University of Monterrey

Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico and is the capital of Nuevo Leon state.  Although there are prehistoric archaeological sites in the area, the city was not founded until 1596 by Spanish families.  With its close proximity to Texas and the U.S., Monterrey has always been an important commercial city.  Modern Monterrey is a flourishing industrial and commercial center and is Mexico’s wealthiest, highest educated metropolitan area.

Bachelor Courses in English
Business, Social Sciences & Humanities, Art/Design & Communication, Clinical Science, Psychology, Education, and Engineering.  Every department within UDEM offers at least two courses taught in English.  Visiting students will typically enroll in 4-5 courses per semester which includes 48 class contact hours, homework assignments, quizzes, hour exams, and a final exam.  To view courses available in English, please click here.

Master Courses in English
Business (few).  For those with Spanish fluency, master-level courses taught in Spanish are available, with participation allowed for one semester, the academic year or the summer.  Students with no Spanish proficiency can choose from 7 master courses in the Business school which are taught in English every fall semester.

Language Courses
A Spanish fluency exam (written and oral) is administered upon arrival; visiting students may enroll in an appropriate language course (basic, intermediate, or advanced), if desired.  Students who are already fluent in Spanish may take any courses taught in Spanish, including literature courses, such as Contemporary Latin American Literature, Literature from the XXth Century, American Literature, and Literature Seminar.

Accreditations
Information about UDEM’s accreditations can be found online.

Orientation
Review UDEM’s student handbook for details about calendar, orientation, courses in English, living in Monterrey, and more. Additional information can be found in UDEM’s fact sheet.

Internships
Though limited paid and unpaid on- and off-campus internships can sometimes be arranged in the areas of web design, research, marketing, retail, and finance, placements cannot be guaranteed.  Internships generally require Spanish language fluency and typically require a minimum commitment of 180 hours per semester.  Depending on the duration, academic credit of 6-12 ECTS units (3-6 semester credit hours) can generally be granted.  To be eligible for an internship, you must have completed at least six semesters of study.

Part-time Employment
Exchange students cannot work unless it is in an internship capacity.

Students with Disabilities
UDEM has limited capability of accommodating a student with a physical disability but is generally capable of accommodating a student with a learning disability.  Typical student accommodations as well as shops and services on campus have limited accessibility.  Shops and services in the community are more accessible; however, these must be reached by bus or car.

Grades & Transcripts

UDEM uses a grading system from 0 to 100, with 70 being the minimum passing grade.  Units of credit are similar to ECTS units, and generally six UDEM credits are equivalent to six ECTS units or three semester credit hours.  For additional details on transfer of credits, please refer to the Student Guidebook.

Students MUST request a transcript for their work as exchange students at UDEM.

Health Insurance
Health insurance is required and costs approximately $250 per semester; however, you may wish to consider other coverage, which includes repatriation expenses.  UDEM offers a free infirmary service, which allows unlimited visits and discounts on examinations and medicines.

Textbooks
Approximately $200 per semester

Immigration
$35. UDEM offers this optional service to assist with immigration procedures once students arrive on campus.

Students coming from non-restricted countries for 180 days or less only have to complete the visa card they receive in the airport/airplane.  Students coming for more than 180 days and students coming from restricted countries do need to secure a student visa prior to arrival. The international office at UDEM can assist with immigration matters.

Housing
On-campus residences, shared apartment, or host family.  For information on costs of the on-campus residence hall and services included, please contact the Residence Halls staff.  If you prefer living off-campus, the Housing Office at UDEM can assist.  Many off-campus housing opportunities are possible, ranging from shared rooms in a house to studio apartments; off-campus housing is approximately $230-$500 per month.  A budget of $550 per month allows for a comfortable lifestyle in Monterrey if you live off-campus.  It is advisable to arrive two or three days before orientation and stay in the nearby Wyndham to investigate housing options.  Rates are approximately $60/night and rooms can be shared with up to 3 more people.  More information about housing options is available through the International Office once you have submitted your application documents.

Meals
Students should budget about $200 per month for meal costs; student restaurants are available on campus.

Transportation

While it is possible to fly directly into Monterrey (MTY), US students may want to consider flights into McAllen, Texas (MFE), and take a first-class bus to downtown Monterrey, about a 4-hour ride and approximately $30-35 one way.  Monterrey has excellent connections by air and bus to all parts of Mexico.

Transportation within the city is available via local bus and taxi.

Entertainment
There are numerous cinemas (several in shopping centers) and the nightclub district of Barrio Antiguo (“Old Quarter”), as well as an assortment of sports bars; bowling, bingo, and billiards; cultural activities such as the symphony; touring music, dance, and theatre performances; and Sunday’s outdoor art exhibits on Mina Street.  Important museums in Monterrey are the Bishop’s Palace from Spanish colonial times, Museum of Mexican History, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Alfa Planetarium.  Other entertainment options include several parks within the city, mountaineering at Portrero Chico Canyon, bird watching, various sports arenas and athletic clubs, soccer, go-cart racing, golf, and horseback riding.  Extracurricular activities and volunteer service also allow visiting students to become better acquainted with Mexican culture.

Shopping
The Zona Centro (downtown) is host to many shops and restaurants as well as major hotels, government buildings, and business centers.  The traditional market on Juarez Avenue offers a variety of items for sale and is popular with the local residents.  There are many commercial centers, such as Plaza Fiesta San Augustin on the south side of the city, which is home to US chain stores such as Sears and JC Penney; an outlet mall is also available.  Typical shopping hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with some larger stores open until 10 p.m.; numerous neighborhood convenience stores are open 24/7.  Banks are generally open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; some locations may have extended hours and also may be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Climate
Monterrey is located in an area where several micro-climates intersect and sometimes has changeable weather during a single day.  It is seldom colder than 32ºF in the winter; it is frequently warmer than 100ºF between May and September.  Afternoon rains are common from June through September, with the remaining months being relatively dry.

The Spanish & Mexican Culture Program provides total immersion, allowing students to not only improve and practice their Spanish proficiency but also to live different cultures and unique lifestyles.

Meals and Accommodations: Accommodation will be arranged in UDEM Residence Halls (double room). Meals are the student’s responsibility.

Transportation: You will need to arrange your own transportation to Monterrey.

Cost: $1,750 (early bird) or $1,950, which includes accommodation and cultural visits. $1,050 (early bird) or $1,250, without accommodation. Early bird rates are for registrations and payments received by April 15.