MADISON, Wis. -
The one-week and two-week internship programs, scheduled for September, include Spanish language lessons, caja internships and home stays with traditional Mexican families. The program is designed to immerse U.S. credit union staff and officers in Mexican daily life with the idea of learning attitudes toward everything from financial services marketing to personal money management, said Victor Corro, a manager with WOCCU's International Partnership Program.
"This is something you can't learn from a webinar," Corro said. "Helping U.S. credit unions learn how to tap into Hispanic markets will help institutions grow their membership bases."
The one-week and two-week sessions will be held in the Mexican cities of Guanajuato and Queretaro, with internships available in any of four area credit unions, including the $1-billion Caja Popular Mexicana, the country's largest credit union. Mornings will be given to Spanish language immersion lessons, with afternoons earmarked for internships.
Family home-stays will further reinforce participants' understanding of Mexican culture, said Corro, who admits cultural difference among various Latin American countries won't be addressed during the program.
"The ideal attendee will be someone from a credit union whose Hispanic membership is largely from Mexico," Corro said. "But there are similarities among all Latin American countries and the version of Spanish taught during the program is similar to variations throughout Central and South America."
About The Program
What: Hispanic Marketing Immerson Program
When: Sept. 15-22 and Sept. 15-30.
Where: Leon, Mexico
Why: Get immediate feedback on marketing materials aimed at Hispanics in their homes.
How Much: $1,650 for one week, or $2,550 for two weeks
What Else: Sept. 22-23, U.S.-Mexico Credit Union Summit.
Where Can I Get More Info: woccu.org/meetings or contact Corro at vcorro
