Outline

Mexico is a large rapidly developing country with a fascinating history and tremendous regional variety of geography and culture. Pre-colonial civilisations, conquest, Spanish settlement and popular revolution have all left a big mark on contemporary society. Indian and mestizo populations retain strong native traditions. Mexico has outstanding architecture, art and design, cuisine and popular music. Being squeezed between the United States and Latin America also gives the country special characteristics and helps to shape national consciousness. The migration of Mexican workers, the establishment of border industries, and the NAFTA trade agreement offer Mexico unique opportunities to integrate with the world's largest economy. The country has recently made an historic transition to genuine multi-party democracy.

In exceptional circumstances, students with an advanced competence in Spanish are required to take approved substitute subjects (see the list of approved substitute subjects). Any variation in the International Studies program is subject to the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute.

977532
In-country Study 1: Mexico

24cp; prerequisite: completion of relevant subjects appropriate to the student's International Studies major

In-country Study subjects are only available to students doing the BA in International Studies.

978532
In-country Study 2: Mexico

24cp; prerequisite: 977532 In-country Study 1: Mexico

Information on In-country Study in Mexico

Content and assessment

Students spend two consecutive semesters studying social science or culture and humanities subjects at an institution of higher education in Mexico through arrangements made by the Institute. The focus of study varies in each semester depending on individual student preferences and the availability of subjects at host institutions. Students are assessed on each semester separately and assessment is based on the subjects undertaken at the host institutions, as well as project work administered by the Institute for International Studies.

Location

Xalapa, Veracruz

Xalapa (pop. 300,000) is a small city which has conserved much of the charm and character of provincial Mexico. It is nestled in green misty hills and has many squares and gardens. The snow-capped Pico de Orizaba is clearly visible from the city. The city and surrounding pueblos remain unspoilt by tourism yet are fascinating places to visit for anyone interested in archaeology, Mexican history, the arts and indigenous cultures. Xalapa is also within easy reach of Mexico City by a good road. Xalapa is the administrative capital of the state of Veracruz, and most industry and commerce is located 130 km east around the historic port of Veracruz. Between Veracruz and Xalapa lie sub-tropical lowlands where fruits, herbs, chillies and flowers are grown. Coffee is the main crop in the hills. All these local products are sold in Xalapa's traditional marketplaces. Xalapa is known for its exceptionally active and varied cultural life.

The Universidad Veracruzana was founded in 1944 and has approximately 60,000 students. There are over 30 undergraduate degree courses in the faculties of Medicine, Business and Economics, Art, Humanities, Veterinary and Agricultural Science, and Engineering. The University also runs 65 postgraduate programs, and has a total of 20 research institutes. A new research library was recently inaugurated. The Folkloric Ballet of Veracruz is based in the University, and the Faculty of Arts is closely involved in promoting community activities. The anthropology and history faculties specialise in the study of provincial history and indigenous languages. Several faculties are dispersed around the city. The main campus is located below the city centre in pleasant parkland with lakes and an historic sports stadium built in the Grecian style in the 1920s. The University's school for foreign students (EEE), established in 1957, was one of the first institutions in Mexico to provide educational programs exclusively for foreign students.

Costs

The two semesters of In-country Study are full-credit subjects at UTS for which HECS is payable. Students receiving student financial support in Australia are still eligible to receive it while they are engaged in a period of In-country Study in Mexico. The costs of tuition in host institutions overseas and travel between Sydney and the designated host institutions are borne by UTS, except in cases where a scholarship has been awarded to the student with provision for these costs. Under those circumstances, the funds that would have otherwise been allocated towards the student's tuition and travel are redirected to support the In-country Study program in general. Other costs, e.g. accommodation and food, are met by students who may expect that no greater costs will be incurred through undertaking a period of In-country Study in Mexico than are involved in living away from home in Sydney.

The information on the program of In-country Study in Mexico is correct at the time of printing. However, the Institute for International Studies reserves the right to make alterations to the location and content of any program of In-country Study at any time.