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Field Research, UC Center Mexico City

Program Overview

This experiential program is geared toward juniors and seniors who want to explore the “real” Mexico outside the classroom and focus their studies on a topic of particular interest to them. At the Casa de California during the early weeks of the program, EAP provides training to help you refine your ideas, design a research plan, and identify the Mexican professor/mentor who will guide your investigations at one of EAP’s research sites in states such as Yucatán, Oaxaca, or Chiapas (final site choice depends on the research topic).
 
Students attend classes with UC students only.

Language of Instruction

Spanish


Language Study

 
Spanish language study is required during the first four weeks of the program.​


Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
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Fall :  
early July to early November​

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You may extend your EAP participation to the spring National Autonomous Univ. of Mexico (UNAM) program, provided you have a 2.85 GPA at the time of departure from California.​

Housing

In Mexico City, housing is prearranged for you by the program in an apartment or private home. Following the Mexico City portion of the program, you will travel to your research site and work with your mentor to arrange housing. Depending on your research site, housing choices may be limited.
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Extracurricular Activities



On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. The Mexico City Study Center Director and staff abroad will help you integrate into the local culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues. Local faculty serve as EAP mentors at each of the research sites and will also be on hand to provide support during the field research portion of your program.
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See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).​
All students begin the program at the UC Center Mexico City before moving to one of the EAP's research sites in Jalisco, Yucatán, Oaxaca, Chiapas or Michoacán.
 

UC Center Mexico City

UC Center, Mexico City
The Mexico City UC Center is housed at La Casa de California, a University of California facility founded to enhance the cultural ties between California and Mexico. The principal structure of the complex, known as La Casona, is a beautiful building from the turn of the 20th century. The EAP Study Center offices and classrooms for the FRP and Comparative Perspectives programs are also located on the elegantly landscaped grounds. Conveniently located between Coyoacán and San Ángel, the Casa is near the National University (UNAM), the Colegio de México, and other premier institutions of higher learning and research. A “mini-campus” itself, La Casa de California complex is a comfortable and relaxed place for students and scholars from the US and Mexico to interact not only in classrooms but in other cultural events as well.  

Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

 
Four courses are required for all students:
  • Field Research Methods (5 UC quarter units)
  • Spanish 112, 113, 114, or 115 depending on placement (4 UC quarter units)
  • Contemporary Mexico (4.5 UC quarter units)
  • Special Studies Research (9 UC quarter units)
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
  • MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
  • Sample Research Projects
Graduate students are also encouraged to participate in this rewarding program.

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. All students take four courses to reach 22.5 UC upper-division quarter units for the semester.
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Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Independent research is the core component of this program. Predeparture preparation is encouraged.
 
On this program, you devote the semester to a research experience that will distinguish you from most other undergraduate students, whether you list it on your résumé, show the final paper to professors at UC, or use it as a head start on graduate work.
 
The more thought you give to your topic before you leave California, the more productive and exciting these first weeks of the program will be. EAP recommends that you discuss your topic with a faculty member in your major department to help narrow your research focus and consider the ways in which your project will fit into your overall academic career. However, your research topic will only be finalized after you have had a chance to meet with the mentors. Field research may be conducted only at the established sites or the surrounding countryside under the supervision of the site mentor.
 
At the end of the program, you present the results of your research in a substantial written paper that is the basis for your grade. You also conduct a presentation for your fellow program participants, instructors, and the Study Center Director in Mexico City.
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Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Fall1822.515$7,050$5,350
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.  Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • UC fees
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • Arrival hotel and meals, orientation, and transportation to housing
  • Phone card for local and long-distance calls
  • Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
  • Excursions to Teotihuacan, Cacaxtla and Tlaxcala
  • Tickets to the Ballet Folklórico
  • Room and board
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Personalized guidance from a Mexican professor at your research site
  • Round-trip transportation from California
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
​While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

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Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

Spanish
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 2 years (6 quarters / 4 semesters) with a minimum language GPA of 2.50.

GPA:

2.50 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.