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National Autonomous Univ. of Mexico (UNAM)
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is ranked the #1 university in the Spanish-speaking world. A hub for students and scholars from throughout the Americas, UNAM is a world-class university that offers EAP students the opportunity to observe the intellectual traffic of a cosmopolitan capital and make progress toward your major in virtually any field.
 
Until you've lived there, you cannot imagine the epic diversity of Mexico City. The culture of the university meshes with that of this amazing capital through scores of concerts, cinemas, libraries, museums, galleries, theaters, parks, and publishing houses. Fully immersed in classes with your Mexican peers, absorb the excitement of UNAM while pursuing your academic and social interests.
 
Students attend classes with host country students.

Course Opportunities

Regular university courses are available in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts. Recently the Law Faculty has also opened to UCEAP students.
 
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
 
  • EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
  • Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
  • 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. ​

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study on EAP.
 
ILP: 4 to 8.5 UC quarter units
Term: Students generally enroll in three to five courses to reach the minimum requirement of 18 UC quarter units per semester.

Language of Instruction

Spanish


Language Study

 
The program begins with a four-week Spanish intensive language program (ILP). Spanish language study is available each term but not required.


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Independent study and internships for academic credit may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the Study Center after arrival at the host institution.
Independent study is possible in most disciplines. Consult with the program coordinator early in the program to determine opportunities in your selected field of study. Internships are possible mostly in social service and legal assistance organizations.
UNAM is an important center for all varieties of scholarly research and offers many courses that could lead to additional research opportunities.​
 

Duration

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

Year :  
early July to mid-June​

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You may extend your EAP participation from the fall to the year option. ​

Housing

You may arrange your own housing, or you may choose prearranged housing in an apartment or private home for the first month of the program and then find your own housing after the ILP if you want to move. Students live with international students, UC students, or host country students. Most students choose to live within walking distance of the Casa de California and UNAM, in the beautiful neighborhood of Coyoacán. UCEAP's program coordinator has years of experience arranging housing for students in ideal spaces.
 

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. In the Mexico Study Center, a UC faculty professor offers a course during the fall term and is available for academic advising beginning during the ILP. He and our staff abroad help students integrate into the local culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
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).​

Host Institutions

National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City

National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City
UNAM continues to be a microcosm of the promise and problems facing Mexico today. Its modern and attractive campus in the south of Mexico City was designed to represent the convergence of the modern and the traditional that define Mexico. Many of its buildings are highlighted by famous bas-reliefs and murals depicting key moments in Mexico’s history. One of the world’s largest public universities and well known for quality research, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) offers its 150,000 undergraduates strong academic programs in a wide array of disciplines. Virtually any subject may be profitably pursued here. The Director and staff of the EAP Study Center have detailed information about facultades, courses, and professors that they use to assist you in finding excellent academic opportunities in this huge university.
 
 

Estimated Cost

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 represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. 
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at UNAM
  • 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 throughout the semester
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Round trip transportation from California
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Fall
  • Year
  • $12,800
  • $28,900
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

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 2.85.

GPA:

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

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

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.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: