International Internships (i-Intern)

Mexico: Social and Engineering Internships in Queretaro through Technologico de Monterrey

What is this programme about?

Offered through NUS’ partner university in Mexico, Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM), this internship programme seeks to develop the capabilities of students in the working environment of a foreign country through breaking stereotypes and getting to know the social and cultural context of Mexico, and to reflect on these differences as compared to those in the students’ home countries.

ITESM is the largest private university system in Mexico. The internship programme is organised by ITESM’s Campus Queretaro, and is designed to integrate professional practices and career-related experiences into undergraduate education.

While not required, some knowledge of the Spanish language is desirable. Students will also take a course in Spanish language as part of the programme.

When does it take place?

29th May to 11th July 2013

Where does it take place?

Santiago de Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico

Located in the central region of the country, 200km north of Mexico City, Santiago de Queretaro is one of the safest cities in Mexico. It has a quiet and friendly atmosphere, and its lovely colonial downtown has been conserved throughout the years. The city’s Historic Monuments Zone was named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.

What is the academic/intern content?

Students will participate in a 6-week full-time internship (unpaid) while taking a language course in Spanish.

Opportunities available at Campus Queretaro include:

	Engineering Internships (fieldwork and/or research opportunities are available) Social Internships (non-profit and NGOs)

Applicants are expected to be flexible when they are placed with a particular host organisation for the internship programme. Students will likely be placed with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), community organisations and research institutes for a better hands-on internship experience.

Academic credit MAY be available. Students interested in obtaining credit must work with their faculty for credit mapping. IRO does not apply for credit transfer on the students’ behalf.

What does the programme fee include?

The following facilities and services will be available to participants:

	Airport pick-up/meet-and-greet; Welcome/orientation briefing; Student/peer support services by the International Programs Office; Placement with an internship host; Language course in Spanish; Access to campus facilities.

 

What is the student accommodation?

Students can choose between the on-campus Residence Halls (room only) or the off-campus Host Family Program (room and board). The Residence Halls will allow students to meet other international students, while the Host Family Program would provide for the experience of living with a Mexican family.

How much does it cost?

NUS students will enjoy tuition-waiver for the internship and language course in Spanish. See table below for an estimate of other costs for the internship programme to Queretaro.

Item	Cost (Residence Hall)	Cost (Host Family Programme)
Tuition Fee	Waived for NUS students
Accommodation – Residence Hall (shared room with A/C)	USD 700 (approx. SGD 870)		N/A
Accommodation – Host Family Program (includes meals and utilities)	N/A		USD 850 (approx. SGD 1,050)
Ground Transport to Campus (taxi-sharing)	N/A		Approx. SGD 170
Food	Approx. SGD 750		N/A
Airfare (SIN to Queretaro)	Approx. SGD 2,900
Insurance	Approx. SGD 200
Visa	Tourist visa is free for Singaporeans
Optional Social Trips	USD 500 (approx. SGD 620)
Miscellaneous Expenditure (e.g. entertainment, etc.)	USD 250 (approx. SGD 310)
Total Estimated Cost (includes optional social trips)	Accommodation in Residence Hall Approx. SGD 5,650		Host Family Programme Approx. SGD 5,250

Please note, these are estimated expenses and actual expenses may differ based on price shifts and personal spending habits!

Is financial assistance available?

Students participating on this programme are eligible to apply for the NASA Enhancement Bursary or Scholarship. For more information, visit this webpage: http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/financial/out/nasa/index.html

Number of placements available?

There is no pre-determined limit on the number of placements available to NUS students.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Undergraduates from the following faculties/schools: - Arts and Social Sciences - Business - Computing (including CEG) - Design and Environment - Engineering - Law - Science - University Scholars Programme Must have completed at least one year of study at NUS prior to participation in this programme. Students should not be in their graduating semester prior to participating in this programme. CAP of 3.0 and above. Prior knowledge of the Spanish language is desirable, but not required.

 

Is a visa required?

Yes. Tec de Monterrey will assist in providing documentation needed to apply for a visa.

Students are to consult the Embassy of Mexico in Singapore to determine the specifics of the visa application procedures.

Embassy of Mexico to Singapore
152 Beach Road
#06-07 Gateway East Tower
Singapore 189721

For students travelling to Mexico via the US, please note that you will be required to apply for a US transit visa as well.  Please consult the US Embassy for details of this requirement.

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have proper entry documents for all countries they plan to visit as part of this programme!

How do I apply?

Application deadline is Monday, 25 February 2013.

Applications and Required Documents:

Students are to complete the IRO Programme Application Form. Please indicate clearly your preference for the internship field (e.g. Engineering – fieldwork or research / Social). Submit your application form together with copies of the following documents to: irook@nus.edu.sg Latest unofficial NUS transcript; Updated CV/Resume; Personal letter of intention, stating your preferred internship field and/or research topic/project, as well as your motivation to participate in the programme; A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or former supervisor at work. Complete Tecnologico de Monterrey’s online admission application (details will be provided by IRO at a later date).

Placement Process:

	Tecnologico de Monterrey will seek to place each student with the most suitable host company, organisation or faculty for the internship programme. Students should be flexible in accepting the internship host.

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here.