Universidad de las Americas, Puebla
University of Missouri-St. Louis Exchange Program in Mexico
| Universidad de las Americas, Puebla (UDLAP)
Students may follow the Spanish language and culture program to improve their Spanish or choose from a variety of business and political science courses taught in English. |
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What
is it like there?
The Universidad de las
Americas, Puebla is located in San Andres Cholula, a small town
less than five km away from Puebla and one of the most historic cities
on the American continent. Cholula was founded in 1531 and was recently
designated as a UNESCO World Heritiage Site. Puebla is a metropolitan
area with approximately 3 million inhabitants and all the conveniences
of any city.
The University is one of the most prestigious private universities in Mexico. Its diverse student population is made up of 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students.
What
will I study?
Each student will take a Spanish placement test before going to
UDLA. Students at the beginning and intermediate levels will take
Spanish grammar classes and follow courses taught in English. If
a student scores at the advanced level, he/she may take classes
in the regular departments and/or also participate in the Spanish
language classes. See the website for a list of courses taught in English each semester and the regular
course catalog.
What
is the language of instruction?
English and/or Spanish.
Where
will I live?
Students have three housing
options: living with a Mexican host family, staying in university
dormitories, or living in private apartments.
Living with a Mexican family is an excellent way for students to improve their Spanish and discover Mexican culture. The homestay includes a private bedroom, two meals per day, and use of the laundry facilities. Every effort is made to accommodate students preferences in matching them to a host family (i.e. children, pets, etc.). The number of host families is limited, and students will have to commute to campus (either bus or campus shuttle). Cost of homestay is approximately $2600/semester and includes meals.
Dormitory rooms are shared (two per room) with 8 students sharing a common area. You would be housed with 7 Mexican students to facilitate cultural immersion. Suites include kitchen, living room, bathroom/shower, and laundry facilities. Cost of dormitory is approximately $1500/semester
A number of furnished apartments are only a five minute walk from campus. If you wish to stay in an apartment, you should arrive a week early and stay in a hostel or hotel while you are searching for an appropriate room.
When
can I go?
Students may attend for the fall semester, winter semester, or academic
year.
What
are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be a junior
or senior. Students should have completed a minimum 2 semesters of Spanish.
How
can I learn more?
Visit UDLA's website and stop by the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC to browse their catalog.
You can also make an appointment to discuss this program with a
study abroad advisor; call 516-5229.
How
much does it cost?
Below are the 2008-2009 estimated costs for one semester (4 months) at UDLA-Puebla
compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in a UM-St. Louis exchange program, like UDLAP, you continue to pay UMSL tuition and may use your financial aid. In addition, both CIS and external scholarships are available.
UDLA Puebla |
UM-St. Louis | |
| Educational Fees1 | $2,947.20 | $2,947.20 |
| Information Technology Fee | $146.40 | $146.40 |
| Student Facility, Activity, & Health Fee | $0.00 | $418.68 |
| Housing2 | $1,500.00 | $2,805.00 |
| Meals3 | $1,000.00 | $1,698.00 |
| Airfare | $650.00 | |
| Books | $250.00 | $400.00 |
| Miscellaneous4 | $600.00 | |
| Total Estimated Cost5 | $7,093.60 | $8,415.28 |
1 Educational fees are based on 12 credit hours. Non-resident fees may apply.
2 Housing cost based on single room at UMSL and double dorm room at UDLAP.
3 UMSL cost based on Option 3 Plus Meal Plan.
4 Includes transportation and mandatory international
insurance.
5 Please note that expenses are ESTIMATES. Costs vary depending on the exchange rate, the inflation rate, individual spending habits, and amount of extra travel. The cost estimate above does not include personal expenses or independent travel, which vary widely from student to student.
Last modified June 10, 2008