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National Autonomous Univ. of Mexico (UNAM)

Program Overview

A hub for students and scholars from throughout the Americas, UNAM is a world-class university that offers you the opportunity to observe the intellectual traffic of a cosmopolitan capital and make progress toward your major in virtually any field.  
  • Try to imagine the epic diversity of Mexico City!
  • Scores of concerts, cinemas, libraries, museums, galleries, theaters, parks, and publishing houses, not to mention restaurants, cafes, and food stalls.
  • UNAM is the #1 unversity in Latin America!
  • Immerse yourself 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.

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.


Duration

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


Extracurricular Activities

​Many students find internships in organizations working with immigrant populations, underserved youth or women. For internships for credit, see Courses tab next.
The program includes trips to local sites (Teotihuacan, Xochimilco, etc.) as well as to cultural events and museums in the Distrito Federal.
You will never be bored in Mexico City!



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.
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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).​

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.
 
 
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Student Reviews

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.
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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.​
 
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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 below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Fall2326.517.7$9,450$6,600
Spring (Advanced)251812$6,800$6,000
Year4844.529.7$15,600$12,550
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.  Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
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
​While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

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.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and 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.