No. To study abroad with BCA, a student must have at least one year of undergraduate study. If you are a first year student, then we encourge you to jump right into planning for your study abroad experience. Your first year in school is a great time to figure out where you want to go and find out what your school's policies are for study abroad, including financial aid, credit transfer and programs available to you. Good Luck!
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.
Yes. BCA requires studentsto have completed 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.
Generally, students take four or five classes during a semester, receiving three credits for each class. It is important to consult with your advisor prior to studying abroad to decide what classes are needed to meet academic requirements of your college or university.
BCA Study Abroad aims to engage each participant in an appropriately challenging level of academic work while abroad. We acknowledge that an applicant’s cumulative grade point average is only one indicator of accomplishment and ability.
The BCA Study Abroad expectation is that most students would show at least a B average (3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale) across their course work prior to their study abroad term. Certain host universities may have GPA requirements of their own, in which case the higher GPA requirement of the two would apply.
Recent enrollment history shows our students’ average GPAs have been above 3.44 (4.0 scale). Our post-semester academic results reveal that students with higher and lower GPAs can excel in study abroad. We are open to discuss program selection and course of study for students who do not reach the expected 3.0 GPA.
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.
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.
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.
Financial aid from an individual school is transferred at the school’s discretion, but all federal aid is transferrable. Students should consult their financial aid advisor for further information and advice.