Location

Monterrey, the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon, is a northern city located about two hours from the southeastern border of Texas. Famous as the industrial and financial center of Mexico, Monterrey serves as a commercial and cultural bridge between Mexico and the international community. The city is situated at the foot of the spectacular Sierra Madres; a national park borders the city and recreational opportunities abound. Notre Dame's program in Monterrey is located at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM or 'Tec'), an excellent academic institution with high expectations and ideals. Founded in 1942 on the model of MIT by alumni of that institution, the Tec is oriented towards applied technology, business and development. The campus is attractive, modern, secure and well-maintained. Its faculty, students and staff are justifiably proud of their individual and collective achievements. Monterrey is the original and most important campus of the ITESM higher education system, which now has 26 campuses located throughout Mexico.

Program of Study

Students may study at ITESM during the fall or spring semester, or stay for an entire academic year. The first semester begins around August 1, and runs until mid-December; the second semester begins around January 10 and ends in late May.

The Office of International Programs at ITESM runs a series of courses for international students in Spanish and Latin American literatures; Business in Mexico; and Mexican and Latin American Civilization and Culture. Most of these courses are taught in Spanish, for students at various levels of mastery of the language. A list may be found in the Notre Dame Bulletin of Information under "International Study Programs."

Students with high levels of proficiency in Spanish may also enroll in courses in the regular departments of the University with Mexican students. ITESM is especially strong in Business and Engineering, and students in those colleges, as well as Arts and Letters, are encouraged to apply to the program. Applicants should consult the materials on ITESM courses available in the International Study Programs office or at the TEC's webpage on academic programs. It is up to the student to put together a curriculum that has the approval of the major department(s) and collegiate advisor. Click here for web links to Monterrey course information.

Students may also apply for internships with local companies.

All courses completed are entered onto the student's transcript at Notre Dame and grades are computed into the Notre Dame GPA. Students must enroll in 15 credit hours per semester.

Eligibility for the Program

Notre Dame students should plan to attend the program during their sophomore or junior year. Seniors may be considered under special circumstances. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA with a B or better in Spanish language courses. The application deadline is November 15th for fall, spring, or academic year.

Additional Information

There is much more we can tell you — about this location, vibrant religious, cultural and recreational life of this community ... about the student housing, transportation, health care and much, much more. It is, after all, the details that make this program so appealing. Interested? Just click here for additional information.