Overview

The Mexico-U.S. Comparative Perspectives program is ideal for juniors and seniors of all disciplines who are interested in the connections between Mexico, California, and the U.S. The program is housed in the beautiful Casa de California, the University of California complex founded to foster more intensive academic collaboration between the two countries. Classes are taught by Mexican specialists who are dedicated to intellectual and cultural exchange between Mexico and California and interested in questions of national, political and cultural identity. Program courses take advantage of the historical richness of Mexico City to enhance the classroom experience. An academic excursion outside the capital provides additional perspectives on political, economic, and cultural questions.

All courses are taught in English. Students attend classes with UC students and specially invited Mexican students.

In addition, students may choose to take a Spanish language course to advance or fulfill their language requirement or improve their fluency.

Course Opportunities

Contrasting views of issues critical to Mexico and the U.S. are explored in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Four out of five available courses, or three plus a Spanish language course, are required for all students (6 UC quarter units each; all of these classes are cross-listed in more than one subject area):

• History and Culture of Migration
• Mexico-U.S.: Perspectives on Gender
• Mexico-U.S. Economic Relations
• Cities in Transition: Mexico City and Los Angeles

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.

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. You can fulfill this requirement by taking four of the five comparative perspective courses or by taking three plus one 6-unit Spanish language course.

Fall: 24 UC upper-division quarter units

Language of Instruction

English

Language Study

Spanish language instruction is offered at various levels but not required.

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

You may be able to arrange community service opportunities during or after this program.

Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

Fall: mid-August to mid-December

You may extend your EAP participation to the spring National Autonomous Univ. of Mexico (UNAM) program or spring Field Research, UC Center Mexico City program, provided that you have fulfilled the two-year Spanish language requirement and have the requisite GPA at the time of departure from California.

Housing

You may arrange your own housing, or you may choose prearranged housing in an apartment or private home. Students live with international students, UC students, or host country students. Most students choose to live within walking distance of the Casa de California, in the beautiful neighborhood of Coyoacán.

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 Study Center Director and staff help students integrate into the local 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

All classes for the Mexico-U.S. Comparative Perspective program are held at the UC Center Mexico City, located at the Casa de California.

• UC Center Mexico City

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
• On-site orientation
• Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
• Room and board
• Program excursions
• Books and other incidental expenses
• 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	$9,700

Application Requirements

Class Level

Junior, senior, graduate

Language Prerequisite

None

GPA

2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions.

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:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz