Tec de Monterrey - Monterrey and Querétaro Campuses

Fall: 19 weeks (early August to mid-December)
Spring: 20 weeks (early January to late May)
Summer: 5 weeks (late May to mid-July)
Academic Year: 42 weeks

Spring Semester 2010 closed (all campuses)

Sponsored by the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, the School of Journalism in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the Eli Broad College of Business; in collaboration with the College of Arts & Letters

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

The Tec de Monterrey, better known as simply the Tec, is more than just one of the most respected universities in Latin America, it is a network of Mexican university campuses offering world-class education in Business, Communications, Engineering, Spanish language and more. Through this program, MSU students can choose from two of the Tec’s most outstanding campuses, depending on their academic needs and preferences, take courses that satisfy a wide variety of requirements and immerse themselves completely Mexican life and culture.  In addition, students can work toward the certificate of specialization in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

The Querétaro campus is also known for its high-quality internship program in social services for qualified students. Both participating Tec campuses offer some courses in English as well as Spanish and have excellent services and facilities for international students.

Where does it take place?

MONTERREY CAMPUS

Monterrey, located in the foothills of the eastern Sierra Madre mountain range, is known for its warm, inviting climate. In terms of population it is the country’s third city, but it is number one in industry, finance and everything modern in Mexico. The city boasts many open-air activities, including strolling along the largest plaza in Latin America, hiking and climbing.  Sports fans have a number of attractions to choose from; Monterrey has two major soccer teams, one of which has its home at Tec Stadium. American football is popular too, and the Tec’s own Borregos (Rams) are at the top of their league.

The Monterrey Campus is the flagship of the Tec system and it shows in everything from the top-notch faculty to the wireless internet access all over campus – that includes the shady study areas outside the classroom buildings.  The Monterrey campus also has the broadest range of courses available, but is especially attractive for Journalism and other Communications students and qualified students interested in an internship in the private sector or communications.

QUERÉTARO CAMPUS

Querétaro is one of Mexico's most charming old cities. With just under a million inhabitants, the city is a regional cultural and economic capital where there is always something to do. Yet the city has an easygoing environment, especially along the lovely andadores (pedestrian malls) downtown. The city has been blessed with an ideal climate – never too hot or too cold.  Signs of Querétaro's historical legacy are everywhere, from its colonial-era architecture, to its 18th-century churches and 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 other notable natural and cultural attractions.

Located on the bustling commercial side of town, the Tec campus is surprisingly up-to-date in everything from teaching methods to technology and facilities.  As in Monterrey, there is wireless access to the internet everywhere on campus, even outside.  This campus is smaller, but students will still find a wide variety of courses available especially in business, computer science and Spanish as a second language.

What can I study?

The Tec offers a full range of academic disciplines, but specializes in business, engineering and communications.  Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of twelve (12) semester credits during the fall and spring semesters. The minimum in summer is six (6) semester credits.  Some courses are taught in English in many disciplines. 

In most cases, students who are careful to plan ahead can get ISS or IAH credit by special arrangement with the Centers for Integrative Studies. Contact the Office of Study Abroad for more information.

Students planning to use Spanish language courses to complete MSU Spanish major or minor requirements must have courses pre-approved by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese undergraduate adviser.

Communications and media studies specialists must include a Spanish language course (you will be placed at the appropriate skill level) and a media studies course.

This is a co-sponsored program. Credit may be awarded for certain courses as regular MSU credit rather than transfer credit.  These courses will be listed on your official MSU transcript and will include the title of the course abroad, the number of credits and the grade earned. For further details see co-sponsored programs.

To find out what courses other students have taken on the program and what MSU courses they might replace, visit Transfer MSU and Office of the Registrar - Co-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs. Courses listed may not be offered every semester, and additional courses may be available during the semester you plan to participate.

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

What are the requirements?

This program is open to MSU students only who have reached at least sophomore status and are in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Completion of SPN 202 or its equivalent is required to participate in this program; however, students with less Spanish experience are encouraged to inquire about exceptions to this policy.

Additionally, semester students must 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?

In Monterrey, host family accommodations are recommended.  For students who prefer a room in a residence hall, the Tec will make an effort to house students with Latin American students where possible.

In Querétaro, host families are preferred, though some residence hall rooms are also available.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Jayne Braverman
Eli Broad College of Business
Undergraduate Academic Services
332 Eppley Center
Phone: (517) 355-7605

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

Jade Sims
Department of Spanish and Portuguese
242 Old Horticulture Bldg.
Phone: (517) 884-6318

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 both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  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 eight to ten weeks is 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.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

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 or medications 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 ranges depending on the semester and location of participation. 

For the Querétaro campus, the program fee for spring 2009 was $2,664.  The program fee for summer 2009 was $1,006.  The program fees included the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• most meals (host-family option only)
• accident and sickness insurance

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

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• additional meals (all meals in residence halls)
• books and supplies
• passport application fee
• visa application fees
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs were estimated at $5,310 for spring 2009 and at $2,639 for summer 2009.  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

For the Monterrey campus, the program fee for spring 2010 is $139. The program fees includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• pre-departure orientation
• accident and sickness insurance

Students will pay for the following directly:

• transportation to Mexico
• accommodations, including a housing placement fee
• meals
• books and supplies
• MSU tuition and fees*
• passport application fee
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visit
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $5,269 for spring 2010.  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*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.

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.)

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.

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 deadlines to apply for these scholarships are March 1st for academic year and fall semester programs and 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 and by March 1st for fall or academic year participation.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to these deadlines. 

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.