Study Abroad

Mexico

University of the Americas-Puebla

ATTENTION SPANISH MAJOR AND MINOR STUDENTS:

Upon the recommendation of the Modern Language Department,

SPA 303 cannot be taken while abroad

It is highly recommended that SPA 304
also be taken at UWL prior to studying abroad.

UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS-PUEBLA
The Universidad de las Americas-Puebla (UDLA) is Mexico's premier private university often called the "Harvard of Mexico." While learning Spanish at this outstanding academic institution, you will also have opportunities to explore the vibrant Mexican culture surrounding you. The campus is full of beautiful outdoor recreation facilities, such as a swimming pool, track, and soccer fields, as well as fountains, small ponds, and shade trees. Walking to class you will greet the Mexican students who study and socialize at the UDLA with you.

The Universidad de las Americas-Puebla (UDLA) began in 1940 as Mexico City College. In 1970 it moved to Puebla and became the Universidad de las Americas. UDLA is a private, liberal arts institution accredited in both the U.S. and Mexico, and is dedicated to bilingual, bi-cultural education. UDLA currently has 5,000 students including foreign students from 30 countries. The 175-acre campus is located only seven kilometers from Puebla and is within walking distance of Cholula, the oldest continuously inhabited town in the Americas. The Centro Internacional de Lengua y Cultura was created to offer courses to international students interested in the Spanish language and Mexican culture.

PUEBLA AND CHOLULA
The city of Puebla is known as "the city of tiles" to its inhabitants. It is Mexico's fourth largest city with more than 1.3 million inhabitants and is 120 kilometers southeast of Mexico City. At an altitude of 7,050 feet, Puebla has a unique climate. From late April until early November afternoon showers are common, but the days are always warm and the nights are cool. It is built near the snow-capped mountain known as "Popocatepetl" which means "the Kneeling Warrior." The Puebla region is an important anthropological and historical repository. Here, the battle of Cinco de Mayo was fought against the French. It is a town of quaint charm, and hidden convents with Spanish-style patios, flowery arches and "cantera" fountains.

Within a mile of the university campus is the archaeological zone of Cholula, a city famed for its pyramids and many churches. According to legend, Cortes vowed to build one church for every day of the year. Other towns, like Tonanzintla and Acatepec, less than 10 minutes from the University, are also well known for their remarkable churches. Puebla itself features many fine examples of colonial architecture. Mexico City is two hours away by super-highway. Buses for the capital leave Puebla every 15 minutes.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Depending on your Spanish proficiency, you may take Spanish courses offered by the Language Department, content courses offered in English, or content courses offered in Spanish. You will be required to take a Spanish Proficiency Exam as part of the pre-departure registration process.

If you obtained an intermediate rating, you may take content courses offered in English, and/or Spanish as a second language courses. The intermediate Spanish courses offered by the Language Department are:

  • LE-242-II: Oral Communication
  • LE-243-II: Written Communication
  • LE-244-II: Grammar

If you obtained an advanced rating you may take content courses offered in English and/or Spanish, and/or Spanish as a second language courses. The advanced Spanish courses offered by the Language Department are:

  • LE-341-III: Grammar
  • LE-342-III: Pronunciation
  • LE-344-III: Business Writing
  • LE-345-III: Mexican Literature
  • LE-346-III: Mexican Culture

If you obtained a superior rating you may take content courses offered in English and/or Spanish, and/or Spanish as a second language courses. The superior Spanish courses offered by the Language Department are:

  • LE-441-IV: Grammar
  • LE-442-IV: Mexican Politics
  • LE-443-IV: Mexican civilization
  • LE-444-IV: Translation

Course descriptions for Spanish as a second language courses can be obtained at: http://www.udlap.mx/internacional/students/pdf/CursosEspanol06E.pdf

University Courses in Spanish

Students at the undergraduate level who have obtained an advanced or superior level on the Spanish placement test may take content courses offered in Spanish from levels 100-499. The general course catalog is available on-line:

Courses in English

All international students at the undergraduate level are eligible to take content courses offered in English from levels 100-499. Please consult the following link for further information: http://www.udlap.mx/internacional/students/pdf/CursosIngles.pdf

A Modern Languages Advisor  for the Puebla program has been identified:

Program

Advisor

Office

Email

Puebla, Mexico

Kuderer

311 GMH

kuderer.dona@uwlax.edu

COURSE EQUIVALENCIES
The course equivalencies spreadsheets have been compiled from past approved Academic Plan forms.  They show when the course was last approved and how it transferred back to La Crosse.  You may notice that some classes satisfied several UWL options.

This list is not comprehensive nor does it take the place of  meeting with your advisor for final approval!  They are meant to be a guide of what courses may be appropriate for your studies abroad.

HOUSING
The university has three dormitories for both Mexican and foreign exchange students, which can house up to 960 students. The dorm rooms are divided into "suites" which include 4 double rooms, a living room, a kitchen (with an oven, a small refrigerator, and a microwave), one bathroom, and a washing machine and dryer. Each dormitory is staffed with a 24-hour attendant to assist with any residents needs.

PASSPORTS & VISAS
Before you travel abroad, you will need to obtain a passport, which will serve as proof of your U.S. citizenship. A passport may allow you to gain entry to (and exit from) other countries. Depending on the country to which you're traveling, a visa may be required as well. Entry requirements vary from one country to another. The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings specific to certain countries, and offers tips and publications relevant to travel abroad generally. Well in advance of your departure, you should also familiarize yourself with international travel health issues, and health recommendations specific to your destination.

PROGRAM DATES
Fall: early-August to mid-December
Spring: early-January to mid-May
For more precise dates refer to the Program Dates.

ADMISSION CRITERIA
2.5 GPA minimum, 2.75+ GPA preferred
Second-semester sophomore standing (45 credits minimum)
Completion of SPA 202 or the equivalent
Open to students from other universities

PROGRAM FEE
The program fee includes the following:

  • Tuition (12-16 credits) and Administrative Fees
  • Housing in University Dormitories
  • Ground transportation from Mexico City to Puebla upon arrival
  • Orientation to Study Abroad Class
  • Study Abroad Health Insurance (required by UW System)
  • International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
  • Study Abroad Graduation Sash

Airfare is not included in the program price.
The program fee does not include a meal plan or meal stipend of any kind.

Financial Aid is applicable to program fees.

Refer to Program Fees for the most current program fee.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.udlap.mx
International Office: www.udlap.mx/internacional
Student Guide: http://www.udlap.mx/internacional/atUdla/StudentGuide.pdf
Tips and Advice from Program Alumni

 

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Office of International Education
116 Graff Main Hall
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601 USA

Telephone: 608-785-8016 Fax: 608-785-8923 E-Mail: studyabroad@uwlax.edu