Mexico » Queretaro » Admission & Preparation

Admission & Preparation

Application Deadlines

• Mid-January for the spring term
• Mid-March for summer sessions
• Late April for the fall semester

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Early application is highly recommended, as program space is limited.

Eligibility Requirements

The programs are open to students from all fields of study. To be eligible, students must meet the following minimum requirements before departure:

• An overall GPA of 2.75 or above.
• At least a 'B' average in their Spanish courses.
• Attend mandatory orientation meetings during the term prior to departure.

Minimum language requirement for the semester or summer programs:

• At least one year college-level Spanish language or the equivalent.

Minimum language requirement for the lower division spring term program:

• At least two terms of First Year college-level Spanish language or the equivalent OR
• One full year college-level Spanish language or the equivalent.

Students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress throughout the application process and during their study abroad program, and otherwise comply with policies and procedures of the host university, the OUS Office of International Programs, and their home university International Programs Office.

If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements please contact the program coordinator: jennifer.jewett@ous.edu before submitting an application.

Application Process

OUS International Programs uses an online application and data management system called Studio Abroad. To submit an application you must create a student account within this system. Once you have created this account, you may begin the application process. Early application is advised.

To create an account and apply for an OUS study abroad program, go to the OUS Application page. Here you can access the OUS Studio Abroad online application system which will take you through all the necessary steps to initiate and complete an application. Be sure to complete all required documents by the application deadline. (We advise you to get an early start since it will take you some time to prepare/gather all the necessary documents.) A $50 application fee is due at the time the application is submitted and is non-refundable under any circumstances.

If you would like additional assistance regarding the application process, we have provided “Step-by-Step Instructions” and “Frequently Asked Questions” at the link above. As you go through the online application process, please consult these documents if you have questions.

Selection and Participation

Selection for the program is based on a review of the student's online application (application form, essays, transcripts, and recommendations) as well as the results of the student’s campus interview and language evaluation.

Participants must meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen program, and be prepared linguistically, academically, and socially to succeed abroad. Overseas study participants must satisfactorily complete the following:

• Well-written program application
• Personal interview and language evaluation
• Timely submission of all required paperwork
• Attendance at pre-departure orientation sessions
• Payment of program fees

Program participants must also demonstrate the ability to be successful overseas through evidence of maturity, motivation, and flexibility. Participation in any program is subject to the approval of the OUS International Programs Office, and its partner institutions, which may grant or withhold such approval in their sole discretion.

Acceptance to all study abroad programs involves a significant amount of paperwork for legal, financial, academic and safety reasons. Your Campus Contact and our office are ready to help explain and guide you through the paperwork process; however, it is your responsibility to complete the paperwork in a timely and professional manner.

Visa Information

Participants in the Queretaro programs are required to enter Mexico with a Mexican Tourist Card. The Tourist Card is normally good for up to 180 days from the date of issue. It may be obtained at most travel agencies or on the plane and is free. Should you receive an inadequate number of days (for the duration of your stay) upon entry into Mexico, your Resident Director will assist you to extend the Tourist Card at the Secretaria de Gobernacion in Queretaro. The cost to extend a Tourist Card is approximately $25.00 (US).

Please note that visa regulations and policies change frequently.

All students should apply for or renew (if necessary) their U.S. (or other) passports as soon as possible. Passports must be valid for six months after the conclusion of the program.

Orientations

All students are required to complete mandatory orientation meetings, including an OUS pre-departure orientation and additional meetings, during the term prior to departure. When possible, the program Resident Director, in collaboration with OUS staff and former student participants, lead the program specific meetings. The sessions are a great way for students to get to know the RD and fellow participants as they prepare for their time in Mexico.

The orientations will cover administrative logistics, travel, health, safety, conduct, housing and cultural adjustment.

Academic Calendar

Dates for 2013 are as follows:

• Spring Term Intensive Spanish : March 31 to June 7
• Summer Session 1: June 16 to July 26
• Summer Session 2: June 30 to August 2
• Summer Session 3: July 28 to September 6
• Summer 12-week: June 16 to September 6
• Fall Semester: August 18 to December 6