International Summer Programmes (i-SP)

Tecnologico de Monterrey - Mayan Route - Mexico

What is this program about?

Learn more about the rich history of Mexico on this exciting 4-week roving summer programme that will take participants to various cities and locales across southern Mexico. Retrace the journeys of the ancient civilisations that dominated the land before the arrival of the Spaniards, visit historical sites and learn about the colorful traditions and folklore of this vibrant country. An optional post-programme field trip will also take participants to the beautiful beaches of Cancun for a relaxing weekend.

When does the programme take place?

2 June to 28 June, 2013

Where does the programme take place?

Participants will arrive in the state of Chiapas, where the roving programme will visit various cities and locates in southern Mexico:

	San Christobal de las Casas San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan Chiflon Waterfalls Palenque Campeche Merida Chichen Itza and Ik Kil Cenote Playa del Carmen

For an additional fee, participants can also choose to participate in an optional pre-programme trip to Mexico City, as well as other optional trips planned by Tec de Monterrey during the course of the programme.

What is the academic content?

Students will take two courses, Spanish language (Basic or Intermediate) and Mexican Culture, throughout the roving programme. Classes are taught in the mornings, with afternoons reserved for field trips and other social activities. The courses will be taught by faculty members from Tecnologico de Monterrey, and will utilise the facilities and unique environment of each locale to enhance the academic experience through experiential learning.

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 it include?

The following facilities and services will be available to participants:

Airport pick-up and send-off at the designated airport on scheduled arrival and departure days. Hotel accommodation in each city visited during the programme. Ground transport between cities. Field trips and excursions to sites listed in the programme. Health insurance and coverage for the duration of the programme. Support/assistance rendered by accompanying staff and faculty from Tecnologico de Monterrey. Participation in two courses of study.

 

What is the student accommodation?

Participants will be housed in hotel accommodation throughout the programme.

How much does it cost?

NUS students will enjoy tuition-waiver on the two courses they study. See table below for an estimate of relevant costs.

Item	Cost
Tuition Fee	Waived for NUS students
Programme Fee (includes hotels, health insurance, basic field trips and ground transport)	USD 2,390 (approx. SGD 2,970)
Food	Approx. SGD 500
Airfare	Approx. SGD 3,000
Visa	Tourist visa is free for Singaporeans
Optional Field Trips During the Programme	USD 250 (approx. SGD 310)
Miscellaneous Expenditure (e.g. entertainment, etc.)	USD 250 (approx. SGD 310)
Optional Pre-Programme Trip to Mexico City (includes hotel, bus tour and visits to museums)	USD 300 (approx. SGD 375)
Total Cost (includes optional trip to Mexico City)	Approx. SGD 7,465

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

Is financial assistance available?

Participants of 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? 15

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.

 

Is a visa required?

The need for a visa depends on the nationality of the NUS student. Singaporeans can participate on a visa-waiver tourist status. All other nationalities should 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: Friday, 8 February 2013.

All applications are to be submitted via OPAS.

Your home faculty will conduct the initial round of selection and nominate selected students to IRO. Students will be notified by IRO on the final status of their application by March 2013.

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here.