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 students refine their ideas, design their research plan, and identify the Mexican professor/mentor who will guide their investigations at one of EAP's research sites in states such as Jalisco, Yucatán, Oaxaca, Chiapas or Michoacán (final site choice depends on the research topic). Graduate students are also encouraged to participate in this rewarding program.
Students attend classes with UC students only.
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
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.
Language of Instruction
Spanish
Language Study
Spanish language study is required during the first six weeks of the program.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Independent research is a core component of this program. Predeparture preparation is encouraged.
On the Field Research 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.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Fall: early August to early December
Spring: early January to late May
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 by the program in apartments or private homes. Following the Mexico City portion of the program, students travel to their research sites and work with their mentors to arrange their own housing. Depending on the research site, housing choices may be limited.
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 help students 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 to students during the field research portion of their program.
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
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
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.
Visit the Casa de California website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP 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 EAP 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 be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the
Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
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
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Fall |
$9,600 |
| Spring |
$11,800 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
Minimum two years of university-level Spanish by the end of the last term prior to departure (or earlier if required by the Campus EAP Office). If at the time the program starts it will have been a year or more since you last took a course in Spanish, it is recommended that you refresh your proficiency. Contact your Campus EAP Advisor for details.
GPA
2.5 cumulative GPA and 2.5 language GPA at the time of application and maintained through end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions.
Other
Demonstrated background in the discipline to be researched. See your Campus EAP Advisor. Past participants are not able to repeat this program. If you have participated in other Mexico programs, check with your Campus EAP Advisor about eligibility in the Field Research Program.
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 a 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)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection and final admission.
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:
