Predeparture Information: Monterrey
Congratulations on your decision to study in Mexico! Your host university is Monterrey Tech; its business program is among the best in Latin America and is world-renowned. The Monterrey Tech System is much like the UW System in that it has campuses located throughout Mexico. Like Madison, the campus in Monterrey is the flagship campus of the system.
This website is a supplement to the online orientation and information from both UW’s and Monterrey Tech’s international offices. Refer to the websites of both offices for further information.
Applications to International Programs for the Summer Internship are due February 25.
Contact Information in Monterrey
The International Office at Monterrey Tech is your primary contact in Mexico. Monterrey Tech’s website is a wealth of information. If you have detailed questions that the website does not answer, contact Monterrey Tech directly.
Tech International Office
Monterrey Tech International Programs
Casa Académica
Ave. Luis Elizondo #335
Col. Altavista
Monterrey, N.L. México
C.P. 64849
MEXICO
Phone: (011 52 81) 83 58 9394
Fax: (011 52 8) 328 4156
E-mail: ip.mty@itesm.mx
Applying to the Host University
Because you have been accepted by UW-Madison for the exchange program, you are accepted at Monterrey Tech. However, you must still submit an application and supporting materials to Monterrey Tech. Monterrey Tech's deadlines are November 17 (spring), April 6 (summer ), and June 29 (fall ), although you are encouraged to submit the forms as early as possible. If you hope to get an internship the deadlines are a month earlier. (September 29 for spring, March 10 for summer, and May 12 for fall). Turn in your study abroad application for internships to International Programs at the early submission deadlines. You are responsible for submitting forms and supporting materials to Monterrey Tech on time! Be sure to retain a copy for your files. Send materials via express/certified mail. Due to the high cost of express mail, UW's International Programs will mail the forms to Monterrey Tech on your behalf if you submit them to us in a timely manner.
The application process and materials are posted to Monterrey Tech’s website.
Monterrey Tech requests your course selection. Consult the 'Academic Options' section of Monterrey's website to see what courses are offered. To determine what classes count as at UW, check the online course equivalency database. To view a hard copy of the catalog with the UW courses written in it, consult the Monterrey binder in 3121 Grainger.
About a month before the program begins, Monterrey Tech will send you an information packet containing the orientation schedule, housing assignment, campus map, activity calendar, list of hotels in Monterrey, and student handbook. Much of this information is also online. Monterrey Tech’s website is excellent—check it out!
Calendar
Refer to Monterrey Tech’s website for specific dates.
Book your return flight after the last day of Monterrey Tech’s exam period or book a ticket that carries only a small penalty for changing dates. Past participants recommend purchasing tickets at STA Travel for this purpose.
Visa
If you are a U.S. citizen studying in Mexico for less than six months, a tourist visa is sufficient to enter Mexico. The tourist visa can be given to students at the Mexican airport when they arrive. The difference is that all students once enrolled at Tecnologico de Monterrey will need to hold a student visa and register it at the Government Office. If you do not change your status to a student visa and get registered, your transcript will not be released. If you have a tourist visa, you can change it to a student visa (and then register it). If you already have the student visa then you will only need to register it. The advantage of getting the student visa in the U.S. is that it may be less expensive, even free. The changing from tourist to student procedure has a cost of approximately $100.
Students staying in Mexico for longer than six months and non-U.S. citizens must contact the Embassy of Mexico for information on obtaining a student visa prior to departure. A letter to include with your visa application is included in your packet from Monterrey Tech.
Consulado General de México en Chicago
204 S. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312)855-1380
Email: Info@consulmexchicago.com
Payments
As this is an exchange program, the Bursar’s office will send you a tuition bill as usual.
UW-Madison’s International Programs will collect the payment for CISI insurance. Fall and summer participants receive an invoice in their acceptance packets; payment is due April 15th. Spring participants receive an invoice at the first International Perspectives class in fall; payment is due November 15th.
Academics
You will indicate the courses you wish to take on Monterrey Tech’s application form. Courses will be confirmed during orientation week in Mexico.
Monterrey Tech lists course offerings on their website. Choose from three types of classes: International Programs (courses taught to non-native-Spanish speakers); regular courses in English (with Mexican students) and regular courses in Spanish (with Mexican students). To determine how a course will count at UW, refer to the International Programs online course equivalency database. If a course has not been equated, obtain the syllabus from Tech, translate it into English, and send it to International Programs.
Past participants report that classes are similar to courses at UW. In most classes you will have homework, and you will also be assessed with exams and/or group projects. However, some differences do exist. Grades are sometimes based solely on exams. Some students report that professors didn't always adhere to posted start and end times. Additionally, professors may deviate from the syllabi more than UW professors do.
UW’s International Programs has established a grade and credit equivalency scale between Monterrey Tech and UW.
Language
International Programs and past participants strongly recommend that you learn some Spanish before living in Monterrey. However, you will be able to get around with limited Spanish.
Monterrey Tech offers Spanish language courses at many levels.
Campus
Monterrey Tech has an enclosed campus located in one section of the city. It is modern, and all university facilities (residences, classroom buildings, computer labs, sports facilities, etc.) are located within the campus walls. Security checkpoints are located at the entrances.
Housing
You have three housing options: On-campus residences, host family, or apartment. Monterrey Tech arranges the first two options. Detailed information is available on the Monterrey Tech website.
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Residence halls: Residences are located on the Monterrey Tech campus. All dorms are air-conditioned and have housekeeping service. Residences are segregated by sex (there are no co-ed dorms), and they have strict visitation rules (no members of the opposite sex) and curfews for women.
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Host family/boarding with a family: Living with a Mexican family will give you insight into the Mexican culture and help you practice your Spanish. The family provides meals for you. Be aware that in some cases, you will be considered a boarder rather than a part of the family. In many cases, you must take a bus or taxi to get between home and the campus.
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Apartment: Monterrey Tech’s involvement with helping you find an apartment is minimal; they provide a list of things to consider when searching for an apartment and they will allow you to live in the dormitories on a temporary basis (if space is available) while you are searching. If you plan to search for an apartment, Monterrey Tech recommends that you arrive a week before orientation begins.
Health Insurance
Monterrey Tech requires that you have comprehensive health coverage. Bring a letter from your insurance company or your health insurance card (with your parents’ name is acceptable). The CISI policy should be acceptable. If you do not have one of these two documents, you will be required to purchase insurance at Monterrey Tech during orientation. Details about Monterrey Tech’s insurance are available on their website.
Safety
Past participants (both male and female) report feeling safe in Monterrey. The campus is enclosed and has security guards at the entrances, and the surrounding neighborhoods are home to many students and families. For information from the U.S. State Department, refer to http://travel.state.gov. We recommend that you register your trip with the U.S. Department of State online. This allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency.
Banking
Past participants recommend using credit cards and an ATM card from home for daily life, and having traveler’s cheques for vacation travel. They do not recommend opening a bank account in Monterrey, as it is easy to access money from home.
Meeting Students from Monterrey Tech
As Monterrey Tech and UW have an exchange agreement, there will always be students at Monterrey Tech who have studied or will study in Madison. Try to meet them in Madison prior to your semester abroad and ask Monterrey Tech’s International Office for help locating students with UW connections.
Life in Mexico
Refer to reports from past participants for tips about everyday life in Mexico, including public transit, shopping and what to do in your free time.Additional Information
For general information about preparing to study abroad, visit the Pre-departure Resources website.