Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán
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Mexico Study Abroad at Universidad Autónoma de YucatánStudy Abroad at Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán
 Printing TipsProgram Snapshot Ranked as the top public university in Mexico, the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY) is a high quality, fulfilling academic environment located in the beautiful city of Mérida. Because of its location among some of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Mexico, UADY is proud of it's commitment to archaeology and anthropology. New for 2012: Tourism Study at UADY What UADY has to offer
Housing
Academics
AcademicsAcademic StructureWhat is the academic structure of the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán program? College of Social Sciences and Humanities In addition, the program offers three program classes designed specifically for IFSA-Butler participants. These classes, taught in Spanish by local professors, are intended to provide you with an understanding of the events and issues that make Mexico what it is today. Program CoursesWhat program courses does IFSA-Butler offer? Advanced Spanish (4 U.S. semester credit hours)There are three sections of this required course: Advanced Spanish I, Advanced Spanish II and Advanced Proficiency in Spanish Spoken in Mexico. Placement is determined by a language test administered upon arrival. History of Mexico-U.S. Relations (3 U.S. semester credit hours)This optional course examines the history of international relations between the U.S. and Mexico. It is taught during the fall semester only. History of Mayan Culture and Civilization (3 U.S. semester credit hours)This optional course examines the history and evolution of the Mayan civilization. It is taught during spring semester only. Directed Research Project (3 U.S. semester credit hours) This option offers the chance to do field research in a contemporary issue of your interest. Students who choose to do the research project must take this course. University InfoWhat is the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán like? University CoursesWhat UADY courses are available to me? As an IFSA-Butler student, you may enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and space is available. Additionally, you may enroll in open courses as long as you meet any prerequisites and have the adequate level of Spanish. You can enroll in any major except for médico cirujano, derecho, enfermería and químico farmaceútico biológico. While many course descriptions may be found online, course syllabi may not be available until the beginning of your semester. Keep in mind the following:
Where can I find a list of courses that UADY offers?
Are there any restrictions or additional requirements for courses I can take? While students can technically enroll in biology, veterinary medicine, and zoology, the science campus is located two hours outside of Mérida, so it may not be practical to consider taking classes there. How are UADY courses different from the courses at my U.S. university? Additionally, you might notice that your Mexican classmates know each other very well. This is because students enroll in carreras rather than majors. Carreras are similar to majors in the United States but with a more structured program of study and fewer elective courses. Students from the same carrera enroll in the same courses together during their entire undergraduate career. I need to provide course descriptions and/or syllabi to my home university advisor. Where can I find those?
Please limit your request to 10 courses at a time. Keep in mind that it may take a few days to a month to obtain this information. RegistrationHow will I register for courses? While we are sure that your time abroad will be rewarding, you must be aware of some of the challenges inherent in dealing with the Mexican educational system. The resident director will not only discuss these at orientation, but will also be available to help you with any problems that may arise during the semester. Keep in mind that the educational system in Mexico is different from the system in the U.S. For example, universities do not usually publish course schedules until just before the start of the semester. In many cases, current course listings are not available until you arrive on site. You will have one week to try out your classes before you finalize your schedule. What if I need to take a required course? Science and engineering courses everywhere require a high level of expertise, and students should be prepared for the increased challenge of studying these disciplines in Spanish. As these are fields in which there are generally few international students, visiting students may feel that the support system is not readily apparent. However, previous visiting students at UADY have found science and engineering course professors to be helpful. What are the registration conditions? All courses are graded on an A-F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. Students are not allowed to register for on-line, distance education or hybrid courses. See the "Academics" and "Program Fees and Financial Aid" sections in Preparing to Study Abroad for more information. ExamsWhat do I need to know about exams? Due to the difference in academic systems, your exam schedule will not be available until after you register for courses at UADY. Be sure to confirm exam dates with your professor at the beginning of the semester. You are not permitted to reschedule exams, request alternate assessment or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler will not be able to assist you in conducting an academic record query on the class in which you made this arrangement. Additionally, all academic obligations, including final exams, must be complete before leaving Mexico. TranscriptsHow will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received? Academic TutorsWhat if I need academic help during the semester? HousingHousing OptionsWhat are my housing options? Study abroad is much more than academics. Learning takes place not only during class, but 24 hours a day. One of the best out-of-class experiences is the homestay, which is a vital, required component of the IFSA-Butler program. One IFSA-Butler student is placed with a carefully selected, program approved host family for the duration of the study abroad semester or year. In addition to the program application, be sure to click on the "Forms" tab to download and complete your Family Placement Form. Once finished, submit your Family Placement Form to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Housing FAQsIs my housing included in the program fee? Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation with your host family while classes are in session and during short university breaks. If you are studying abroad for an entire year, you will need to find alternate housing during the semester breaks. You will be responsible for the any commuting costs you may incur. When will I receive my housing assignment? Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences. Do I have to pay a housing deposit? Can I arrange my own housing? Location InfoLiving and Studying in Mérida City features
Links Dates & FeesUADY FeesClick here to view a full list of Mérida fees. FormsTo apply to the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán program, use our easy online application. Applicants to the UADY must complete additional forms as part of the application process:
Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. If you have already started an application to the UADY program, you can check the status of your application using the Student Portal. Meet Your IFSA TeamIFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in Mérida:
Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office, including our resident director. Click here to read more about Resident Director Diana Arízaga.
Get ConnectedConnect with IFSA-Butler StudentsIf you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program. Check out the following: Student Network PhotosThis Flash content
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 = to image source  = close image VolunteerVolunteering while studying abroad in Mérida is an enriching experience, both personally and academically. Students report that even volunteering a few hours per week enhanced their study abroad experience by providing them with access to the local culture and a deeper understanding of problems that face Mérida's inhabitants on a daily basis. Several volunteering opportunities exist in Mérida. Placements are made after you arrive onsite and are contingent upon a personal interview, your language level and available time commitment. IFSA-Butler has prepared a list of places where you, as a visiting student, can volunteer to do social service. While this is purely optional, a commitment on your part is needed in order to arrange a placement. Upon completion of your period of volunteerism, you will be issued a certificate indicating the number of hours you dedicated and the type of work you completed. Volunteering does not earn academic credit and will not appear on your Butler University transcript. Examples of places where students can be placed: Ayuntamiento: Government-sponsored program providing English classes to disadvantaged communities in and around Mérida. Activities include: Working with an English teacher to prepare materials for class, engaging in linguistic exchanges and helping students improve their pronunciation and grammar. Time commitment: 4 hours per week Celarain: Nursing home that provides shelter, housing and medical attention to elderly citizens. Activities include: Assisting in organizing meal times, activities and workshops and acting as conversation partners. Time commitment: 5 hours per week Centro de Cultura del Niño Yucateco (CECUNY): Government agency that provides creative programming and workshops in dance, art, literature, chess, choir and music for children between the ages of four and 12. Activities include: Helping prepare materials for workshops and culture events; students who can play instruments, dance or sing might also be able to teach classes. Time commitment: 4 hours per week Colegio Americano: Private school with kindergarten through high school grades and an excellent English program. Activities include: Working with an English teacher to prepare materials for class, engaging in linguistic exchanges and helping students' improve their pronunciation and grammar. Time commitment: 4 hours per week Colegio Renacimiento Primaria: School with preschool through middle school grades, including special education and a bilingual program; curriculum also focuses on science, technology and culture. Activities include: Working with an English teacher to prepare materials for class, engaging in linguistic exchanges and helping students' improve their pronunciation and grammar. Time commitment: 4 hours per week Hoy en tu comunidad: Private organization supported by the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán to provide medical care and public health education to communities in and around Mérida. Activities include: Helping doctors and pre-med students advise citizens (many of them Mayan-speaking) on health and wellness issues. Time commitment: Every Saturday Instituto para el Desarrollo de la Cultura Maya del Estado de Yucatán (INDEMAYA): Government agency designed to provide training and support for the Mayan communities in and around Mérida, as well as maintain and promote Mayan culture and language. Activities include: Helping to organize cultural events, creating projects relating to Mayan language and culture and distributing them via mass media, and educating citizens on their rights and directing them to the appropriate government agency based on their social or economic need. Time commitment: 4 hours per week Pronatura: Private organization that works to conserve the ecosystem of the Yucatán peninsula and promote a healthy relationship between society and nature. Activities include: Working with the organizations' directors on various ecological projects already underway. Time commitment: 4 hours per week Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT): Governmental organization that Works with Mayan cooperatives to create and manage tourist sites in their communities. Activities include: Helping develop and implement community projects at tourist sites, including Ek-Balam and Punta Laguna. Time commitment: 4 hours per week Unidad de Atención Sicológica, Sexológica y Educativa para el Crecimiento Personal (UNASSE): Human rights organization founded in 1987 with the goal of providing free support for a variety of legal and public health issues, including sexual abuse, violations of workers' rights, prevention and/or treatment of cancer and HIV/AIDS. Activities include: Organizing workshops, creating brochures and conducting interviews. Time commitment: 5 hours per week Vida Familia A.C. (VIFAC): A not-for-profit organization that provides workshops for pregnant women which aim to teach them the skills they need to be self sufficient and provide a better quality of life for their children. Activities include: Helping prepare workshops and training sessions, fundraising and working on publicity campaigns to spread the word about the organization. Time commitment: 3 to 5 hours per week This is just a sample of the volunteer opportunities available to our students, and these may change from semester to semester. If you have specific interests, please discuss them with your program advisor, who can research other opportunities that may be available in your area of interest. Your program advisor can help you determine opportunities that fit your interests (if they are not listed above), but you will not formalize your volunteer placement until orientation. SummerBeginning Language, Culture and Medical SpanishBeginning Language, Culture and Medical Spanish in the Yucatán Study the rich culture of the Yucatán and learn Spanish in one of Latin America's safest areas. No previous Spanish language study required for this 4-week summer program located at the renowned Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY). A mandatory Spanish course provides a solid foundation of written and spoken Spanish. Additionally,a medical terminology course gives invaluable help to medical, social work and business majors. Cultural events and excursions led by IFSA-Butler staff, along with housing and meals, are all included in the program fee.
Click here for more information about the Beginning Language, Culture and Medical Spanish in the Yucatán summer program or contact the program advisor. Language and Cultural StudiesLanguage and Cultural Studies in the Yucatán An intense social science experience in a beautiful, historic area of Mexico, this 6-week summer program offers students the opportunity to explore the rich history of the prehispanic Mayan civilization and its influence in Mexican culture. Two levels of language study are available (intermediate and advanced) on the Language and Cultural Studies program along with top-notch courses listed below. Additionally, students will visit archaeological sites throughout the Yucatán, participate on cultural events, field work and excursions led by IFSA-Butler staff which may include visits to historic towns, nature preserves, local museums, beaches, theaters and cooking lessons. Academics
Intermediate II curriculum includes:
Advanced I curriculum includes:
Click here for more information about the Language and Culture Studies in the Yucatán summer program or contact the program advisor. |
Assistant Director for Language-Based Programs 
Student Accounts Coordinator 
Upon return from your study abroad program, Academic Affairs Coordinator 
