Overview
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is ranked the #1 university in the Spanish speaking world. A hub for students and scholars from 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 a variety of fields. 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 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.
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 Study Center Director early in the program to determine opportunities in your selected field of study. Internships are possible, but more difficult to arrange. If you are determined to have an internship, you may need to be flexible.
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: mid-July to mid-December
Spring: early January to mid-June
Year: mid-July to mid-June
You may extend your EAP participation from the fall to the spring or to the spring Field Research, UC Center Mexico City program.
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.
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 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
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.
Visit the National Autonomous University of Mexico 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
- 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*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Fall |
$11,500 |
| Spring |
$13,500 |
| Year |
$21,100 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
Minimum two years of university-level Spanish
GPA
2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure and a 2.85 language GPA by the end of the last term prior to departure (or earlier if required by the Campus EAP Office).
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. The final admission decision is made by the host institution.
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:
