Monterrey and Querétaro, Mexico

This program is offered as follows:

Fall: 20 weeks (late July to early December)
Spring: 20 weeks (early January to mid-May)
Summer: 6 weeks (late May to early July)
Academic Year: 42 weeks (late July to mid-May)

The Tec de Monterrey, better known as simply the Tec, is more than just one of the most respected universities in Latin America, it is a network of Mexican university campuses offering world-class education in Business, Communications, Engineering, Spanish language and more. Through this program, MSU students can choose from two of the Tec’s most outstanding campuses, depending on their academic needs and preferences, take courses that satisfy a wide variety of requirements and immerse themselves completely Mexican life and culture.  In addition, students can work toward the certificate of specialization in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

The Querétaro campus is also known for its high-quality internship program in social services for qualified students. Both participating Tec campuses offer some courses in English as well as Spanish and have excellent services and facilities for international students.

Monterrey Campus

Monterrey, located in the foothills of the eastern Sierra Madre mountain range, is known for its warm, inviting climate. In terms of population it is the country’s third city, but it is number one in industry, finance and everything modern in Mexico. The city boasts many open-air activities, including strolling along the largest plaza in Latin America, hiking and climbing.  Sports fans have a number of attractions to choose from; Monterrey has two major soccer teams, one of which has its home at Tec Stadium. American football is popular too, and the Tec’s own Borregos (Rams) are at the top of their league.

The Monterrey Campus is the flagship of the Tec system and it shows in everything from the top-notch faculty to the wireless internet access all over campus – that includes the shady study areas outside the classroom buildings.  The Monterrey campus also has the broadest range of courses available, but is especially attractive for Journalism and other Communications students and qualified students interested in an internship in the private sector or communications.

Querétaro Campus

Querétaro is one of Mexico's most charming old cities. With just under a million inhabitants, the city is a regional cultural and economic capital where there is always something to do. Yet the city has an easygoing environment, especially along the lovely andadores (pedestrian malls) downtown. The city has been blessed with an ideal climate – never too hot nor too cold.  Signs of Querétaro's historical legacy are everywhere, from its colonial-era architecture, to its 18th-century churches and its museums, plazas, parks, monuments and markets.  The Bajío region is a short drive from famous archaeological sites, like the famous pyramids of Teotihuacán and many other notable natural and cultural attractions.

Located on the bustling commercial side of town, the Tec campus is surprisingly up-to-date in everything from teaching methods to technology and facilities.  As in Monterrey, there is wireless access to the internet everywhere on campus, even outside.  This campus is smaller, but students will still find a wide variety of courses available especially in business, computer science and Spanish as a second language.

Tec offers a full range of academic disciplines.  Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of twelve (12) semester credits.  Some courses are taught in English in many disciplines. 

In most cases, students who are careful to plan ahead can get ISS or IAH credit by special arrangement with the Centers for Integrative Studies. Contact the Office of Study Abroad for more information. Students planning to use Spanish language courses to complete MSU Spanish major or minor requirements must have courses pre-approved by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese undergraduate adviser.

This is a co-sponsored program. Credit may be awarded for certain courses as regular MSU credit rather than transfer credit.  These courses will be listed on your official MSU transcript and will include the title of the course abroad, the number of credits and the grade earned. For further details about this policy, visit the student webpage.

To find out what courses other students have taken on the program and what MSU courses they might replace, visit Transfer MSU and Office of the Registrar - Co-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs. Courses listed may not be offered every semester, and additional courses may be available during the semester you plan to participate.

This program is open to MSU students only who have reached at least sophomore status and are in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission. Completion of SPN 202 or its equivalent is required to participate in this program; however, students with less Spanish experience are encouraged to inquire about exceptions to this policy. Additionally, semester students must submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program. 

In Monterrey, host family accommodations are recommended.  For students who prefer a room in a residence hall, the Tec will make an effort to house students with Latin American students where possible. In Querétaro, host families are preferred, though some residence hall rooms are also available.

For more information about this program, please visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/programs/tec.html