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• Why BCA Xalapa?

Why BCA Xalapa?

With so many study abroad options available, we want you to know what makes BCA Xalapa different from others. Here are some points to consider when choosing the program that’s right for you.

Great for Majors

• Spanish
• Archeology, anthropology, sociology, history, art, political science

Language Intensive Orientation

Before regular classes begin, you'll spend nearly four weeks at BCA's cultural orientation and intensive language program in Cuernavaca. This is the equivalent of a full summer or Jan-term language session which comes at no extra cost when you enroll with BCA Mexico for a semester.  During this language orientation, you'll also visit important historic cities and sites, with BCA as your guide.

Off the Beaten Path

BCA believes in study center sites that are slightly off the beaten path so our students mingle and meet local students and those from other countries, rather than just other Americans.

• Experience the rich cultural heritage of a safe, thriving capital city with easy access to museums, musical and other cultural events, such as cafes with live music.

Cultural Immersion

Live with a family during your time in Xalapa. Many students remark that living with a family is the most rewarding aspect of their study abroad experience.

Expert Resident Director

Full-time, on-site Resident Director Robert Paul Kruger studied anthropology and archaeology at the Universities of Illinois and Pittsburgh (where he earned a Ph.D).  He specializes in the Olmec, one of the earliest Mesoamerican cultures and was a Fulbright scholar to Mexico in 1992. Rob taught at the University of Pittsburgh and Guilford College in North Carolina, twice leading their Guadalajara program. He moved to Xalapa in 1995.  He occasionally teaches archaeology at the Universidad Veracruzana, and remains active in the archaeological community there. Rob's interest in Mexican Archaeology has developed into a love for the country and people of Mexico. He loves to travel and explore, and delights in taking BCA students off the beaten track.

Universidad Veracuzana

• A large, comprehensive university offering 53 academic programs. 
• BCA students with sufficient Spanish ability enroll directly in regular university courses. 
• Others enroll in the university's program for foreign students, the Escuela para Estudiantes Extranje
• All classes are taught in Spanish by native Mexican professors

Excursions and Activities

• Hands-on experiential opportunities
• Excursions to archeological sites
• There are approximately 15 days of excursions throughout the semester, between daytrips, weekend trips and occasional longer excursions. 
• Destinations depend on the semester and student interest, but past BCA students have enjoyed the following:
• Teotihuacan
• Taxco
• Tepoztlan
• Las Estacas waterpark and Zapata Museum
• La Antigua
• Veracruz
• El Tajín and the Costa Esmeralda (beach)
• Ecotourism in the Tuxtlas Mountains
• Cuetzalan, Puebla
• Cofre de Perote and La Malinche mountains
• Chiapas (spring semester)

Extra Educational Opportunities

• Commitment to exploring social issues
• Social interactions with local populations and experiential learning
• Students with good Spanish skills can even find rewarding internships and volunteer jobs.  In the past, students have even contributed to campus publications such as the student newspaper

• Study Abroad FAQ’s

Questions? Please call:

1-866-222-6188