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FAQ about Xalapa
Do I need to know Spanish to participate in the program?
Yes, BCA requires students have at least two semesters of college-level Spanish to study at BCA Xalapa. While in Xalapa, students can choose classes that adequately meet their individual level of Spanish language proficiency.
Where is BCA Xalapa study center located?
BCA Xalapa is located on the campus of the University of Veracruz. The University was founded in 1944 and has since become the most prestigious university in the province of Veracruz and one of the top five universities in Mexico.
What can I study at BCA Xalapa?
The university offers programs in a number of disciplines including the following: Fine Arts, Biological Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Health Sciences, Economics-Administration, Humanities/Liberal Arts, and Technical Academic Area. You will have three options for your studies in Xalapa: Escuela para Estudiantes Extranjeros (EEE), the University of Veracruz (UV), and a recommended BCA course entitled The Global Conversation. Most BCA students enroll in EEE courses, but BCA encourages you to take as many UV courses as your language level allows. Please go to www.uv.mx/eee for a complete course listing and short course descriptions.
Where will I live?
While in Xalapa, you will reside with a Mexican host family. Conversations you have with your familia Mexicana will present you with an excellent opportunity to learn about the culture. You will have your own bed, including linens and a towel. You’ll be responsible for doing your own laundry at one of the local launderers.
Will my school accept credit from BCA Xalapa?
It is important that students check with their university registration and records office to determine whether BCA credits will be accepted. Each university has its own policy for transferring credits, and it is the students’ responsibility to follow their home university rules and regulations. Upon completion, BCA sends transcripts from the University of Veracruz
Quito and BCA course reports to students and their home universities. If the home university or college requires a transcript from a U.S. school, BCA provides a transcript from Elizabethtown College, which is BCA’s school of record.
Will my financial aid transfer?
Federal aid is transferable; some state aid is transferable. Aid from an individual school is transferred at the school’s discretion. Students should consult their financial aid advisor for further information and advice.
Why study with BCA?
BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs for U.S. students and adult seminars for faculty and administrators. Rooted in the values of peace and justice, BCA promotes international understanding, awareness of global citizenship and academic scholarship through educational exchange. Among the special qualities of BCA's programs are: unique opportunities to study peace and justice issues in places where conflict has profoundly affected culture, history and daily life; opportunity for cultural immersion; and tremendous academic and administrative support.
What are the application deadlines?
BCA encourages interested students to apply as soon as possible to get the process in motion. Applications for the spring semester are due by November 1 (October 15 to be guaranteed a place on the group flight arranged by BCA). Fall semester applications are due by April 15. Students are notified of their acceptance within three weeks of submitting a complete application.
Do I need a visa to study in Mexico?
You will arrive in Mexico on a tourist visa. Mexican regulations require that students be enrolled in courses at a Mexican university before applying for the student visa in-country. The BCA central office will send immigration letters to the resident director who will lead you to the immigration offices. Once there, you will present your application and you will obtain your student visa. The cost for the student visa is $100.
Can I study abroad as a freshman?
To study abroad with BCA Xalapa a student must have at least one year of undergraduate study. However, BCA encourages students to start planning in their freshman year and investigate which program is a good fit for their individual needs.
I’m worried my GPA may not be good enough. Should I still apply?
BCA does employ minimum GPA standards for each study center. The required GPA varies by program and is an important tool in evaluating a student’s application, however it is not the only consideration. BCA also takes into account the student’s personal statement and their letters of recommendation. BCA encourages students to apply even if they do not quite meet the GPA standards.
How many courses will I take?
At Universal you’ll receive one credit for each week of classes. Fall students will also take the “Spanish in its Socio-Historical Context” course for an additional credit. You’ll receive anywhere from two to five credits for courses at the EEE and UV. Students will take anywhere from the equivalent of 12 to 16 U.S. credits.
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