Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers an Academic Exchange program through Universidad La Salle of Mexico City.  This program is available to students from all over the world.  You take classes in Spanish in your area of interest with the students who regularly attend Universidad La Salle.

View photos from Spring 2007.
View photos from Spring 2006.

Universidad La Salle is a private, Christian Brother school established in 1962 with branch campuses throughout Mexico (Cancun, Guadalajara, Cuernavaca, Morelia, Pachuca, Cd. and Obregon) with a student enrollment of approximately 11,000. It is among Mexico’s most innovative, private universities, noted for the beauty of its campus and facilities and its traditional values and community spirit.

The Center for International Education, La Salle (CIEL) is located across from the main campus in a lovely, historic residence, known as the Casa Rosa.  It is the hub for international activity at the university.  The "Quinto Patio", located behind the Casa Rosa, offers a comfortable setting for international visitors to become integrated in the university environment.

Courses are available in Accounting, Business Administration, Chemistry, Communication, Education, Engineering, Graphic Design, Information Science, International Business, Philosophy, and Theology. 

Course Descriptions

Contact Renee Knutson, Director of Study Abroad, to discuss program fees and financial aid.

The Spring Semester 2009 program dates are January - May.  The application deadline is October 15, 2008.  

To be eligible, you must have completed at least two semesters of Spanish or the equivalent, be a second semester sophomore, and have at least a 2.0 GPA, preferably a 2.5 GPA.

Submit Saint Mary's required paperwork to the Study Abroad Office along with 3 references completed by 1) Your Academic Advisor 2) Other Faculty Member (not in "Major" dept.) 3) Current Hall Director or Dean of Students.  Acceptance is contingent on a thorough review of the your application and subsequent approval from Universidad La Salle.

After acceptance, complete the following required items.

1.  Pay $500 non-refundable program deposit payable to SMU. 

2.  Attend all orientation sessions.

3.  Obtain a passport.  Submit a copy of the first page to the Study Abroad Office.

4.  Arrange travel plans.  Submit a copy of your flight itinerary to the Study Abroad Office.

5.  Purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for $22 in the Study Abroad Office.

Location

Mexico is a country located in North America and is bordered at the north by the United States and at the south by Guatemala and Belize in Central America.  It is the northernmost and westernmost country in Latin America.  It is also the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world.

Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico.  It is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of 24 million.  It is located in the Valley of Mexico, a large valley in the high plateaus at the center of Mexico, about 7349 feet above sea-level.  It is surrounded on most sides by volcanoes towering 13,000 to 18,000 feet above sea-level.

Climate

The average temperature is 60 °F to 70 °F.  However, it still gets chilly in rainy weather and in the evening. 

Time

Central Standard Time is in effect in Mexico City.

Currency

Mexican currency consists of pesos ($) and centavos (¢).  100¢ = $1.  Notes are issued for $20, $50, $100, $200 and $500 and coins for 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, $1 and $5.  For the current exchange rate, click here. 

More Information

All About Mexico City 
Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago 
Embassy of the United States Mexico 
Facts About Mexico 
Mexico City Guide 
Mexico City Metro 
Mexico City Virtual Guide 
Secretaría de Turismo 
US Department of State Consular Information Sheet Mexico