Admission & Preparation

Deadlines

The priority application deadlines are:

October 31, 2008  for the Spring Semester
December 3, 2008  for the Spring Term
February 13, 2009  for the Summer Sessions
March 13, 2009  for the Fall Semester

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Early application is highly recommended, as program space is limited.

Eligibility Requirements

The program is open to students from all fields of study. To be eligible, students must meet the following minimum requirements before departure:

• have an overall GPA of 2.75 or above.
• have at least a 'B' average in their Spanish courses.
• have completed one of the following courses: HIST 380, 381 or 382 History of Latin America (or an approved alternative).
• have participated in a mandatory Orientation Workshop during the term prior to departure.

Minimum language requirement for the semester or summer programs:

• have completed through SPAN 103 or 112 or the equivalent (or demonstrated the equivalent by UO examination).

Minimum language requirement for the spring term program:

• have completed through SPAN 102 or 111 or the equivalent.
  OR
• have completed through SPAN 103 or 112 or the equivalent.

Students must also make satisfactory academic progress throughout the application process and their study abroad program, and otherwise comply with policies and procedures of the host university, the UO and Study Abroad Programs.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, please contact Jamie Hoag Barnett before applying.

Application Process

Early application is advised, as space is limited to twenty-five students and will be processed as soon as they are completed. Selection for the program is based on a review of the student's written application, transcripts, recommendations and a personal interview. Applications are submitted to International Affairs.

Applications are available in International Affairs, Room 330 Oregon Hall or online via the link below:

UO application.

A $50 application fee is due at the time the application is submitted and is non-refundable under any circumstances.

Selection and Participation

Participants must meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen program, and be prepared linguistically, academically, and socially to succeed abroad. Study abroad participants must satisfactorily complete the following:

• well-written program application.
• personal interview.
• timely submission of required paperwork.
• attendance at pre-departure orientation sessions.
• payment of program fees.

Program participants must also demonstrate the ability to be successful overseas through evidence of maturity, motivation, and flexibility, and such other characteristics as Study Abroad Programs may deem relevant or appropriate. Participation in any program is subject to the approval of International Affairs and its partner institutions, which may grant or withhold such approval in their sole discretion.

Secondary Paperwork

All students admitted to this program are required to complete and submit to Study Abroad Programs secondary paperwork. The paperwork will be given to students at the end of their interview or can be downloaded at:

Secondary Paperwork

Visa Information

Participants in the Querétaro programs are required to enter Mexico with a Mexican Tourist Card. The Tourist Card is normally good for up to 90 days from the date of issue. It may be obtained at most travel agencies or on the plane and is free. Should you receive an inadequate number of days (for the duration of your stay) upon entry into Mexico, your Resident Director will assist you to extend the TC at the Secretaría de Gobernación in Querétaro. The cost to extend a Tourist Card is approximately $25.00 (US).

Please note that visa regulations and policies change frequently.

All students should apply for or renew (if necessary) their U.S. (or other) passports as soon as possible.

Orientations

All students are required to complete a mandatory orientation workshop during the term prior to departure. The program Resident Director, in collaboration with IUSI and UO staff and former student participants, runs the workshop. Students will learn about what to expect from the academic program, the home-stay experience, adapting to life in a different culture, extracurricular activities and so on. The workshop is a great way for students to begin to get to know the RD and fellow participants as they prepare for their time in Mexico.

All study abroad participants must also fulfill the Study Abroad Programs required orientation process. Students will be required to complete a general Blackboard orientation.

The orientations will cover administrative logistics, travel, health, safety, conduct, housing and cultural adjustment. More information regarding the orientation process will be emailed to students.

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