Who's Eligible
Students in good standing who have completed their freshman year, a minimum 2.5 GPA and at least one year of Spanish prior to departure are eligible. The program is limited to the number of students that it can accept so that it can provide for small class instruction and individual help with both Spanish, Ecology and Anthropology. Students from other Universities and Community Colloeges are encouraged to apply.
Program Costs
For a detailed listing of program costs check with the Overseas Studies office, 123 Grinter Hall. The program fees include an administrative fee, lodging and meals with a Yucatan family, tuition, all field trip expenses and Spanish language materials. Approximate costs are $2,500 - $3,000 (based on Florida residency). Price subject to change based on international currency fluctuations. Students normally spend about $500 or more on personal expenses like traveling to the Caribbean or other parts of Mexico, gifts, etc. All program fees are due 30 days prior to departure. Students with special needs such as finacial aid are urged to check with the Overseas Studies office for futher information.
Is Financial Aid Available?
There are several scholarships available for UF students available for this program. Students should check with the Financial Aid advisors to determine whether they are eligible for financial assistance. UF students who normally recieve financial aid (including scholarships) may continue to recieve it while studying overseas. Students not currently attending UF should apply to their home university for financial assistance. UF undergraduates who apply before March 1st may be eligible for a scholarship through the Overseas Studies office, 123 Grinter Hall.
Living Arrangements
Students in the program live with Yucatan families and enjoy family parties, good home Yucatan cooking, friendship and security and in this way, learn the language through daily life. The families are selected with care to match students' scholarly and personal interest, and have had many years experience with the program. Families provide private room and board (three meals a day). Although we encourage all students to stay with families, students with children or older students can have the options of renting an apartment or finding other housing. The friendships developed through this interchange last long after the program is over. Students regularly return to visit their new "families" in the Yucatan and have universal praise for this part of the program.
