- When are the application deadlines for summer, fall and spring programs? Are there any exceptions?
For semester exchanges, the deadlines are Feb. 15 for the
fall semester and Oct. 1 for the spring semester. For language programs (short-term programs), the deadline for
summer is April 1 (March 15 if you want a tuition scholarship), for fall it's
July 1, and for spring it's Nov. 1. Or,
it's at least 6 weeks before the start of a session.
- Are there scholarships available? Will my financial aid go towards study abroad tuition?
For short-term programs, you can't use scholarships but you
can use financial aid. LAII has 10 $350 tuition scholarships available for the
summer, for the short-term programs (except for Cuernavaca or Oaxaca). You have to apply by March 15, and you just
turn in the regular application with a letter of intent and a letter of
recommendation from a professor (see applications).
For semester exchanges, you can use any UNM scholarship you
may be receiving (lottery, presidential, regent's etc), plus any financial aid
that you would receive if you were going to school here at UNM. We give you a call number to register for
that shows you as being enrolled at UNM, even if you are doing the short-term
language programs.
- Can I use my lottery scholarship to attend a short-term language program?
No, you can't use any scholarships to attend a short-term
language program, but you can use your financial aid. The only programs you may not be able to use if for are the
Cuernavaca program and the Oaxaca program, because you can't get UNM credit for
those programs. The scholarship office
will want to see your transcript to make sure you took enough hours while you
were abroad.
- How is one-on-one exchange different?
You get a longer, more intense experience from doing a
semester exchange, especially if you go for 2 semesters. We recommend going for 2, because it takes a
while to get into it, and then you won't want to leave!
- I want to do a semester exchange but I'm a beginner. Do I have to be fluent to attend an exchange?
For most semester exchanges you need to be between
intermediate and advanced -- or have taken the equivalent of 5 semesters of the
language (i.e., Span 301 or 302). The
only semester exchange you can do as a beginner is the ITESM program in
Mexico. For all others, you need to
have a pretty good handle on the language before you go, because you'll be
taking classes in that language, writing papers, reading assignment, etc. You have to take a language test to do a
semester exchange (see application).
- Can I study abroad for a whole semester even if I am a beginner?
You can attend any of the short-term language programs for
more than one session, which ends up being like a semester. The CLM in Spain and UNAM, Xalapa, and
Guanajuato in Mexico have semester-long language programs. Anyone can attend these programs, from
beginners to advanced students, to non-UNM students, etc.
- What are the eligibility requirements and the prerequisites for study abroad?
For semester exchanges - You should be about a junior, with at least 50-60 credit hours behind you by the time you go abroad.
You should have a 3.0 GPA.
You should have a good control of the language, having taken 5 semesters (through 301 or 302) by the time you go. Sometimes we make exceptions.
For the short-term language programs, there are no real requirements, even non-UNM students can attend.
You can be a Freshman, or a beginner, and you don't need a 3.0 GPA to get accepted into the program.
- Is it hard to get accepted into a program?
For semester exchanges -- it can be competitive, some schools put a limit on the number of students they will accept.
For short-term language programs -- just about anyone can get in, regardless of level or GPA.
- Can I receive academic credit? Do grades transfer? Will this affect my GPA?
Yes, you can get credit for all but the Cuernavaca and Oaxaca programs.
As of May 1, 2005, GRADES DO TRANSFER, and it WILL affect your transfer
GPA. The transfer GPA is not included in the UNM GPA. A grade of .C. or
better must be earned in order for it to be considered for degree
requirements. You will need to contact your college advisor PRIOR to
leaving to discuss the courses you plan to take and how you will want them
to be considered to apply towards degree requirements.
- How are equivalencies determined?
Equivalencies for the short-term language programs are pre-determined by
the Undergraduate Department Advisors and the LAII has proof of their
approvals on file. These equivalencies are published on the website at
each program description. The only programs you won't get credit for are
Cuernavaca and Oaxaca.
Please be sure that we receive your final official transcript as soon as
possible upon your return. Once you see that the credit is posted to your
UNM record, please follow up with your College Advisor. Your College
Advisor will make the determination if additional departmental
equivalencies need to be pursued. It is important that you follow up with
our office receiving the final transcript and with your college advisor if
any of the work completed is intended to meet graduation requirements.
- How will my credits transfer?
When you get back, check with us to see if we got your transcript, or ask
the school for your transcript before you leave but be sure to give it to
us, because we have to send it over to Admissions. We send a memo with
your transcript, which will be evaluated and entered on your record. You
will see the credit issued for your work on your transfer credit
evaluation. To view your transfer credit evaluation, log in to your
Loboweb and select the .Records and Registration. link. From there, select
the .Submit or view eProgress degree audits.. Follow the prompts from
there to view your transfer credit evaluation.
If you happen to repeat a class you took at UNM, Admissions will often
give you GENERIC credit that can count as an elective.
- Do I have to take a placement test?
Yes, usually you will take a placement test when you arrive at the program (8 am on the first day, for example).
The only programs we have the tests for are Guadalajara and Xalapa.
We want you to take the tests here before you go, so you can be sure to place in at the right level.
For the other programs, you have to wait till you get there to see what level they will place you at.
Sometimes you might have to repeat a class you took at UNM. We don't have any control over that.
- What resources will I have in the case of an emergency?
The school you attend should give you an orientation and tell you what to do down there in case of an emergency.
We give you a Student Handbook and the State Dept Information about the country you will be visiting, we tell you to register with the US consulate. We give you emergency numbers to call at UNM (Robyn at 505-277-6843, Ken Carpenter at 505-277-4032, or the UNM Police 505-277-2241).
- What safety precautions should I take?
We give you an orientation and go over all that (see
Student Handbook)
, but basically, have a heightened sense of protection, hide your money, make copies of everything in case you lose it.
Women need to be a little more careful than normal.
Just use the same precautions you use here, with a little more caution than you are used to.
- Are there reimbursements of fees and tuition if I decide not to go?
The $150 application fee for the semester exchanges in non-refundable, unless you are not accepted into the program or you cannot get into the school of your choice. You cannot get your money back once you pay UNM tuition for the semester exchanges, unless it is due to circumstances beyond your control (the school goes on strike, etc). That decision is then up to the Dean of Students at UNM.
For the short-term language programs, the $40 fee is nonrefundable. We cannot give you a refund if you decide to drop a class at the last minute or you decide to drop the program once you are down there. If it's early enough and we have not paid the school yet, we might be able to make an exception, but once we have paid the school, there are no refunds.
- What about health and travel insurance?
You need at least UNM Student Health insurance, or better yet, insurance from HTH Worldwide (
http://hthstudents.com).
If you are under 30 years of age it costs $36/month and is great insurance. If your personal insurance provides 1) emergency medical evacuation and 2) repatriation of remains and you can give us a copy of that information from your policy, then you do not have to buy special insurance.
But it is well worth it.
If you are an older student, you can buy insurance from MedEx (
http://www.medexassist.com/
).
Cost is $4.00 per day.
Travel insurance can be purchased from HTH Worldwide (see Trip Protector at
http://www.hthworldwide.com/corp_prd_services/travel_ind.htm
).
- Do I have to buy the insurance before I apply?
No, you can wait until you receive your acceptance letter from us or from the program.
- Do I need a passport in order to apply?
No, we just need a copy of your passport before you go.
- Do I need a student visa and how do I go about getting one
You only need a student visa if you are doing a semester exchange or are going to Spain for more than 90 days.
You will have to call the consulate in Houston (we are in the Houston jurisdiction for most consulates) and if you are going to Spain you will have to GO TO HOUSTON IN PERSON. The cost of the visa is usually about $100, and may require a police report and medical certificate. If you are doing a short-term program in Mexico you can just get a tourist card, but make sure they stamp it with enough time when you enter the country.
If you go by plane, they should have them on the plane. If you go by car or bus, get one beforehand at the Mexican Consulate at 4
th
and Mountain.
- Do you have to be a UNM student to attend the program
Anyone can attend the short-term language programs.
You do not need to be a UNM student.
But, for the semester exchanges you must be a UNM student and have been at UNM for at least one semester.
- Can Graduate Students attend the program
In most cases, yes, but it is up to your department to decide if they will accept the transfer of credit.
It can be more difficult to prove the level of the courses you are taking at the other school, but it is feasible.
- What will be my total expected costs including living and travel expenses? How much money should I have on hand for 4 weeks/ 1 semester/ 2 semesters
Spain is more expensive than the US.
Expect things to cost 1½ times what they cost here. In most countries of Latin America, things are about ½ as expensive. Mexico about 30-40% less expensive. Apart from travel, budget about $500 for room and board and about $5-10 per day for spending money. If you like to travel a lot or buy souvenirs, bring extra.
- Should I bring cash, a debit card, or travelers checks
Bring a combination. We'll go over it at the orientation.
- Will I have to buy books
Usually not. Sometimes there is a $25 or $50 fee for books, but nothing like it is here in the US. Often a professor will tell you to go to the copy center to copy articles, etc.
- Will I receive an orientation before going? Who will help me upon arrival
Yes, we give you a thorough orientation before you go.
Most of the programs have their own orientation when you get there. Some programs are better organized than others. Sometimes families will pick you up at the airport, it just depends.
- What are my housing options
Latin America -- usually you live with a family, or you rent an apartment. Spain -- most students rent apartments, but you can live with a family.
Usually, if you live with a family, it costs about $500/month for room and board (Spain about $700). If you rent an apartment it's cheaper, especially if you share it with other students.
- Will I have opportunities to do volunteer work or service learning activities
Sometimes, it depends on the program.
ITESM in Mexico has an already developed program for internships. For most schools, I think the option is there but you may have to wait until you get there to find one.
- Can I take courses in my major
Sure, but you need to run it by your advisor, because some classes might have to be taken at UNM.
- Is there a limit on the number of credit hours I can transfer back to UNM
Check with your advisor. Most departments (Spanish and Portuguese for example) will only allow you to transfer back half of your required credits (for example, only 15 credit hours per department). When in doubt, ASK.
- What if I have housing or course problems when I'm at the program
Talk to the local coordinators.
If that doesn't work, contact the LAII and we'll try to help.
Can I read previous evaluations
Yes, you can, but people are pretty bad about turning them in. Keep in mind that we want you to fill out evaluations and send us reviews and photos to post on the website. Your help will make this website better for future students.
