Mexico City, Mexico
La Universidad Iberoamericana
Loyola Exchange Program
Program Information
Located in a lovely western suburb of Mexico City, our sister Jesuit institution Universidad Iberoamericana offers two distinct program cycles. One is direct enrollment at the university for students with a high proficiency in Spanish. The other is university courses for foreigners only (courses in Spanish or English) which are geared towards students who wish to greatly improve their command of the Spanish language. Students are offered home stays with Mexican families or may organize their own accommodation. In addition to students from Mexico and the United States, Loyolans will study with other exchange students from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The Universidad Iberoamericana offers a truly international experience.
College web site - www.ibero.mx
Orientation Dates
- August 2-3 (Fall 2012 Semester)
- January 5-6 (Spring 2012 Semester)
- May 25 (Summer 2012 Session)
Academic Calendar Date
- August 6- December 6 (Fall 2012 Semester)
- January 9- May 17 (Spring 2012 Semester)
- May 28 - July 5 (Regular Department Summer Session)
- Early June - Mid-July (Spanish Language and Latine American Culture Program)
Submit an application before the Application Deadline.
Enrollment - 10,000 undergraduates, 900 graduate students
Program Overview
Loyola's reciprocal exchange program in Mexico City, Mexico offers a cost-effective opportunity for students who are willing to accept the challenges of a highly independent study abroad program. Students will be directly enrolled in the exchange partner university,La Universidad Iberoamericana, providing an opportunity for direct immersion in the culture, community and country. Loyola students on this program will be expected to have the same responsibilities as local students and will need to make a number of arrangements on their own or directly with the partner university. Loyola's Office for International Programs will offer assistance whenever possible. Students from Universidad Iberoamericana regularly study at Loyola, so it is possible to get to know about the school before leaving Chicago.
Please see the Ibero Study Guide 2012-2013 for additional detailed information on the program.
The Universidad Iberoamericana
The Universidad Iberoamericana is a private Jesuit institution open to all faiths and nationalities and was founded in 1943 with a School of Philosophy and Literature. After the earthquake of 1979 destroyed a great deal of Iberoamericana's campus the University moved to its new, modern campus in the Santa Fe area in the western part of Mexico City in 1988. Santa Fe is 10 miles west of downtown on the way to Toluca.
Mexico City
Mexico City is the largest city in the world with a total population of 22 million. Established by the Aztec empire before the Spanish conquistadors arrived, the Mexico City was known as Tenochtitlan and was built in the middle of a lake. It is for this reason that many of Mexico's older buildings and churches are sinking. Some well-renowned attractions in the city are the Palacio Nacional (National Palace, it is where is president's office is housed and also has a museum of muralist Diego Rivera's work). Other sites to check out are : the Catedral Metropolitana, the Alameda, Bosque de Chapultepec and the Basilica de Gualdalupe.
Curriculum Type
Advanced Level Spanish Students
May take classes in the regular departments and/or also participate in the Spanish Language and Latin American Culture Program.
Departments include: Art History, Business Admin., Communications, Economics, Engineering, Graphic Design, History, International Relations, Latin American Literature, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Philosophy, Psychology, Theology, etc
Beginning and Intermediate Levels
If a student scores at the beginning level on the Spanish Placement Test, he/she will be required to take the Spanish Language and Latin American Culture program. This would also include Spanish language classes, which would be held on Monday-Fridays for two hours. The courses of the Latin American Culture Program are mainly held in English.
Spanish Language and Latin American Culture Courses include: Mexico-US Relation, Mexico and Latin American in the Regional and International Context, Modern Mexican Art, Conflict and Change in Mexico (1968-2001), International Commerce Management, Getting to Know Mexico.
Information on Summer Session curriculum can be found at the following links:
Advanced Level Spanish Students - Regular Department Program
Beginning and Intermediate Levels - Spanish Language and Latin American Culture Program
GPA Requirement - 2.75
Type of Accommodation
Host Family Placement
Students can be placed within the network of Mexican families who have experience in hosting students in their private homes. Normally a student will share a room with bathroom facilities. Single rooms may be requested in advance for an extra fee.
Housing Fees
Spring semester 2012 and Fall 2012 - $1,700 - $2,050 (without meals)
Summer Session 2012 - $1,300 (includes 2 meals a day and laundry)
(housing costs are paid by student directly to La Universidad Iberoamericana)
Program Costs
Loyola tuition plus Iberoamericana housing
Loyola (OIP) Fee - $1000 for the semester/year, $500 for the summer session*To see a detailed list of additional estimated expenses, click here.
Aid Transfer
Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal PLUS Loans, IL Monetary Award Program Grant (MAP), Loyola University Chicago Grants and Scholarships, Alternative Loans
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