| |
Mexico, Puebla
Join the many Oregon students who have enjoyed the heritage,
people, and natural beauty of our nearest neighbor to the south.
Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. makes it easy to explore the
various regions of this diverse and fascinating nation.
Mexico offers sunshine, jungles, the fascinating remains of
ancient cultures, mountains, beaches, and a colorful mix
of contemporary cultures and customs.
The rewards of studying in Mexico are significant!
Not only will your language skills improve, but your understanding of
the richness and diversity of Mexico’s cultures
will bring your awareness of
Mexico’s accomplishments and its potential to a new level.
Our relationship with Mexico depends on
informed and educated individuals
who understand the complexity of this nation of 107 million inhabitants.
Cholula, site of the Universidad de las Américas, is seven miles from
the city of Puebla. One of the most important cities of Mesoamerica,
Cholula was a site devoted to the religion of Quetzalcoatl.
The Great Pyramid, upon which the Spaniards built a church
to display their dominance in the 16th century,
has now been excavated and is a remarkable testament to the
high level of civilizations that preceded the conquest.
Nearby Puebla, established in 1531, has a population of
approximately 1.5 million and sits at 7,000 feet elevation.
Sixty miles southeast of Mexico City, Puebla is
host to a rich local culture,
stunning colonial architecture,
and views of some of Mexico’s highest peaks and volcanoes.
|
Academic Programs
The Universidad de las Américas is a private university of exceptionally high academic quality. Its comprehensive curriculum offers rigorous and engaging coursework in a wide range of disciplines to Oregon students with advanced Spanish language skills. The university presents coursework through its three major schools: the School of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities; the School of Sciences and Engineering; and the School of Business and Economics. The University is accredited in the United States by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
This program is designed for students who have completed a minimum of three years of university level Spanish and who can take regular courses with Mexican students. The academic offerings of the UDLA complement those of the ITESM program. For program offerings at the ITESM campuses, please see that program’s brochure.
Depending on how many courses you take, you should receive approximately the same number of credits for your program in Mexico as you would being a full-time student in Oregon. (Special considerations must be noted for spring semester only participants.) You will be registered at your home campus in the OUS (or at an OUS partner institution) and will receive credit from that institution. Consult with your academic adviser and OUS Campus Contact to determine how UDLA course work will integrate with your home university curriculum requirements.
OUS International Programs requires that you attend the day-long pre-departure orientation that covers the academic, administrative, financial and cultural information necessary for successful participation.
Universidad de las Américas
Founded in 1940 as Mexico City College, the institution changed its name in 1968 to the Universidad de las Américas. The university moved to its present site in 1970 and has been growing and developing ever since. Student enrollment is now approximately 8,300 with an undergraduate enrollment of 6,800 and approximately 450 international students. There are over 700 faculty members, 45% of whom have doctorates. In addition to being accredited in the United States, the UDLA has memberships in numerous educational and professional organizations. The website for UDLA is http:www.udlap.mx.
Housing
Students participating in the UDLA exchange have multiple housing options that include campus dormitories, homestays, or private housing. Costs vary according to the option chosen. All on-campus and homestay arrangements are made by staff at the UDLA.
Support
You will be assisted through the application and orientation process by your Campus Contact and staff of the OUS International Programs Office. The International Programs Office at the UDLA provides orientation, advising and assistance during your stay in Cholula.
Important Dates
Application Deadlines
October 15, 2006 Winter/Spring 2007
February 15, 2007 Fall 2007 or academic year
Orientations
November 18, 2006 Winter/Spring 2007
May 19, 2007 Fall 2007 or academic year
Program Dates (approximate)
Fall Program 2006 (Fall 2007 dates will be similar)
August 6 Arrival date in Mexico
August 7 Mandatory orientation begins
August 13 Classes begin
November 30 Classes end
First 2 weeks Dec. Final exams
Winter/Spring Program 2007
dates to be announced
Program Cost
The Oregon University System seeks to make the UDLA exchange program as affordable and accessible as possible. For the current 2007-08 academic year, the program fee for resident undergraduates is $5,396 for fall semester; $7,672 for winter/spring; and $12,971 for the academic year program. Fees for the 2008-09 programs will be set in May 2008. Non-residents and graduate students pay higher fees.
Included in the program fee will be:
‡ Academic and administrative fees
‡ Orientation expenses
‡ Health and accident insurance
The program fee will not include airfare, housing, food, visa fees, campus-based study abroad fees and personal expenses such as local transportation, textbooks, laundry, personal supplies and incidental expenses. See http://oregonabroad.ous.edu for an estimate of comprehensive costs.
Funding
You can finance your exchange program in Mexico in many ways. A listing of available local and national scholarships can be found at http://oregonabroad.ous.edu in addition to links to resources on your campus. Most forms of financial aid, such as grants and loans for which you are eligible on your home campus, may be applied to the program. Veteran’s benefits may also be applied.
Eligibility
Undergraduate students in any major are welcome to participate. To be eligible, you must meet these minimum requirements by the time you participate:
‡ At least a 3.00 cumulative GPA and sophomore standing
‡ Three years or more of university level Spanish, or the equivalent
You may obtain an application form and instructions from the international education office on your campus (see Campus Contacts) or at http://oregonabroad.ous.edu. Early application is encouraged.
Internship Option
You can earn academic credit and add a professional dimension to your time in Mexico by doing an OUS IE3 Global Internship following your study abroad program.
Internships are available year round in a wide variety of industries and organizations throughout Mexico and Latin America.
Sample internship positions include U.S. Dairy Export Council (marketing), MESE Street Children (health, social services) and Save Rio Laja (environment). Individualized internships developed to match your interests and skills are also available. Start planning your internship before you leave for Mexico!
For more information, talk to your study abroad advisor or visit: http://ie3global.oregonstate.edu/ie3.
OUS Campus Contacts
Eastern Oregon University
Miki Goodall
Study Abroad, Inlow Hall 113
La Grande, OR 97850
mgoodall@eou.edu
(541) 962-3237
Oregon Institute of Technology
Mark Clark or Julianne Murray
LRC 219 (Mark) or LRC 211 (Julianne)
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
clarkm@oit.edu or murrayj@oit.edu
(541) 885-1880 (Mark) or (541) 885-1677 (Julianne)
Oregon State University and
OUS International Programs Office
Julie Van Hoosen or Paul Primak
International Programs, Snell Hall 444
Corvallis, OR 97331
julie.vanhoosen@ous.edu or paul.primak@ous.edu
(541) 737-6459 (Julie) or (541) 737-6469 (Paul)
Portland State University
Alyse Collins
International Affairs, East Hall 101
632 SW Hall, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207
ayc@pdx.edu
(503) 725-8256
Southern Oregon University
Jennifer Yockey
International Programs, Stevenson Union 321
Ashland, OR 97520
yockeyj@sou.edu
(541) 552-6336
University of Oregon
Jamie Hoag Barnett
International Programs, Oregon Hall 330
Eugene, OR 97403
barnett@uoregon.edu
(541) 346-3207
Western Oregon University
Michele V. Price
Study Abroad & International Exchanges, APS 501
Monmouth, OR 97361
studyabroad@wou.edu
(503) 838-8905
