Mobility, Society, and Governance in North America
Puebla, Mexico
Religious Life
As Puebla is a center for Catholicism in Mexico, students will find ample opportunity to attend Mass in parishes throughout the cities of Cholula and Puebla. The Office of International Study Programs plans to develop social service and experiential learning opportunities in the area both through the parishes and through programs at UDLA. This year, several students are volunteering at a local orphanage.
Transportation and Travel
The program fees include a round-trip air ticket from a major airport near the student's home town to Mexico City. Students will be met by representatives from Universidad de Las Americas at the Mexico City airport and brought to Puebla by special buses.
Housing and Meals
Students may choose to live in on-campus dormitories, or with families in Cholula and Puebla. The dormitories are nicely furnished, with pine furniture and cupboards. They are apartment-style, with four double rooms and a kitchen and a sitting area. Visiting students are placed with Mexican students in these facilities. Students will prepare their own meals, or buy them in the campus cafeteria or nearby restaurants. The University of Notre Dame will provide a stipend for this purpose.
Students may also choose to live with a family which has been carefully screened by UDLA. Involvement in Mexican family life can be rewarding, and it facilitates the development of Spanish language proficiency.
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities
UDLA is a lively campus with sports teams, lectures, plays and concerts. Students are encouraged to join student organizations which provide an important avenue for cross cultural interaction. Puebla is the home of the Talavera porcelain, some of the most beautiful artesania in Mexico.
The on-site Notre Dame resident director, besides serving as an advisor to Notre Dame students, will arrange a series of educational tours, including such places as Mexico City, the important Teotihuacan archeological ruins, Oaxaca, with its variety of stunning Indian ruins and culture and other places. Costs for these trips will be covered by Notre Dame.
Health Care
A 24-hour infirmary is available on campus. UDLA requires that each student be covered by health insurance that is valid in Mexico.
Other Links
* UDLA (Universidad de las Americas) main website
* An on-line photo gallery showcasing UDLA's stunning campus and excellent facilities
