Study in Mexico
Come and see the abundance of Mexican culture as no tourist can! Learn how Aztec, Mayan, and Olmec civilizations, with Spanish influences, form the roots of today’s modern agricultural and industrial Mexican society.
“Every Friday we go to the disco and we meet a lot of familiar people. It is not hard at all to blend in with the locals in Mexico. Mexican people are very open, friendly and known for their hospitality. They will always try to help you.”
– Femke
+ More About Mexico
¡Hola! Come and learn about Mexican culture as no tourist can. Discover how the Aztec, Mayan, and Olmec civilizations, along with Spanish influences, form the roots of today’s modern Mexican society.
During your exchange, you will witness firsthand many of Mexico’s religious and secular festivities, such as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). While the setting of a cemetery may seem mournful, this holiday is actually a joyful celebration! In fact, you’ll find that vendors throughout the country sell candy and sweets in the form of human skeletons and skulls to mark the holiday.
Family life is very important to Mexican culture. Being invited into a Mexican home is a great honor, as the warmth and hospitality of the Mexican people are recognized and celebrated around the world. Mexican cuisine is renowned for the spices, as well as the colorful decorations and variety of delicious flavors – chilaquiles, pozoles, and tostadas are some of the few delicious foods you might try when you study abroad in Mexico!
+ Scholarships Available
YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Mexico:
Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
YFU Presidents Scholarship
+ Programs & Tuition
Fall Year: $9,995
Fall Semester: $8,995
Spring Semester: $8,995
Applications for Spring/Winter 2021 programs must be submitted by October 1, 2020 for review. Applications for Fall departure programs are due March 15.
+ Additional Information
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.
Additional Costs
Students will have to register with the Mexican government upon arrival for an additional fee. Program tuition does not include personal spending money.
Choose Your Program
+ Academic Year Program
As a student in Mexico, you’ll have the option of choosing courses from several areas of interest such as computer science, commerce, tourism, health, natural sciences, or administration. The ability to choose an academic track is dependent on the age of the student.
School
School normally begins at about 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. with a break during the day. Some schools also offer extracurricular activities such as sports, chess, language, and cooking clubs. After school, students typically spend a couple hours studying and doing homework.
Extracurriculars
Some schools also offer extracurricular activities such as sports, chess, language, and cooking clubs. YFU gatherings of students and host families are also offered locally at no cost.
Orientations
All students applying for a year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Upon arrival in Mexico, students will attend a three-day arrival orientation, which will be a time to learn more about Mexican culture, open channels for new information and lasting relationships, and to begin your educational experience. There will also be mid-year and re-entry orientations to ensure that each student is able to make the most out of their exchange experience. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Optional Excursions
Year program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay, at an additional cost.
Winter Trip: The February trip begins in Mexico City and then travels around central Mexico, allowing students to appreciate the country’s natural beauty! Activities in the past have included a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Oyamel, hiking volcanoes in Michoacan, and river rafting in San Luis Potosi.
Spring Trip: In May or June, students can choose to travel to the Yucatan Peninsula, where they can enjoy some of the region’s archaeological treasures and scenic wonders! Activities in the past have included visits to the Pink Flamingo Sanctuary and trips to the beach along the Caribbean Coast of Mexico.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Year | Early August | Late June | $9,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Mexican high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Mexico Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2021 Fall Departures: Students born January 31, 2002 – July 30, 2005.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Spanish. Previous Spanish language study is not required, but is strongly preferred. The arrival orientation is conducted in English.
Host Family Placement
Students may be placed in host families throughout the entire country. Students are rarely placed in large urban centers.
+ Semester Programs
As a student in Mexico, you’ll have the option of choosing courses from several areas of interest such as computer science, commerce, tourism, health, natural sciences, or administration. The ability to choose an academic track is dependent on the age of the student.
School
School normally begins at about 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. with a break during the day. Some schools also offer extracurricular activities such as sports, chess, language, and cooking clubs. After school, students typically spend a couple hours studying and doing homework.
Extracurriculars
Some schools also offer extracurricular activities such as sports, chess, language, and cooking clubs. YFU gatherings of students and host families are also offered locally at no cost.
Orientations
All students applying for a semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Upon arrival in Mexico, students will attend a three-day arrival orientation, which will be a time to learn more about Mexican culture, open channels for new information and lasting relationships, and to begin your educational experience. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Optional Excursions
Spring semester program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay, at an additional cost.
Spring Trip: In May or June, students can choose to travel to the Yucatan Peninsula, where they can enjoy some of the region’s archaeological treasures and scenic wonders! Activities in the past have included visits to the Pink Flamingo Sanctuary and trips to the beach along the Caribbean Coast of Mexico.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Early August | Mid January | $8,995 |
| Spring Semester | Mid January | Late June | $8,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Mexican high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Mexico Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2021 Fall Departures: Students born January 31, 2002 – July 30, 2005.
- 2021 Spring Departures: Students born July 1, 2002 – December 30, 2005.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Spanish. Previous Spanish language study is not required, but is strongly preferred. The arrival orientation is conducted in English.
Host Family Placement
Students may be placed in host families throughout the entire country. Students are rarely placed in large urban centers.