Security Issues
One or two people have raised a question about the relative security of Oaxaca, given the risks in the border zones, such as Ciudad Juárez. Mexico is a large country, and conditions vary greatly from region to region. Naturally, we are watching the scene in Oaxaca very carefully. If we have to cancel the institute we will do that, but we are hoping things remain relatively calm, as they are there currently. (I have a close colleague from Oregon in the hotel where I always stay as I write this; she will give me her honest assessment of the situation over the period of her stay. Other colleagues have been and returned in recent months, and all said they would give the program a green light.)
Some insurance companies offer supplemental travel insurance for medical emergencies and evacuations. We are not offering access to such insurance this year, but you are free to look for and obtain some on your own.
Security concerns were raised last summer by one or two people before we went to Oaxaca, and once we were there, the unanimous feeling was that we were very comfortable with the fairly calm political climate, our secure spaces, our safe practices, and our contingency plans. But, the bottom line is that we cannot guarantee your safety, and so if you come with us, it will be at your own risk.
