Mexico » Querétaro » Introduction

Oregon University System students have multiple opportunities to study in Querétaro, Mexico, a top study abroad destination for 24 years. Students may choose a 16-week Mexican Studies Program in fall semester, the Intensive Spanish Program spring term (10-week) or Summer Spanish Programs, with 5, 6 or 12-week options. As neighboring North American countries Mexico and the United States share a long history and ever evolving relationship. Mexico, one of the US’s largest trading partners, is a fascinating and culturally rich country undergoing significant changes in the 21st century. Characterized by an unusual blend of ancient cultures and contemporary society Mexico invites closer examination. Querétaro, with its central location, is an ideal city to experience Mexico and get to know its people.

Highlights:

• Located in the heart of colonial Mexico, off the tourist path, the Querétaro program is designed for rapid language advancement and significant cultural immersion.
• Students may earn up to 28 credits (fall semester), up to 16 credits in Intensive Spanish (spring term) or up to 12-24 credits (summer sessions) in small classes taught in Spanish by experienced Mexican faculty.
• Individual placement with a carefully selected home-stay family
• Whether on a class excursion to historical sites, traditional markets, local landmarks or on a program field trip to a different region, students have multiple opportunities to learn through direct contact with Mexican people, history and culture.

Querétaro

Querétaro, founded in 1531, is a vibrant and welcoming city with an extensive mixture of colonial and modern architecture. Located three hours NW of Mexico City, Querétaro is a UNESCO World Heritage site whose historic downtown (or centro) is notable for its colorful landscaped plazas, pedestrian walkways and beautifully restored colonial buildings. Close to the centro is Mexico’s tallest and longest aqueduct built in the early 1700s to bring drinking water into the city. Six major universities, modern international manufacturing plants, numerous museums and art galleries and many shopping centers also add to the special feel of life in Querétaro. Mexicans and foreigners alike often call the city of just over one million inhabitants “muy mexicana” – and students quickly come to appreciate this cultural authenticity as they explore the city and the countryside beyond.

The Program Site

The Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro (or UAQ), a large public university, hosts the academic program. The UAQ offers many degree programs in a wide range of fields of study. The largest departments (or Facultades) are: Law, Nursing, Medicine, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Languages, Literatures and Linguistics (this department hosts our programs), Psychology, Political Science/Sociology and the Arts (the Facultad de Bellas Artes includes Dance, Theater, Music, Choir, and the visual arts). Most program classes are held on the main campus within the Facultad de Lenguas y Letras. The UAQ is located on the historic Cerro de las Campanas on the western side of the city. The campus offers computer labs, libraries and many student cafeterias. The summer intensive programs are held on this and other university campuses in the city (see below).

http://www.uaq.mx/

The Instituto Tecnológico de Querétaro (or ITQ) hosts the summer session #2 (five week) program. The ITQ is a smaller public university offering degree programs in Architecture and many engineering fields. It is located very close to the UAQ to the west of the downtown area.

http://www.itq.edu.mx/