Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro

January 3 - May 6, 2007

Sponsored by the College of Arts & Letters and the College of Social Science in conjunction with the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

This semester-length multidisciplinary program, organized in collaboration with the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro (UAQ), is open to all majors. Students seeking coursework in Spanish, the social sciences and those interested in specializing in Latin America will find exploring the language, culture, and society of Mexico especially attractive. The program features a wide variety of classes specifically designed to meet the needs of MSU students, as well as the opportunity to study with regular Mexican students of the UAQ. All classes are taught by experienced faculty members from the host university. Field trips to archaeological and other cultural sites supplement the classroom experience.

Where does it take place?

Querétaro, located a few hours north of Mexico City, is one of Mexico's most charming colonial cities. It is blessed with what many consider an ideal climate - its tropical warmth is moderated by its altitude, making the weather spring-like year-round. With just under a million inhabitants, the city is a regional cultural and economic hub where there is always something to do. Yet, the city has an easygoing environment, especially along the lovely andadores (pedestrian malls) in the historic downtown district.

Communities of Querétaro's first inhabitants, the indigenous peoples, are still nearby, but the city's most visible cultural heritage stems from the Spanish who settled there beginning in the 1530's. Important events in Mexico's history, including the inception of its independence movement and the overthrow of Maximilian were centered on the city. Today, signs of Querétaro's historical legacy are everywhere, from its colonial-era churches to its museums, plazas, parks, monuments and markets.

The Bajío region is a short drive from famous archaeological sites, like the famous pyramids of Teotihuacán and many notable natural and cultural attractions.

What can I study?

Each student is required to enroll in a minimum of 15 semester credits. The program begins with an intensive conversational course focused on Mexican Spanish (SPN 342). Students may take some of their courses together with Mexican students at the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro; others will be arranged especially for MSU students. All courses are taught in Spanish. Credits may count toward the Spanish major and the specialization in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. See your advisor(s) for more information.

The following is a list of tentative course offerings only. Some classes may be canceled or changed on short notice.

Additionally, some additional regular UAQ course offerings may be available in other areas.

* Courses meet concurrently; students may select and will be able to earn credit for only one of the courses marked with an asterisk above.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

Spanish majors must have successfully completed SPN 310 (or the equivalent) prior to departure; other students must have completed SPN 202. MSU students may take a Spanish placement exam at the Student Services Building to assess their skill level. A minimum grade point average of at least 2.75 at the time of application is required. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Additionally, students must also submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program.

Applicants' participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Housing with Mexican families will be arranged by UAQ staff. Three meals a day are included.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Eve Zyzik
Department of Spanish and Portuguese
334 Old Horticulture Building
Phone: (517) 353-0769 ext. 135

Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
300 International Center
Phone: (517) 353-1690

Mark Davis
Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Phone: (517) 432-1315

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter other countries. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of five to six weeks are usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program's itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $3,235 and includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• meals
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• additional meals
• books and supplies
• local transportation in Mexico
• passport application fee ($100)
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program's departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU's Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is October 15th for spring semester programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for spring semester participation. We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.