Overview | Academics | Cost | Location | Life Abroad | Student Voices
Experience one of the most culturally and technologically advanced cities in Latin America by spending a semester studying in Queretaro, Mexico. Enjoy the highly diverse and multicultural population of the community, their year-round warm weather, and the state-of-the-art campus.
Open to agriculture and life sciences majors who are fluent in Spanish, you have the opportunity to directly enroll in courses with Mexican and international students at the Queretaro Campus of Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, commonly known as Monterrey Tec. The program also offers you the opportunity to improve your Spanish language skills and to learn about the culture and business environment of Mexico.
Queretaro is the capital city of Queretaro state and has been named by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. The temperate climate offers you comfortable opportunities to explore the historic city center and colonial architecture, to learn the tango, and to relax on the stunning plazas.
Not sure where Queretaro is? See it on a map here.
Queretaro is the capital city of Queretaro State and is located in the central region of the country, about 125 miles north of Mexico City. The city offers over 460 years of history and tradition through its aqueduct, temples, mansions and palaces that make of this city one of the most beautiful colonial spots. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and the city is located near nine other World Cultural Heritage sites.
Parallel to this historical environment is the fresh and fun Queretaro, offering attractive options of music to dance or listen, different sorts of live shows and a great variety of international and Mexican cuisine.
The state is a quite calm place, with no civil unrest, low crime and a high standard of living. Queretaro is known as one of the cleanest and safest cities in Latin America.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to Queretaro but are given guidelines for arrival dates and times.
Visa
U.S. citizens will receive a 90-day tourist card. You will need to apply for a student visa after arrival. Monterrey Tec will provide you with visa information. If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact your Study Abroad Advisor for guidance.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
The International Programs Office staff in Queretaro will provide you with an orientation program after arrival to help you adapt to the new environment. The orientation program will be a key factor for a successful stay in Queretaro since you will receive in-depth information about a wide variety of topics.
Housing
You have the option to live with a host family, to live in a residence hall or to find a private apartment. Living with a host family, you are immersed in the culture and language and will receive 3 meals a day. Living in a residence hall will be an opportunity for you to meet Mexican and other international students from around the world. Meals are not included. If you would prefer to find your own apartment in Queretaro, the International Programs Office staff in Queretaro can provide additional resources to help in the search.
Excursions and Activities
Monterrey Tec plans a variety of field trips for international students during your course of study. You are also invited to join any of 80 student groups, representing a wide variety of social and sports activities. In the city, you can get to know the impressive history of the city and its colonial architecture, including the distinctive aqueduct with its 74 imposing arches. You also may choose to visit Queretaro's original mansions and plazas and enjoy the colonial splendor of the city's historic center. You can also explore the spectacular Sierra Gorda Mountains east of Queretaro.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
On-Site Support
The International Programs Office at Monterrey Tec provides support on-site.
Handbooks
Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
Safety in Mexico (Fall - 2013-14)
Returned Student Network
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here to see testimonials from students abroad or to contact a returned student.
Student Profiles
Check out student profiles to learn more about their experience abroad.
Adam Mauer
Student Testimonials
"It’s a shame that more students don’t take advantage of going to a country right next door to us but you can still experience a culture so unique and rich, giving you the experience of a lifetime!"
Monterrey Tec is a private non-profit nationwide university system comprised of 32 campuses throughout 26 Mexican cities; however, the exchange program through UW-Madison is a partnership with the Queretaro campus. Campus Queretaro is the second oldest campus in the Monterrey Tec system and enrolls about 6,000 students every semester with over 400 of those as international students.
You can take classes in the international program, which are designed exclusively for international students and include Mexican culture and business in Mexico. Class sizes average around 30 students. Professors encourage teamwork, small group projects, and participation.
Exchange students proficient in Spanish can take courses in Spanish with Mexican students in the academic programs of Social Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Communications, and Business.
This program is only open to students who are in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and is not recommended for those students looking to study Spanish language.
Affiliate Institution(s)
Tecnologico de Monterrey Campus Queretaro
Foreign Courses
Academic Guide
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that students have taken on this program before and the UW equivalents. Note: this list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses or departments. You will get instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance.
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