Spanish Language, Mexican Culture and Community Service Learning
SUMMER SNAPSHOT
UDEM offers five weeks of language and cultural studies that also incorporate exciting community service opportunities! Students may earn up to 6 US credits and also be awarded a community service certificate. Classes in Monterrey are complemented by outings and visits to sites such as the Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery, the Mexican History Museum, and the Cola de Caballo waterfall. While in Merida, a trip to Chichen Itza, tours of the town, and a trip to Progreso Beach are offered. The ISEP-Direct cost includes transportation from Monterrey to Merdia.
Monterrey and Merida, Mexico
Language of Instruction: Spanish
PROGRAM TYPE
ISEP-Direct Summer for all ISEP member students 
COURSES
Students participate in two different courses: Spanish (48 contact hours at the beginning, intermediate, or advanced levels) and Culture and Life in Mexico (48 contact hours). Additionally, students participate in community service visits during their stay in Monterrey (20+ hours).
Weeks 1 – 3: Spanish Language and Mexican Culture in Monterrey. Students participate in the community programs UDEM offers while experiencing personal growth and developing leadership competencies, such as emotional intelligence, interpersonal relations, team work, communication, and problem solving.
Weeks 4 – 5: Spanish Language and Mexican Culture in Merida.
LANGUAGE NOTES
No prior knowledge of Spanish is required; students will be placed into the appropriate level of Spanish based on their language abilities.
SEMESTER OPTIONS
Additional options are available for semester programs. See the Membership Directory for details.
PROGRAM DATES
June 18 – July 20, 2012
APPLICATION DEADLINE
May 1, 2012
PROGRAM FEE
$4,250
HOUSING AND MEALS
In Monterrey, students stay in the residence halls in double rooms. Two meals are provided a day. In Merida, students will stay with host families who will provide two meals a day.
PROFILE
Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM) was founded in 1969 by a group of representatives from five Catholic orders, local business people, professionals, and educators with the goal of building an institution of higher learning based on Christian beliefs and tradition, humanistic values and ideals, and social consciousness and awareness. Since then, UDEM has forged a reputation as one of the finest private universities in Mexico, attracting students from across the country. UDEM is recognized for its concept of holistic education (formacion integral), standards of academic excellence, and community service commitment. The university is accredited in the United States by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
LOCATION
Please note the current US Department of State Travel Warning for Mexico. For more information, please click here.
UDEM is located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, a friendly, safe, and prosperous town of 120,000 inhabitants, which is part of the metropolitan area of Monterrey, the state capital of Nuevo León. Monterrey lies in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains about 250 km south of the border with Texas and 1,000 km north of Mexico City. Monterrey is Mexico's third-largest city and one of the nation's most important industrial, financial, and business centers.
It is also home to a thriving artistic community, various museums, theaters, concert halls, a symphony orchestra, a ballet company, and prominent sports teams. The barrio antiguo, the old quarters, with its many restaurants, pubs, bars, discotheques, and vibrant nightlife, is a favorite student hangout on the weekends.
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is a perfect location to learn about Mexican culture and Mayan heritage. Merida is close to some of the most beautiful beachs in Mexico: Playa del Carmen and Cancun.