NOTE:  The current U.S. State Department travel warning for Mexico does not specifically mention the Tec de Monterrey Mayan Route or Merida Summer Program cities. However, interested applicants are encouraged to check the State Department website for any updates. Feel free to contact Jennifer Glickman, director of International Programs, at 713.743.4790 with any questions.

Polish your Spanish skills, study Mexican culture and visit unforgettable natural and historical sites such as Chichen-Itza—one of the seven wonders of the modern world—and spectacular Sumidero Canyon. You can do all this and more through an exchange program at one of Mexico's finest universities nestled in the "City of the Mountains."

Hilton College offers two cultural experiences through Tecnológico de Monterrey (Tec de Monterrey): the Summer Mayan Route Program and the Semester Exchange Program.

Summer Mayan Route Program

Earn up to six elective credits, plus take advantage of the chance to travel throughout the scenic and historic Yucatán Peninsula, through this month-long exchange program. Learn more about Mexico's language, culture and business environment through your coursework while visiting these incredible Mexican landmarks: Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of the state of Chiapas, and other cities steeped in folklore and beauty; Chichen-Itza, an important political, religious and commercial center for the ancient Mayans; scenic Sumidero Canyon; and Xcaret, a beachside park featuring underground rivers, a butterfly pavilion, snorkeling and much more. The program also includes an optional trip to Cancun at an additional cost.

Your electives will transfer back to Hilton College as Spanish for the Hospitality Industry and Mexican Culture & Tourism.

Students will travel with Tec de Monterrey faculty and stay in reputable accommodations throughout the Yucatán during this summer adventure.

There is no limit on how many students can participate in the program.

Requirements

• Must be a declared HRM major with at least sophomore status
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
• Must have at least one semester remaining at UH upon return from abroad
• Must have a valid passport (if you do not have a passport, apply immediately from the U.S. Department of State.)

How To Apply

1. Complete and submit an HRM Study Abroad application. The application includes submitting a résumé, essay and naming a faculty reference.
2. Applications will be reviewed by the HRM Study Abroad Selection Committee.
3. Assessment of application is based on academic qualifications of the applicant and strength of essay.
4. Selected applicants will meet with Laura Gonzalez Gray regarding their application packages.
5. Selected applicants will make an appointment with the UH Office of International Studies and Programs (OISP).

Selected Applicants Agree to

• Apply for an International Educational Fee Scholarship (IEFS)—deadline March 1.
• Comply with all requirements, deadlines, and procedures of the UH Office of International Studies & Programs (OISP). Please note that OISP requires an additional application form and a number of documents for outgoing exchange students.
• Spend up to four hours assisting the Hilton College with study abroad exchange activities (i.e. promoting at All Students Organization Fair, giving short presentations to students about the experience, greeting and assisting incoming exchange students, advising outgoing exchange students, etc.) during the semester after returning.

Expected Expenses

• University of Houston tuition and fees (3 or 6 hours)
• UH Office of International Studies & Programs (OISP) Administrative Fee - $100 
• Mayan Route Program Fee ($2,390)
• Airfare—Houston to Tuxtla Gutierrez (TGZ) and Cancun (CUN) to Houston
• Medical Study Abroad Insurance
• Meals
• Local transportation to classes
• Textbooks or materials, as specified by Monterrey Tech syllabus
• Optional field trips including final weekend in Cancun (please study this page from the Mayan Route website regarding optional additional costs
• Personal expenses and incidentals

Personal preferences affect the total cost of your program. Participants should plan for the trip and budget appropriately. 

Semester Exchange Program

Students also can study for a full semester at Monterrey Tech, taking courses in Spanish language, business, Mexican culture or other topics. You can stay on campus in a residence hall or with a host family, and the trip also could include tours to Monterrey's top attractions, including the Museo de Historia Mexicana and the Horse Tail Waterfalls.

Student security concerns are addressed here.

For more information, check the International Student Section of Monterrey Tech's website.

Interested students must make an appointment with Laura Gonzalez, director of international programs, prior to applying for this program.