained.
Recognizing the transformative potential of international immersion, Sosa-Provencio prioritized securing funding to support all AMOW fellows, many of whom are traveling abroad for the first time. She highlighted the personal growth and broader worldview students gain through such experiences.
“This journey helps students discover their roles, capabilities, and connect with adventurous peers eager to learn about the world,” she said. “We want students to see themselves differently by understanding the global context they inhabit.”
Looking ahead, UNM plans to add six new fellows annually to the program. Prospective participants can apply starting in October by submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and letters of intent. The program welcomes students of all ages, backgrounds, and disciplines, fostering a diverse cohort of future educators.
“Our aspiration is for these students to become true citizens of the world,” Sosa-Provencio affirmed.
The inaugural AMOW trip launched on May 16. For updates on the program and participants’ experiences, visit the College of Education & Human Sciences website or follow their Instagram at @unmcoehs.
