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UMBC in Mexico offers students the opportunity to develop fluency in Spanish and to take a range of courses focusing on Latin American studies. The program is based at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Students will select courses from the offerings of the Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros (CEPE). The program also provides assistance with housing and orientation to the city. Mexico City Mexico City has historically been one of the world's great cities in pre-Hispanic times, and is currently one of the largest with a population in excess of 20 million. With its museums, theaters, concerts and restaurants, it provides an incomparable opportunity to learn and experience Mexican life and culture. |
The political, financial, and cultural hub of the nation, Mexico City shows the varieties and contradictions of today's Latin American societies, with its historical and modern districts, its well-to-do residential areas, and its sections of poverty. Since all transportation routes go through Mexico City, it is also an excellent base for exploring the rest of Mexico.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico is the largest, most prestigious and most historically significant university in the country. Its huge campus, the site of the 1968 Olympics, enjoys superb facilities and is one of the world's most architecturally beautiful.
Academic Program
Most program courses are taught in Spanish. Courses are divided into Spanish language courses and Latin American Studies courses. Classes are offered as either intensive six-week courses or semester-length courses. All Spanish language courses are taught as six-week intensive courses, making it possible to take two levels of intensive Spanish language during the semester. Latin American Studies courses can also be taken in a six-week intensive format.
Spanish is offered at five levels, with each level representing six credits of Spanish. Students will be given a placement test upon arrival to determine their appropriate level. Students who place into Level III or higher are eligible to take CEPE's two-credit courses to learn more about Mexico's history and culture. Classes are taught in the departments of History, Art History, Chicano Studies, Literature and Anthropology. Learn more about this semester's courses from CEPE's web site.
Accommodation
Students have a choice of living either with families or in apartments. Most families who accept students do so to supplement their income. Therefore, it is often a boarding house arrangement. Housing with a family still provides an introduction to Mexican life and an opportunity to use your Spanish.
The Faculty Director of the program, in conjunction with CEPE, will arrange housing for students before their arrival in Mexico. Most housing is a 20-30 minute commute from CEPE. Housing costs approximately $200-250 per month. In most cases students are able to prepare meals in their apartments or with their host families. A student cafeteria at UNAM serves breakfast and lunch. Students should budget approximately $200 per month for food.
Orientation and Excursions
All participants will meet for a pre-departure orientation at UMBC in May. In Mexico, our Resident Director will conduct a four-day orientation to Mexico City. Excursions outside of Mexico City will also be arranged.
Admissions
The program is open to students who have a serious interest in developing their Spanish competency and knowledge of Latin America. While the program provides considerable support services through the Faculty Director and the Resident Director, it is designed to encourage independent exploration. Applicants should share this goal of the program.
Applicants should demonstrate the completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of college credit with an overall grade point average of 2.5. Students should have completed at least Spanish 201 or the equivalent with at least a B. The above requirements are minimum standards. Admission to the program is competitive and space is limited.
Program Fee
The program fee, which includes tuition, orientation, athletic facilities and academic and personal advising is $3,400. The program cost has been calculated as carefully as possible. Should inflation rise or exchange rates fluctuate beyond the margin anticipated, actual costs may change. A $500 non-refundable deposit is due two weeks after acceptance into the program.
Room and board in Mexico City cost approximately $450 to $550 per month. Students must also cover miscellaneous expenses, including international transportation, transportation in Mexico City, laundry, entertainment and their personal travel in Mexico.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Most UMBC financial aid can be applied toward the cost of the program. There are also additional sources of scholarships to help defray the costs of participation. Contact the Study Abroad Office for more details.
Application Deadline
Applications for the UMBC in Mexico program will be available in January 2008. All applications materials are due to the UMBC Study Abroad Office by April 1, 2008.
You can also print out a copy of the UMBC in Mexico application on line as a PDF file.