Mexico: University of Monterrey

Monterrey, Mexico

University: University of Monterrey

Exchange Program: Magellan Exchange

Application Deadline: March 10 for Fall Semester & October 10 for Spring Semester

VISA Application Information: Embassy of Mexico

General Information:

Location: Mexico is the southern neighbor of the United States. The official language of Mexico is Spanish. The city of Monterrey is located 1,082 kilometers north of the City of Mexico, 250 kilometers from the border with the United States and has an altitude of 538 meters above sea level.  It is the third largest industrial city in the country and the capital of the state of Nuevo León.  The metropolitan area has a population of approximately 3.5 million inhabitants and, in spite of this, Monterrey is considered one of the safest cities in the country.  Monterrey and its surrounding area have the characteristics of a modern industrial zone.
The Universidad de Monterrey is located in the community of San Pedro Garza Garcia, in the metropolitan area of the city of Monterrey.

Climate: Mexico’s climate varies due  its mountainous topography and its position between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Monterrey has an extreme climate and low humidity that makes temperatures seem lower than those registered on the thermometer. Because of its location so close to the mountains. During the summer, temperatures fluctuate between 24°C and 35°C (76º-95°F) but can reach 40°C (104°F).  During winter, from November to January temperatures fluctuate between 5°C and 15°C (41°-60°F) and even if it doesn’t snow, it may hit the freezing point and ice (32°F).

Currency: The basic unit of currency is the Mexican peso.

Transportation: In general, try to arrive in Monterrey in the daytime and during office hours; this will make it easier as there are more services available. In the metropolitan area of Monterrey there are about 700,000 cars, 4,800 buses and 8,000 taxis.  Public transportation costs 3.20 pesos for the regular route, 3.40 pesos periphery routes and 4 pesos on the panoramic bus.  It costs 5.5 pesos initially to take a cab with 3.20 pesos for each kilometer.  A liter of gasoline costs between 5.00 and 5.50 pesos.

 Living Arrangements: On-campus housing is available and encouraged at UDEM.  It is definitely more comfortable than living in a nearby neighborhood.  Although, many students live in the subdivisions close by. If off-campus housing is preferred, UDEM recommends living in the neighborhoods near campus, like Col. Garza Ayala, Col. Valle de Vasconcelos or Col. Jesús M. Garza. Most students live in Col. Del Valle; even though this neighborhood is more expensive, one could get a ride easily to UDEM from the other students and this is the most secure and clean area of the city.

Food: Mexican cuisine has some superb rich or spicy dishes. Regional food styles vary and each area has its own specialities. Food in the north tends to be simpler. The highland’s specialties has well known dishes such as enchiladas and tamales. The Gulf coast offers a great variety of fish and shellfish dishes often cooked with sauce such as tomato, olive and capers - clearly a European influence. The Oaxaca area is known for its cheese Quesadillas. In the last few years Mexican food has been strongly influenced from USA, especially California and Texas, adding more cheese and proteins.

Social Activities: As a good Latin American and within the social life, the Mexican is expressive and “pachanguero” (enjoying parties and celebrations).  There are always reasons for a celebration in this country and any day is a good day to plan or to attend a “fiesta” especially if the weekend is approaching.  In Monterrey there are ten art and history museums.  Also, Mexico offers plenty of beautiful exotic beaches along both coastlines, as well as other famous colonial cities such as Mexico city, Acapulco, Guadalajara and historical sites to visit.