Universidad de las Americas, Puebla
The campus at Universidad de las Americas, Puebla is located in the municipality of San Andres Cholula; one of the richest cities in terms of colonial art in the country, and has been recognized by the UNESCO as Cultural Patrimony of Humanity.
It is one of the most important cities in Mexico, in addition to being an outstanding industrial, commercial and agricultural centre. Cholula, the oldest city on the continent, has an excellent archaeological site that was an important religious centre of diverse cultures during pre-Hispanic times.
On a clear day, four of the highest volcanoes in Mexico can be seen, and the campus buildings are construction in colonial style with beautiful gardens and superb facilities. The university has about 8,500 students, and Cholula has a population of approximately 62,000.
Academics
Courses in English are offered mainly in business and political science. Courses in all disciplines are offered in Spanish. See the course catalogue.
Estimated cost of living
Airfare: $1,200 - 1,500
Visa: $200
Rent: $125 - 175/month
Food: $350/month
Books: $150
Accommodation
The International Office assists with finding housing. Most students shared a double-room in the on-campus residences. Off-campus housing and home-stay with a Mexican family are also options.
Testimonial from a past student
"Studying abroad in Mexico has been a life changing experience. I had no idea what it would be like, so I was nervous to come here. When I first got here, I immediately wanted to come home because nothing was familiar. I didn't really know anyone, I didn't know the city - I didn't even know the language (and not being able to communicate with anyone was the most frustrating experience I’ve ever had in my life, but it also challenged me to learn another language in a short period of time - now people can usually understand what I am trying to say, and that is so exciting!).
"However, now I never want to leave! I love the culture, the city I’m living in, the people I have met, and the experiences I have had. Studying abroad was the best thing I ever could have done. It has opened my eyes to a world outside of Canada. It made me step outside of my comfort zone, and realize certain things about myself that I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Now I look back on the challenges I faced here with fondness, because they have helped me grow.
"There are certain things here that annoy me that I still haven’t acculturated to (like fireworks going off at all times of the day and night, or street venders yelling at 6 am outside my residence hall, or peacocks jumping up on my table at lunch for a little snack), but I know that even the things that annoy me now are the things that I am going to miss when I go home. My time in Mexico is something that is extremely difficult for me to put into words; it has to be experienced first hand to really see what it's all about."
Heather Sleath studied at UDLAP in the Winter 2007 term
