Founded in 1542 by Juan de Oñate, Guadalajara is Mexico's second largest city with a population of approximately 4 million people. The city's colonial center, which is comprised of four large plazas surrounding a 16th century cathedral, is evidence of the city's long history as an important commercial and cultural center. In the central plazas you will find beautiful gardens and fountains, magnificent churches and government buildings, and abundant public sculptures.

While Guadalajara prides itself on maintaining its reputation as Mexico's most traditional city, it has established itself as a modern and efficient metropolitan area. Today lavish colonial buildings stand side-by-side with ultra-contemporary structures housing communications, computer, and other high-tech industries. Tapatíos (as residents of Guadalajara like to be called) and tourists alike enjoy this combination of tradition and modernity, because it provides urban advantages without the anonymity and overwhelming size typical of many large cities.

Safety in Mexico: ISA has assessed the widely reported increase in violence in Mexico, and there are no plans to cancel any of our Mexico programs at this time. The decision to continue is based on a study of various reports, including those published by OSAC and the United States Department of State. ISA is also in direct communication with a network of contacts in each of the cities where we operate. The information gathered clearly suggests that the increase in violence is taking place in specific regions of Mexico, while the rest of the country is largely unaffected. The areas that have been affected by an increase in violence include the cities along the border with the U.S., the state of Sinaloa, and the beach resorts of Acapulco and Cancún. ISA does not operate programs or excursions in any of these areas.

ISA is closely monitoring news reports and communicating with staff and contacts on site. Program participants would be immediately notified of any heightened danger in these sites as the safety of ISA participants is of the utmost importance. As of now, ISA directors in Mexico have yet to see any fundamental changes affecting student safety in the sites where we operate.

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