Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Mexico
The Washington College in Mexico program is a Tuition Exchange Program. The first private university in Mexico, founded in 1935 under the guiding principles of “Freedom of Teaching and University Autonomy”—Universidad Autandoacute;noma de Guadalajara has worked continuously to achieve academic excellence, which is one of its most distinguished characteristics. Today, UAG offers 50 undergraduate majors including Arts, International Relations, Economics, Psychology, Education, Spanish Language and Literature, Law, Engineering, and Health Sciences.
Guadalajara (which means “river that runs between two rocks”) is Mexico's second largest city, located in the state of Jalisco. Known for its beauty and spring-like climate, Guadalajara is a mix or cultural heritage and modernism, with numerous events and activities such as the Folklore and Cultural October Fest, the International Book Fair, the International Mariachi Festival, and many more. Puerto Vallarta, Chapala (the largest lake in Mexico), the town of Tequila (birthplace of tequila), Guanajuato (a lovely colonial city) are among other attractions easy to reach from Guadalajara.
The Program
While abroad, students have the opportunity to take a large array of subjects, not always offered at Washington College. The International Language Center was found in response to Mexican and foreign students to develop the language skills necessary for succeeding in today's world. Some of the languages taught there are Spanish, French, Italian, German and Japanese. Students can also utilize the University's Center for Asian and Latin American Studies and the Center for Canadian Studies. For students with a special interest in Spanish and Latin American Culture (particularly Mexican culture), UAG offers several study options such as: Intensive Spanish courses, a Spanish and Culture program, and Spanish courses for specific purposes (Business Spanish and Spanish for Physicians).
It's not just studying—UAG offers sports at both the recreational and competitive levels. Among the disciplines offered, students may choose from: aerobics, boxing, soccer, judo, swimming, squash, beach volleyball, tennis, and Tae Kwon Do. There is also an extensive facilities infrastructure for practicing sports: Olympic swimming pool, handball, tennis, volleyball courts, diving pool, and a soccer stadium to name a few.
Housing:
The UAG has no dormitories but the International Exchange Department has a list of approved families who offer excellent room and board to UAG international students. There are definite advantages to living with a family. Students can practice their Spanish, learn more about Mexican culture, and experience a different way of life.
Requirements:
- Advanced level of Spanish
- Strong academic record
- Evidence of good character, maturity, and motivation
- Ability and willingness to adapt to a foreign environment
Approximate semester dates:
- Fall Semester: late-August to mid-December
- Spring Semester: early-January to mid-June
- or the Full Academic Year