Arcos Mexico - Semester Abroad

Academics

When studying abroad in Mexico, Snow College students will attend classes at The University of Oaxaca (UABJO), one of the oldest universities in Mexico. The campus is located just a few blocks from the historic city center.

• Snow College students will take a selection of academic subjects specifically designed for you to learn Spanish and explore Mexican culture through electives in Spanish such as Medical Spanish, business, anthropological studies, economics, writing, literature, history, and cinema.
• You can also take elective classes in English such as art and drawing.
• You can also enroll in 12 credits of Global Inquiry Abroad.
• Spanish language classes are available for Beginner I to Advanced II, so if you are new to the language, it’s not a problem.

Each class is 45 contact hours, and the semester program is taught in blocks:

1. Block 1: 4 weeks
   Choose any two classes
2. Block 2: 4 weeks
   Choose any two classes
3. Block 3: 4 weeks
   Choose any one class. You can add a 6th course for additional fee.

See the Arcos website for an extensive list of courses available to suit any major. If your Spanish is at an advanced level, you are also eligible to take classes at Meso-American University, which offers even more courses to choose from, provided you are enrolled for the full semester (they do not use the block schedule like University of Oaxaca).

Learn more about each institution on the Arcos website.

Interested in a career in healthcare?

During the Spring Semester you can enroll in a custom-designed 9-week program to focus on healthcare.

Students on this track take Medical Spanish and one Spanish course (Intermediate I, Intermediate II, Advanced I, or Advanced II).

All students take the course “Healthcare: Public Health in Mexico” which combines in-class work with a medical shadowing experience at the Red Cross.

The program is intended for students in a health sciences degree plan such as Nursing, Medicine or Pre-Med.

You can also add an extra Spanish class if your level is not Intermediate I by the time your program starts.

Cultural immersion

When studying abroad in Mexico, you’ll be able to experience hands-on learning through cultural activities such as cooking classes, city tours, museum visits, festivals, and artisan workshops.

There are also opportunities to explore the region on guided excursions to Monte Albán archeological site, Hierve el Agua, archaeological sites, and indigenous villages.

You’ll be able to live with a local Oaxacan family, enjoying home-cooked meals and daily cultural immersion and language exchange.

You’ll also have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of projects with different sectors of Oaxacan society, environment, indigenous rural communities, marginalized children, youth and adults.

Your Schedule

About two weeks prior to the start of your program, you will receive a Program Calendar that will list program activities such as class times, meal times, cultural activities, and weekend excursions.

See a sample Program Calendar of a typical week in Oaxaca.

Application Process, Preparations and Deadlines

Requirements

• Students must apply and be selected for the semester abroad program.
• Students should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
• Students must be in good academic conduct standing at Snow College.
• Students must be 18 years old by the program start date.
• Students are responsible for acquiring the necessary documents such as a passport and international travel and health insurance.

Good news! U.S. citizens do not require a student visa for semester-long study in Mexico, which makes this an easier destination to explore.

Inquire now for more information about the program and how to apply at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE).

Contact CGE to apply

Important Dates

• Fall Semester in Mexico runs from September to December.
• Spring Semester runs from January to April.
• Admissions deadlines are typically in November for a Spring start, and in July for a Fall start.
• Note: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the greater your chances of being accepted and the more time you will have to prepare!
• Orientation dates, departure and return dates are determined annually. Be sure to speak with your Study Abroad Advisor for details.
• If you are using financial aid or scholarships to help pay for your program, a Financial Aid Award Verification Form is due by the Application & Payment Deadline.

Fall Semester Deadlines

Application & Materials Deadline: July 1

Late applications may be accepted until July 15th, but your program might be full by then so we strongly suggest you apply before the deadline.

Payment Deadline: July 15

Spring Semester Deadlines

Application & Materials Deadline: November 15

Payment Deadline: December 5

Tuition and Funding

All programs include tuition, room and board with a homestay, weekend excursions, cultural activities, onsite director support, international medical insurance, transcripts and much more!

• See a full list of what is included.
• See Fall Semester fees.
• See Spring Semester fees.

Using financial aid and applying for a scholarship or grant

Arcos Learning Abroad allows Snow College students to pay for their program with the use of financial aid, scholarships, grants, loans, and other means of approved financial assistance. Payment works in the following ways:

• If financial aid will cover your program in full, but with a release date after the final payment deadline, then we require a Good Faith Payment (GFP) by the final payment deadline. The GFP is not a fee; it gets deducted from the program price.
• If financial aid is only covering a portion of your amount due, then any difference not covered by financial aid must be paid in full to Arcos Learning Abroad by the final payment deadline.

You may be able to use federal student aid (FAFSA) to pay for your study abroad program. You’ll need to meet the aid eligibility criteria and fill out a FAFSA form before you can receive federal student aid to study abroad.

Talk to your study abroad advisor to...

• Determine which types of aid may be available.
• Learn if you can apply your FAFSA funding for studying abroad.
• Find out if you need to provide Arcos with official written confirmation from Snow College’s Financial Aid Office.
• Check if you need to submit Arcos’ Financial Aid Verification Form.

Paying the Program Deposit when applying

• A non-refundable $200 program deposit is required to reserve your place in an Arcos study abroad program.
• This amount goes towards your program price (it is not an additional fee).
• If you are not accepted into the program, the deposit is refunded.
• Your application is not considered complete until the deposit has been submitted.
• Payment instructions will be provided to you after your application is received.
• Payments can be made via the Arcos website.

Payments can be made via the Arcos website.

Housing and Meals

• You’ll live with a local Oaxacan family, which gives you the perfect opportunity to practice your Spanish skills in a relaxed, authentic environment.
• Arcos host families live conveniently within 15 to 20 minutes walking distance to your school. There are several amenities such as shops and laundromats also located near all homes.
• Arcos hosts are considered middle-class by local standards and live in very safe neighborhoods. All homes have Wi-Fi.
• Your program fee includes three delicious meals a day with your host family. They will provide a packed lunch for you when you join weekend excursions.

Location

Why Mexico?

Thanks to Snow College’s partnership with Arcos, you can study abroad in beautiful southern Mexico, one of the most fascinating and diverse countries in the world. With snow-capped peaks, expansive deserts, cool cloud forests, and gorgeous coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Mexico's geographical diversity is matched only by its rich cultural tapestry. Home to 68 nationally recognized languages, this vibrant country is filled with unique communities and traditions, making it an ideal place for exploration and understanding. As a neighboring country, Mexico is of immerse importance to the U.S. and by spending time there, you will return home with a deeper appreciation for cross-cultural relations.

Why Oaxaca?

Nestled in the heart of southern Mexico, Oaxaca de Juárez (also known as Oaxaca City). serves as the capital of the state of Oaxaca.

Oaxaca is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage city surrounded by lush mountains and Indigenous villages, making it an ideal location for Spanish language study and cultural immersion. Known for its unmatched hospitality, the friendly people of Oaxaca will make you feel at home as you explore its colorful streets and stroll through the welcoming plazas of Oaxaca City.

This charming city is celebrated for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and a rich tapestry of ancient, pre-Hispanic cultures that still thrive today, such as the Zapotecs and Mixtecs.

Another reason to love Oaxaca has got to be its food! Oaxaca is famous for its unique dishes and countless varieties of mole sauces, some of these moles have more than 20 ingredients! You’ll indulge in new flavors daily, whether it’s a home-cooked meal from your host family, or a quick snack while strolling through the city’s bustling markets filled with handcrafted goods.