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[Lock Haven] Universidad de las Americas, Puebla, Mexico (Outgoing Program) Featured Print 
  • Locations: Puebla, Mexico
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring, Year
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2027 10/16/2026 10/20/2026 TBA TBA
Program Description:
Eligibility VISA Study Period Language of Instruction Type of Housing Approximate semester dates Commonwealth University partner since Cost of Housing & Meals
Commonwealth University and external students; Minimum GPA 2.5 Yes Fall and/or Spring Spanish/ English Student residential facility
 		 Fall: Aug – Dec.
Spring: Jan - May		 1987 Housing, room and board
paid to Commonwealth University


M E X I C O
Universidad de las Americas, Puebla

    https://www.udlap.mx/estudiantesinternacionales/?idioma=2


The Location
The city of Puebla is located just 90 minutes south of Mexico City and is home to more than two million inhabitants.  Founded in 1531, the city boasts a fascinating colonial history.  Located midway between Mexico City and Veracruz, Puebla was a natural stopping point for travelers journeying to and from the capital city and the coast.  Puebla is a very “señorial” city, with some of the most important examples of colonial architecture – ranging from renaissance to neoclassical baroque – in all of Mexico.  Despite its size, Puebla is very much a university city that endears itself rapidly to the student coming from abroad.  With no fewer than eleven universities dispersed throughout the city, Puebla maintains a university student population of over 200,000.  The possibilities for interaction with university students your age are endless.  Temperatures in the city range between 70-90 degrees throughout the year.

The University
Founded fifty years ago, the Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) is a beautiful residential campus located five minutes away from the city of Puebla.  Students will find that the layout of the campus is quite similar to that of an American college campus, with university residences located in close proximity to classes, a first-class library, computer facilities and recreation areas which include an Olympic-size swimming pool.  The university offers undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in 36 areas of specialization.  It maintains exchange linkages with universities in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, England, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Switzerland, and the United States.

Academics
The UDLA exchange program is open to students from beginning level through advanced level Spanish.  Students are tested for Spanish proficiency upon arrival at UDLA and placed in their corresponding levels of Spanish language instruction. Undergraduate students must take a minimum of 4 courses (24units) per semester. The maximum number of courses that a student can take depends on the agreement between Commonwealth University and UDLA. At the undergraduate level, most courses equal 6 units, which include 3 hours of class per week for the duration of the 16-week semester.

 
Basic Spanish A or B
Intermediate Spanish A and B
Advanced Level Spanish
Superior Level Spanish
Mexican Literature
Business Spanish
Panoramic Overview of Mexico
Mexican Civilization 		48 semester hours
48 semester hours
48 semester hours
48 semester hours
48 semester hours
48 semester hours
48 semester hours
48 semester hours

Basic and Intermediate language level students are required to enroll in Mexican Literature.  Advanced and Superior language level students can complete their course schedules by choosing a minimum of two of the four content courses listed above.  All students must have a minimum load of 44 semester hours to maintain full-time student status.  Keep in mind that all of the courses will count towards the International Studies minor at Commonwealth University.

Housing
Students pay Commonwealth University room and board while in Mexico and reside in modern, comfortable student residences located on campus.  Students live in suites, which consist of four rooms, a common living room, kitchen facilities, and a bathroom.  All meals may be taken in the university dining hall. Students must provide a local telephone number to the staff in the international office at UDLAP.

Air Travel – students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements.  Please see the international office for assistance.  See travel assistance guidelines for details.

Tuition - Commonwealth University students continue to pay Commonwealth University tuition and fees while attending the UDLA.    Keep in mind that all financial aid can apply toward your study in Mexico since you are participating in a Commonwealth University sponsored program.  Students do not pay any tuition or fees in Mexico.  Please note, however, that it will be necessary to pay for activities such as athletic club memberships, if you wish to utilize those services.

Calendar
Fall semester classes begin in early August and end just prior to the winter break.  Spring semester classes begin in early January and run through the third week in May.

Health Insurance
All students are required to maintain a health insurance policy that will provide coverage while abroad.  Information on international health insurance providers can be obtained from the Center for Global Engagement.  You may find that your present health insurance policy includes overseas coverage.  It is important, however, that your carrier provide written verification of such coverage.

So, how do I get started?
Simply come by the Center for Global Engagement to pick up an application form.  Remember!  Applications are due March 1 for the fall term and October 1 for the spring term.