Mexico Universities

Most university-level study-abroad programs are conducted in Spanish, although many programs offer classes in English and beginner- and lower-level language courses. Those who are relatively fluent in Spanish may find it cheaper to enroll directly in a university abroad, although getting college credit may be more difficult. You can search www.studyabroad.com for various semester-abroad programs that meet your criteria, including your desired location and focus of study. The following is a list of organizations that can help place students in university programs abroad, or have their own branch in Mexico.

Augsburg College Center for Global Education, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA (☎612-330-1159, 800-299-8889; www.augsburg.edu/global). Semester-long programs based in Cuernavaca focus on ecology, economic development, gender, globalization, or human rights. Tuition from $15,500.
Central College Abroad, Office of International Education, 812 University, Pella, IA 50219, USA (☎641-628-5284, 800-831-3629; www.central.edu/abroad). Offers internships and study-abroad programs in Mérida. Courses in English and Spanish. All-inclusive semester- or year-long tuition US$11500/23,000, not including airfare.
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), 7 Custom House St., 3rd fl., Portland, ME 01401, USA (☎800-407-8839; www.ciee.org/study). Sponsors work, volunteer, academic, and internship programs in Mexico.
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE), 10400 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Ste. 250, Columbia, MD 21044, USA (☎410- 997-3068; www.iaeste.org). Offers 8- to 12-week internships in Mexico for college students who have completed 2 years of technical study.
International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), 1616 P St. NW, Ste. 150, Washington, D.C. 20036, USA (☎202 667 8027; www.isep.org). Places students in 1 of 7 Mexican universities for 1 semester-2 years. Prices vary according to host institution.
School for International Training, College Semester Abroad, Kipling Rd., P.O. Box 676, Brattleboro, VT 05302, USA (☎802-257-7751, 888-272-7881; www.sit.edu/studyabroad). Semester-long programs in Mexico run US$12,900-16,000. Also operates The Experiment in International Living (☎800-345-2929; www.usexperiment.org). 3-6 week summer programs offer high-school students cross-cultural homestays, community service, ecological adventures, and language training. US$1900-5000.

Mexican Programs

Applications to Mexican universities are usually due in early spring and require a transcript and a copy of your passport or birth certificate. Short-term language study in Mexico is relatively easy, especially since no visa is required for stays of up to three months. Mexican universities also have flourishing exchange programs with many countries in the world.

Tecnológico de Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64849, Mexico (☎818 358 2000; www.itesm.mx/vi). One of the most prestigious private universities in Mexico, focusing on science, math, and engineering. 8 campuses across the country host their own international program.
Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros (CEPE), Apdo. 70-391, Av. Universidad 3002, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico, D.F. 04510 (☎555 622 2470; www.cepe.unam.mx). Provides 6-week intensive and 3-week super-intensive programs in Spanish, art, history, and literature. Operated by Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), the largest public university in Mexico, with over 100,000 students. Tuition US$70-300 excludes housing.
Universidad de las Americas (UDLA), Santa Catarina Mártir, Cholula, Puebla 72820, Mexico (☎222 229 2000; http://info.pue.udlap.mx). This private university’s extensive international education program is well established. Exchange students can take regular UDLA courses or language and cultural immersion programs.
Universidad Iberoamericana, Paseo de la Reforma No. 880, Lomas de Santa Fe, Mexico D.F. 01210, Mexico (☎555 950 4000; www.uia.mx). “Ibero” for short. A private university that offers semester and summer programs in disciplinary and professional studies, and intensive Spanish instruction. Tuition US$3000-5000 plus application (US$50) and registration fees (US$200) includes room and board for the semester.