| Location | Program Structure | Travel |
| Dates | Academic Structure | Financials |
| Cost | Eligibility | Insurance |
| Housing | Credit | Health |
| Food | Orientation |
Where is the program located?
In Cuernavaca, Mexico, about 90 minutes south of Mexico City.
What are the dates for this program?
Term Date Fall Semester 2008 Sept. 20-Dec. 20 Winter Break 2008-09 Dec. 27-Jan. 17 Spring Semester 2009 Jan. 24-Apr. 25 May Session 2009 Late May-early June
How much will it cost me to participate in this program?
See the Budget Estimate sheet.
Are there any fees I will have to pay to apply?
Yes, there is a $50 application fee.
Where will I live?
All students live in double rooms with Mexican families. Single rooms are available for an additional fee.
When will I find out where I am living? With whom will I live?
If you have a roommate preference, you can request one on your housing form. Otherwise, room assignments are made approximately two weeks before the program begins. We will email you with your roommate information.
How close will my housing be to my classes?
Housing locations vary, as the families are located throughout the city. Some students are within walking distance; others must take a bus to school.
Will I be able to meet and interact with people from the country I am studying in?
All students will have "intercampus," one-on-one language exchanges with Mexicans from Cuernavaca.
Where will I be eating my meals?
All meals are eaten with your host family.
Are there food options available for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes. Dietary requests must be made on your housing form.
Who is in charge of this program?
The Learning Abroad Center at the University of Minnesota.
Who will I work with for all my pre-departure planning?
Learning Abroad Center has staff who work directly with students studying in Cuernavaca. You will be given a contact at the time of application.
How much work will I need to do on my own to prepare?
You need to fill out the application, purchase your airline ticket, talk to your adviser, obtain the necessary travel documentation (passport or birth certificate), clear all holds, and register. It is also important to learn about the country on your own prior to arrival.
What subjects can I study?
The three-week program offers intensive Spanish (levels 1001–1004). The semester program offers Spanish 1001–1004, 3015, and 3021, along with a service-learning course.
What is covered in the service-learning course?
Community Engagement in Mexico combines community service with a local organization and classroom discussions and assignments that link your service to social issues in Mexico. Placements are available in several different organizations, including schools and health care facilities.
Will I know the exact classes I'll be taking before I leave?
Yes. You will register for classes prior to leaving.
How many students are accepted into the program and does the program usually fill before deadline?
It varies, but we usually can accept all qualified students.
Who will I be taking classes with and who will teach my classes?
Classes will be taken with other US students, mostly from the University of Minnesota, and are taught by local Mexican teachers.
How often will I attend class?
Classes are held five days a week, four hours per day.
What language are my courses taught in?
Most courses are taught in Spanish, but Community Engagement in Mexico is taught in English.
How will I know what level of language I should be in?
You can take a language placement test through the Language Center if you do not know what level you should be in. Inquire in the Spanish Department, 34 Folwell Hall.
Can I take my classes pass-fail?
No, all courses taken in Mexico must be taken with an A-F grade base. Students are not allowed to take any course in Mexico as pass-fail.
Is the Global Identity course required?
No, but this course is highly recommended and will help you make sense of the new ideas and experiences you encounter while abroad. Global Identity is a 1-credit, online course that will help you gain a better understanding of how to apply your new intercultural skills to your post-graduation plans.
What are the eligibility requirements for this program, and do I have to take any prerequisite classes before I go?
We require a 2.5 GPA. There are no prerequisites.
Do I have to be an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota to participate?
No, but you must be 18 years of age or older.
Am I too advanced for this program?
If you have finished Spanish 1004, you are too advanced for this program.
How many credits will I receive, and what kind of credit will I get?
On the three-week program, you receive 5 University of Minnesota credits. The semester credit load varies; usually students take 15 University of Minnesota credits.
How long will it take for my credits to show up on my transcript?
Six to eight weeks after your return.
How will I know if these credits will count toward my degree requirements?
Check with your adviser. If you are in CLA, the language courses count toward the language requirement.
Will I attend an orientation before I leave?
Yes. You will have an orientation six weeks before your departure.
Will I have an orientation once I arrive on site?
There will be a day-long orientation and tour of the city.
Are there any other meetings I will have to attend?
If you use financial aid, you will need to obtain a Study Abroad Cost Estimate (SACE) from the Learning Abroad Center.
Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?
Yes, all visitors to and from Mexico are required to have a passport. Information on how to obtain a passport is available on the Learning Abroad Center website. Keep in mind that the process can take 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Will I have to arrange my own travel or will it be arranged?
Group flights are arranged, but you may arrange your own travel provided you inform us of your plans.
Will someone meet me at the airport when I arrive?
Yes, if you arrive with or when the group flight arrives.
Can I travel during this program?
Weekends are free in both programs. During the short-term program there is very little time to travel; it is an intensive program, and missing one day is equivalent to missing one week here on campus. The semester program has a one-week break.
Are there any excursions planned during this program and will I have to pay for them separately?
One excursion to Teotihuacan is included. Other excursions are offered for an additional fee.
Can I use my financial aid for this program?
Yes. You will need to get a Study Abroad Cost Estimate (SACE) in the Learning Abroad Center.
Can I use my scholarships for this program?
Scholarships can usually be applied. Check with the scholarship provider.
Are there any scholarships that I can apply for?
Yes. Information is available in the Learning Abroad Center and on the website.
Will I be covered by insurance while abroad?
Yes. You will be fully covered by CISI insurance.
Do I need to keep my US insurance while I'm abroad?
You are only covered by CISI insurance while overseas. It is very important to also have insurance here in case you need continued medical care when you return.
Are there any vaccinations I will need to get before going?
You need to check the Centers for Disease Control website for an update on possible shots. Normally they are not needed.
What should I do about the prescription medicine I take?
You must take all prescriptions with you and keep them in their original containers. If you run out, medicines can NOT be mailed through FedEx or any other mail company.
Last modified on November 21, 2008 |