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• Message from the Staff

Message from the Director

We begin our program with several weeks of intensive Spanish language instruction and orientation in Cuernavaca, Morelos, "The City of Eternal Spring".  This city is renowned for its beauty, history, and excellent climate.  Students become accustomed to the different rhythms of Mexican life while improving their Spanish in anticipation of the main academic program.  We take intensive language and culture instruction at the excellent language school UNIVERSAL Escuela de Lengua y Comunicación Social.  Leaving Cuernavaca, we visit several important cities as we work our way toward our final destination, the city of Xalapa.

Xalapa (also spelled Jalapa) is a charming colonial city in the mountains above Mexico's Gulf coast, and is capital of the state of Veracruz.  At 1450 meters (4600 feet) above sea level, Xalapa's climate is temperate and humid, perfect for the verdant vegetation that surrounds the city, earning it it's nickname as "The City of Flowers".  The city's narrow winding streets and colonial architecture make it a beautiful and romantic city to explore.  Views of the surrounding mountains, including the snow-capped Pico de Orizaba (at 18,700 meters the third highest point in North America) abound in the city.  A small extinct volcano marks the city's highest point, in the large green park of Macuiltepec.  Surrounding colonial towns and natural areas make for great day trips, and are popular filming spots for Hollywood.

BCA students live with host families in both Cuernavaca and Xalapa.  This allows a total immersion into the Spanish language and Mexican culture, giving our students an exceptional opportunity to break down barriers in language and culture that would endure with a less intensive experience.  Making Mexican friends, both in the EEE's Cultural Emersion program and in regular classes, is another important part of the BCA Mexico experience. 

Not all of our learning occurs in the city, however.  We also take the opportunity to explore other areas of Mexico on several study-excursions, the first of which takes place on our way from Cuernavaca to Xalapa.  We also spend a weekend enjoying the Caribbean atmosphere of the port city of Veracruz, and another long weekend in northern Veracruz, alternating time between historical/archaeological sites and the beach.  During the spring semester, we also take advantage of a longer break in classes to get to know other areas of Mexico on a weeklong trip.  BCA offers more sponsored fieldtrips than any other study abroad program in Mexico! Just another way that BCA helps its students understand this fascinating country!

Of course, throughout the time you are here you will have the personal attention of the Resident Director.  I have lived in Mexico and Xalapa for eight years now, and have a doctorate in Anthropology specializing in Mexican archaeology.  It is my pleasure to introduce you to Mexico, to its culture and society, its reality and its potentials - to take you off the "gringo trail" in order to discover the real Mexico.

I hope this gives you a clearer idea of what BCA has to offer in Mexico

• Study Abroad FAQ’s

Questions? Please call:

1-866-222-6188