The Universidad de Guadalajara, founded in 1792, is a fully accredited Mexican University. It is the second largest institution of higher education in México. The University has six thematic Centers in Guadalajara and five Regional University Centers throughout the State of Jalisco. Currently, there are about 185, 000 students enrolled in the U. de G.

"All of the staff at the University are very nice" (Paul Kemppainen, a Project North America student who lived in Guadalajara during the spring semester of 1997) "and they go out of their way to help out the students so they have the best semester at Universidad de Guadalajara".

U. de G. is located in Guadalajara, the capital of the State of Jalisco. Guadalajara, the second largest city in México, is a popular destination among tourists. It has many cultural attractions, as well as many colorful markets. This beautiful city is located within a few hours drive from Puerto Vallarta and "nothing is more than a day's bus ride away…transportation is very reliable and comfortable", as Paul found out. He now states, "Guadalajara for me symbolizes the heart of México. It is the birthplace of Mariachi music, tequila, ballet folcklórico, and the majority of the things one associates with México". The climate in this region is mild, spring-like, and averages 80 Farenheits (27 Centigrades) year round. In the city one can find a wonderful mixture of the modern with the provincial riches of the country.

HOUSING

Students have three options to choose from:

Apartments

Youth Hostels

Live-in with a Mexican family. This living arrangement is the most used by foreign students and can cost you from $100 to $450 a month. This option represents an excellent opportunity to practice your Spanish and to get to know more about the culture. If you decide to live with a Mexican family the best form of transportation is by bus. Public transportation is reliable and inexpensive, Paul, for example, lived only a short 20 minute bus ride away from school.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

The academic year at the U. de G. consists of two semesters and the students can study either for six months or a year. The academic year goes from September of the year you enroll to August of the following year. For more information about U. de G.: http://www.udg.mx

Spring Semester: March 1 to August 31
Fall Semester: September 1 to February 28