Student Handbook ITESM QRO

International Programs Office QuerĂŠtaro, Mex.

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Epigmenio Gonzalez #500 Fracc. San Pablo CP. 76130

Queretaro, Qro. (442) 238 3100 D.R. Instituto Tecnolรณgico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey

MEXICO 2017

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International Programs Office Queretaro, Mex.

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Contents.

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10

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ยกBienvenido!

Admittance.

Before Arrival.

1. Welcome Letter.

2. Description.

1. Nomination.

2. Aplication & Documents.

3. Deadlines.

1. Migratory Procedures.

2. Housing.

3. Medical Insurance.

4. Academic Calendar.

6. Monthly Budget.

7. Academic Culture at Tec. 8. About Mexico.

9. Tips When Traveling to Mexico.

10. Useful Spanish Phrases.

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42

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Upon Arrival.

About Tec.

Queretaro & Contact Info.

1. Getting to Campus.

2. Orientation days.

3. Wi-Fi in Campus.

4. Blackboard.

5. Student Card.

6. Medical Emergencies.

7. Tips for Living in Queretaro.

1. Campus Map. 2. Student Associations.

3. Sport Facilities.

4. Art & Culture.

5. Library.

6. Shops and Other Establishments.

1. Exploring Queretaro.

2. National Celebrations.

3. Public Transport.

4. Safety in Mexico.

5. IPO Contact Info.

6. IPO Labors.

7. Support.

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ยกBienvenido!

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Take a Ride to the Heart of Mexico You’ll love where we take you!

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Welcome to Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey!

On behalf of Tec de Monterrey, I would like to welcome you to a true historical, secure and fun city, but most importantly one of the 31 campuses of Mexico’s best university.

Studying in Queretaro will bring you new experiences, besides profesional and personal development. Queretaro will make you experience life in a different and unique way, be open to new cultural customs and learn from everything, this is the main reason why we created this booklet for you.

We consider crucial for you to have all this information prior to your arrival since it will help you ease all the process with enough time. With that being done you will have the chance to enjoy this period of your life as much as possible.

Furthermore, this booklet will be a useful tool for your everyday life! It includes cultural insights about the mexican way of living, the climate, multiple curious facts, and information about Tec’s educational culture.

We wish you the best during your stay, take advantage of your “mexican life“ and your studies. We hope you enjoy this precious time with us!

Kind Regards, Montserrat Bañales Head of International Programs Office mbanales@itesm.mx

Oficina de Programas Internacionales Querétaro, Mex.

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This handbook contains all the information that you will need to take into consideration to study in in Tec de Monterrey, Campus Queretaro and take fully advantage of your exchange program.

All this information can be found in the QR above.

Scan it or click over it.

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Nomination & Aplication.

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1. Nomination.

2. Aplication & Documents.

3. Deadlines.

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Nomination.

Deadlines.

your university must

Spring Semester.

•Internship Application: Last week of October.

•Nomination: 3rd week of November.

•Aplication: 3rd week of November.

•Course Selection: 4th Week of November.

then you wait for an answer with a link create an account and that´s it

Summer.

•Internship application: 1st week of April.

•Nomination: 3rd week of April.

•Aplication: 3rd week of April.

there you will find a form that you must fill & send

Fall Semester.

•Internship Aplication: 2nd week of June.

•Nomination: Last Friday of June.

•Aplication: 1st week of July.

•Course Selection: 2nd week of July.

there,create an account you get a confirmation e-mail

where you get a link

you recieve an e-mail

after, you fill all your personal data

if you´re an exchange student you have to send your application and wait for 4 weeks

if you´re an independent student you must save your application and pay for your curses in mexico

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Aplication & Documents.

QUICK AND VISUAL GUIDE FOR APPLICATION 1. GO TO

2. CLICK ON

exchange students

3. CHOOSE ONE

OF THE OPTIONS SHOWN BELOW:

independent students

FILL IN GENERAL INFORMATION FORMATS

fill in general information and

check and upload documents to the system

the 4 main sections

once is ready,

YOUR APPLICATION MUST BE UPLOADED TO THE SYSTEM

a coordinator verifies the data

the whole application is checked

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Before Arrival.

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1. Migratory Procedures.

2. Housing.

3. Medical Insurance.

4. Academic Calendar.

5. Monthly Budget.

6. Academic Culture at Tec. 7. About Mexico.

8. Tips When Traveling to Mexico.

9. Useful Spanish.

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Migratory Procedures.

You must be able to identify yourself to mexican authorities at all times (at your arrival, when you travel inside the country abroad and at your departure). As a result, we reccomend you to always carry your original passport, and your FMM or your Resident Permit.

Types of Migratory Status.

1. Visitors Without Student Visa: It’s allowed to be inside Mexico for as much as 180 days. At your arrival, the authorities will hand you a document called Multiple Migratory Form (FMM), you must keep this paper during your whole stay.

2. Student’s Visa: It must be issued by the Mexican Consulate of your country of origin. The student’s visa is necessary if you are going to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days. Moreover, this visa is mandatory if your country is included in the following list, independently of the time of your stay in the country:

For further information scan or click the QR code

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A er

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Law y

You must contact Tec’s lawyer, Arturo Bravo, before arriving to Mexico and once in Queretaro. Firstly, to help you issue the Student’s Visa in your country of origin.

Secondly, once you are in Queretaro, to finish the procedure of your migratory status.

+521 (442) 181 8695 arturo@icabogados.com

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Housing.

IPO is the link between local housing providers and international Tec studentes. We mediate and make sure you get the best option according to your needs on behalf ot three main options: Host Family Program, On-Campus Dorms and Independent Housing.

Host Family Program.

Independent Housing.

This program has been used by Tec for the past 30 years. This option offers a private room and restroom with all the required furnishing. Meals and basic services are included. This option embraces a complete cultural exchange because it gives the opportunity to directly live inside mexican culture. Please note that transportation to campus is not included.

IPO is helping you with the basic information so you can rent a furnished room, apartment or house. Here are feew recommendations on the subject:

•

COSTS. •

Watch the following videos to learn more: Experience Sharing.

Scan or click the QR code on the left.

Host Family Agreement.

Scan or click the QR code on the left.

Application Host Family Program: study.qro@itesm.mx

•

entro del Ca sd

Lourdes González

. pus

*Please note that the costs mentioned above • may change due to currency conversion.

Do not rent any accommodation before arriving to Queretaro (its better staying at a hotel for few days and when you arrive you find something worth of value).

Make sure to have direct contact of the owner of the accommodation as well as directly signing the contract with him.

Revise the terms of the contract before signing it.

Make sure that the accommodation does not have previous debts.

The guarantee deposit is normally equivalent to the monthly rent and is used as a warranty that you do not break anything. If there is no damage on the accommodation at the end of your stay, you get your deposit back.

Make sure tap water, electricity and heat work.

m

•

$100 USD (one time payment). Administrative • fee covers the registration to the program. $340 USD (montly payment). Covers the cost of the room as well as the basic services (wi- • fi, water, electricity & heat), three meals per day and laundry services.

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The dorms building is located directly in campus, have a 24/7 access, security service and cable TV. Each of the 80 rooms of dorms have a private bathroom and are made to accommodate two people. Please note that Ask IPO regarding the safest areas of the city there are no single-room possibilities. To get and the average renting costs per type of more information regarding costs, rules and accommodation. availabilities, we suggest you to contact:

Residenc ia

•

On-Campus Dorms.

mlgonzal@itesm.mx

You will find different housing options at the following link:

Apartment Blog.

Click or scan the QR on the left.

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Due to high demand of this service, first com- first servede allocation is follwed to supply housing. Students must complete the online aplication for Host Family Program, after a period of 2 to 4 weeks a mail will be sent to the student with the assigned accommodation.

Medical Insurance.

To be a Tec de Monterrey’s student, Campus Queretaro, it is mandatory to have a Medical Insurance from your country of origin before your departure. Your medical insurance must cover at least $ 100,000 USD for major medical expenses and must have social responsibility coverage and repatriations of remains. If you are planning to travel to other countries you must be sure that your insurance will cover you during your stay.

Before arriving to Mexico, you must send a copy of your insurance policy to IPO (mail below).

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IPO Cont a

In case you did not subsribe to a medical insurance in your country of origin, it is possible to purchase the medical insurance offered by Tec. For more information regarding costs, subscription and coverage, you must contact:

hmgarcij@itesm.mx

Academic Calendar.

Tec de Monterrey has very strict rules for course assistance. It is part of the academic culture of Tec de Monterrey to assist to the majority of our classes, therefore, we highly recommend you to plan all your trips and activitie outside of your class period. The following calendar may help you planify:

Fall Semester

Spring Semester January - May.

Summer.

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•

• •

August - December.

• • • • • • •

The official arrival day is the first Wednesday of August.

The orientation days are on Thursday and Friday that follow the official arrival day.

The first day of classes is Monday of the second week of August (make sure you have your schedule ready during orientation days).

The official trips organized by IPO are:

Teotihuacan - 4th Saturday of August.

Oaxaca - Fri. Sat. Sun. 2nd week of Oct. Last day of Classes is last Wednesay of November.

Final exam period is during the first two weeks of December but may vary depending on the courses you’re taking.

• • • • • • •

Official arrival day is first Wednesday of January.

Orientation days are during Thursday and Friday of January’s first week (after official arrival day).

First day of classes is Monday of the second week of January, be sure you have your schedule ready during the orientation days.

Official trips organized by IPO are:

Teotihuacan -4th Saturday of January.

Huasteca Potosina-Fri. Sat. Sun 2nd of

week of March. (contact info below).

Last day of classes is last Wednesday of May. Final exams period starts on the following day after last day of classes and lasts for two weeks.

*For more detailed information about IPO’s trips contact: Claudia Ugalde: cugaldeo@itesm.mx

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• • • • • • •

Official arrival day is last Wednesday of May. Orientation days are Thursday and Friday that follow the official arrival day.

First day of classes is last Monday of May (make sure you have your schedule ready during the orientation days).

Last day of classes is last Friday of June.

Official trips organized by IPO are:

Teotihuacan & CDMX - 2nd Sat. of June.

Huasteca Potosina - Fri. Sat. Sun of the

3rd week of June. (contact info below).

Final exam period is during the first two weeks of July but may vary depending on the courses you’re taking.

After the final exams, there is an official departure day, transportation to the airport is included. Be sure to ask IPO.

Remember final exams are normally scheduled during the two weeks following the end of the semester.

However, the professor is the one who sets the dates for each course, hence, we recommend you to leave Mexico some days or during the official departure day.

Monthly Budget.

Below you will see a student budget that shows approximately how much money you could spend monthly when studying at Tec de Monterrey Campus Queretaro.

Monthly Living Costs.

Category

Housing

Description • • •

Insurance

Food

Amount

Host Family Program Independing Housing On-Campus Dorms

• • •

Medical Insurance

• • •

$5,400 MXN - $340 USD $3,500 MXN - $210 USD $4,440 MXN - $270 USD

$4,000 MXN - $210 USD

Basic Groceries Eating on Campus Eating Out (per meal)

• • •

$1,000 MXN - $70 USD $1,400 MXN - $100 USD $200 MXN - $15 USD

Transportation

Taxi, Uber, Bus

$850 MXN - $50 USD

Other

Clothing, Entertainment, etc.

$950 MXN - $60 USD

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NOTE: Prices may vary depending on exchange currency.

Budget does not include administrative fees or academic costs.

Academic Culture at Tec de Monterrey

Punctuality & Assitance Several aspects of the mexican life may seem special or different from your own culture: climate, food, people’s behaviour or religion. Such things and educational specs will be elaborated in this section so you understand without feeling lost.

Competitivity & Workload.

Mexican culture is competitive by nature.

Most of the times, we are hard working people and due to the academic culture at Tec, we tend to be competitive from student to student or team to team.

Having homework from each course is common and you are expected to deliver or upload it on time and form. Teamworks are also really used at Tec, they will help you to know people from your class and give the best you can do to the project.

Getting a grade below 70 (out of 100) means you failed the examination.

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Mexico is a paternalist country, therefore some social rules are applied into Tec de Monterrey’s modus operandi. Punctuality for class, team meetings and any serious appointments are important in Mexico.

Therefore, you are expected to be seen on time and ready for being productive.

Assitance to class is considered for your grades, if you don’t show up to the classroom within the first 5 minutes of the class you will be marked with an absence. For each class, you have limited absences (check with your teacher during the first day of class the exact amount for each course). If you surpass that limit, you will lose the right to present a final exam or project. Be sure to use your absences wisely! Always plan trips, visits or other activities with this in mind. By no means, an absence will be removed from your record.

Class Interaction.

Due to the educational model at Tec, you are expected to prove several skills when being in a course; participation and opinions are taken into account when discussing during class and you are expected to find the means to work on a project.

Practice and theory materials go together as learning material for a class.

Rules.

Knowing that educational culture is serious at Tec, we openly invite you to discuss any issue that bothers you with any member of IPO.

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Academic culture in Tec is based on rules, and apply to everyone. Individual exceptions are rare.

Be sure you stay within the following: • PUNCTUALITY. You have a 5 minute tolerance afterwards you will get an absence.

• ABSENCES. Attending to class is mandatory.

You have limited absences for each class. If you surpass them you will most likely fail the course.

• AMOUNT OF ABSENCES. During semester periods you have the equivalent of three weeks of classes per course to be absent.

During summer you have the limit of 4 absences per course.

• MINIMUM GRADE. If you intend to successfully pass courses, your grade must be equal or higher than 70. Grading scale: 0-100.

• BEHAVIOUR. Entrance to classroom is forbidden if you have alcoholic breath. Its also strictly prohibited to consume alcoholic products inside Campus.

• ANTI-DOPING. Drug consumption is forbidden in Mexico, therefore a random test is practiced to students in some school periods.

About Mexico.

A Diverse Country.

Landscape & Climate.

Politics.

Its official name is “Estados Unidos Mexicanos,” it is the 14th largest country in the world and the 3rd largest in Latin America. Moreover, is the 11th most populated country in the world with 120 millions inhabitants, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). Mexico is part of North America and its capital is Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX), one of the largest cities in the world. Due to its geographical location, it is one of the countries with the most complex biodiversity in the world.

Also happens to be the 1st touristic destination in Latin America and the 9th in the world.

Mexico’s climate is characterized by its variety. You can find a tropical weather in the south and desertic weather in the north. Due to the geographical location of Queretaro, just in the Center of Mexico, you will have access to the different regions and lifestyles of the country.

Mexico is a democratic, federal and representative republic divided in 32 federal entities. Queretaro is one of them and Santiago de Queretaro is the capital of that entity.

Spanish is the official language and the most widely spoken around the country.

However, today, 67 native pre-hispanic dialects are still present and spoken by some communities (INEGI, 2015).

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People.

Behavioural Rules.

Mexican people are mainly recognized as a mixture between pre-hispanic people and all the different races that arrived with the colonization. Furthermore, (and because of the really complex history of the country) if you see the population nowadays, you will see that there are not just mestizo mexicans (the mixture of spanish with native people), but also european mexicans, indegenous mexicans, arab mexicans, afromexicans and asian mexicans. Therefore you can find several differences in appearance and still be Mexican.

Every culture has unspoken rules on how to behave and treat others. While some cultures appear as more distant than others, confusion can be present in daily behaviours. That’s why we’ve created this handbook for you, so you can learn more about those behaviours and reduce the possible cultural shock that you will live while being in Queretaro.

By character, mexicans are extremely warm in their relationships, usually loud and happy with a speacial feature of being optimistic. They are creative, friendly and helpful no matter what the situation they can find you in.

Sometimes, the warmth of people can b overwhelming, it is common that people hug or kiss in the cheek when saying hello, even if they have not met each other before. On the other hand mexicans can appear loose or not so worried, however keep in mind that working times and rhythms are different from culture to culture.

In Mexico, relationships between men and women are really respectful, you must always use a formal language when talking to a teacher or an authority.

Click or scan the QR above.

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Mexican Food.

Food has an enormous importance in the country. Traditionally it has a lot of flavours and varies from state to state. It is considered as one of the best cuisines in the entire world. You will see that just as people, cuisine has a heritage and mixture from different places around the world. Any mexican would gladly explain to you the best food places, best food you can try or find in town. We highly encourage you to try and experience it, knowing that it was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010 by UNESCO.

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Recommendations before arriving to Mexico.

Once you arrive to Tec, make sure to complete the academic process on time. On the same subject, you must frequently verify your mailbox (A0XXXXXXX@ itesm.mx) to take notice of the information sent to you by Tec. Please remember that your official Tec mail address is the first media you must check for any communication regarding your studies while you’re in Queretaro.

You must notify your bank that you will be travelling/ living in another country for a certain period of time and mention which countries you plan to visit so your bank account does not get blocked during your stay.

Remember that the official currency in Mexico is the mexican peso and that many commerces will not accept debit or credit cards. Therefore we reccomend you to exchange mexican pesos upon your arrival. Make sure that you never carry too much money on you, $500 are enough (as reccommendation).

If you want to change currency while you are in Queretaro, the closest point to campus is the following address: IMEX DIVISAS. Plaza Comercial La Laborcilla Corregidora Nte. Esq. Jardinera No. 30 76169 Queretaro.

Alamos 3era Seccion TelĂŠfono: (+52) 442 312 0066

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Tips.

Many activities will require a formal dress code during your stay in Queretaro.

From oral presentations during class, or internship meetings, to the closing ceremony. Accordingly we suggest you to bring formal clothes including closed shoes made of a rigid fabric (such as leather), high heels, formal pants, skirts or dresses (for girls), long-sleeve shirts, jackets or blazers (for guys).

On the same note, it is important to highlight that Queretaro’s climate varies a lot. We suggest you to prepare your bags considering the following information: • From November to March: cold temperature. From 0 - 15 Celsius degrees.

• From April to June: Intense warmth.

From 15 - 39 Celsius degrees.

• From July to September: Tropical Rain, from 18 -28 Celsius degrees.

• Furthermore, if you plan to follow sport classes on the Campus, you must include sportswear when packing. Our suggestions include football (or soccer) shoes, tennis racket, swimsuit (not bikini), cap and swimming goggles.

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Upon Arrival.

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1. Getting to Campus.

2. Orientation Days.

3. Wi-Fi. 4. Blackboard.

5. Student Card.

6. Medical Emergencies.

7. Tips for living in Queretaro.

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Getting to Tec Campus Qro.

In the following pages you will find recommendations to get to Campus Queretaro, These options include the arrival and departure from Mexico City’s airport and Queretaro’s Intercontinental Airport as well as the departure from the same airports. During semester and summer we have an official arrival day, however only during summer we offer transportation from airport to Campus.

If you’re coming during summer and you want to use the transportation provided by IPO, be sure to send us your flight details.

contact.

IPO MAIL: studyin.qro @itesm.mx

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Summer Students.

The most important thing if you’re a summer student is to let IPO know your flight schedule both for arrival and departure. This way logistics work faster.

Departure.

Arrival.

From Mexico City’s Airport.

To Mexico City’s airport.

IPO organizes only one transport from Mexico City’s airport to Campus during the official arrival day. This bus will leave the airport after the arrival of the last student of the day or as late as 19h. If you happen to be in the host family program, your host family will be adviced with the arrival time. After you send your flight schedule to IPO, you will get an email back with the name of one of our members that will be waiting for you in the terminal. The departure will be from Terminal 1. There is a free transport for commuting between terminals.

There is only one transport offered for flights leaving from Mexico City.

The schedule for this transport will be determined based on flight schedules of all the students commuting. However there is a high chance that this bus leaves quite early in the morning. This bus will leave from Campus and arrive directly to Terminal 1 of the Airport.

To Queretaro’s Airport.

If your filght leaves from Queretaro’s Airport, there is a Taxi service offered by Tec. You have to ask and make the reservation for a taxi ticket at IPO (getting to Queretaro’s Airport from campus takes around 1hr). Follow the next steps: 1. IPO fills taxi ticket information and student must pick it up at the office.

2. Student must book the taxi with the right information for day and time.

3. Taxi driver fills price and bottom part of the ticket. He keeps the white part of the ticket and the student keeps the yellow one.

4. When you’ve reached your destination you must send a picture of the yellow part of the ticket to IPO.

If you can’t talke the transport offered by tec, the next page shows options you can follow.

From Queretaro’s Airport.

Tec arranges a shuttle transportation from Queretaro’s airport to Campus during the official arrival day. Such transportation will take you directly to your host family house (if you happen to be in this program).

After you send your flight schedule to IPO, you will get a response with the name and photo of the IPO memeber that will welcome you.

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Arrivals.

FOR SEMESTER STUDENTS:

Departures.

From Mexico’s City Airport.

Students departing during semester or out of the official departure day during summer, must find the option that suits them the best.

If your flight arrives before 23h we reccomend you to take a bus from Primera Plus Line (http://www.primeraplus.com. mx $385 MXN) they depart from airport every half an hour. If your flight lands after 23h we reccomend you to stay in one of the following hotels from Terminal 1 and depart on the next day: • Hilton Aeropuerto Ciudad de Mexico.

• Hotel Courtyard Marriot.

We suggest to consider as 4 hrs the commute to Mexico City’s airport and an hour commute to Queretaro’s Airport.

Remember when you’re taking an international flight you must be 3 hours before the departure time at the Airport.

Moreover, there are also other hotel options really close to the ariport. These hotels have a free transportation service to the airport:

Lost and Found.

If you lost something in Mexico City’s airport, you can directly go to the office of lost and found:

Hotel Aeropuerto.

Blvd. Puerto Aéreo no. 380, Col. Moctezuma 2a Secc. Tel: (55) 57 85 53 18

Terminal 1. Oficina del Mezzanine 102 Tel. (52) 55 2598 7169 aherrerah@aicim.com.mx

Hotel Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto Blvd. Puerto Aéreo no. 502, Col. Moctezuma 2a Secc Tel: (55) 52 33 66 00

Terminal 2. Local TLL-01 (Planta Baja) Tel. (52) 55 2598 7169 aherrerah@aicim.com.mx You can also contact IPO if you have any emergency at your arrival.

Aeropuerto Intercontinental de Querétaro.

fono de Em Telé

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PO

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ias.

Celular Emergencias IPO 442 226 2980

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We suggest you to take a cab from the official airport site, called “Taxi del Aeropuerto.“ You must go to the main entrance and buy your taxi ticket. In case you need to go directly to campus, the gps information and address is on the next page.

Tec de Monterrey Campus Qro. Nearby Airports.

1. Cancún - 1409 km 2. Tijuana - 2218 km 3. Monterrey - 568 km 4. Guadalajara - 308 km 5. Houston - 1139 km 6. Dallas - 1402 km 7. Chicago - 2656 km 8. Los Angeles -2309 km 9. Austin - 1214 km 10. Nueva York -3364 km 11. San Antonio - 1114 km 12. Quebec -3966 km 13. Montreal -3733 km 14. Toronto - 3265 km 15. Vancouver -3951 km 16. Seul -12065 km 17. Shanghai -12922 km 18. Paris -9207 km 19. Roma -10251 km 20. Madrid -9073 km 21. Amsterdam -9226 km 22. Londres -8939 km 23. Frankfurt -9570 km

GPS Information.

Lat. 20.613056 Lon. 100.408457

Address.

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Epigmenio Gonzalez 500 Fracc. San Pablo CP 76130 Queretaro, Qro. Mexico.

Orientation Days.

Wi-Fi Access at Tec.

Orientation days happen after the official arrival day. During these days, you will get to know the Campus and how things work here at Tec. We will explain and solve all the doubts you might have for academic, social or any other sector.

When arriving to Tec, you can easily access to an open Wi-Fi named “TecVisitantes.“ This Wi-Fi provides internet for anyone visiting campus, however it is limited for some functions.

Blackboard.

Black b

o

It’s a web platform used at Tec for all the courses. In this platform, you will find the activities, material and links where you have to deliver projects and course exercies. The official site is www. miscursos.tec.mx, you will need to type You must activate your email account to your student number as your username You will also get to know the people access the official Wi-Fi from Campus and your offiicial email password to log that are in the same program as yours (Tec-ITESM): in. and go through the formalities to be an official student at Tec. Going through 1. Visit: http://cuentas.itesm.mx/ then the orientation days will prevent lots click on the left corner ¨Activación of problems that you might encounter de Alumnos.¨ during your stay, is therefore highly 2. You must then fill the info: Matrícula: recommended to attend them.

A0XXXXXXX and the activation code.

A welcome kit will be given to you 3. Once you’re registered you are able including important information and to generate another password. You upport . contact numbers that you might need. will have to wait around 20 min for it dS ar Be sure to let know IPO if you are not able to be successfully activated. to attend and we will try to arrange the Maribel Angeles Ramirez best option considering your situation. m.angeles@itesm.mx

& Inform logy at

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During these days you will get your class schedule as well as your student ID, Join the Wi-Fi. added to the official Facebook group (to For ¨Tec¨ or ¨ITESM¨networks, you will keep you posted with all the activities need to fill the same credentials as for happening around). your email: • Username is student number (A0XXXXXXX). tor. irec • Password is the same you’ve cD registered for your official email Jorge address.

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Gomez Sautto jfgomez@itesm.mx

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Te c

Student Card.

When you get to Campus during the orientation days, you will have to go to Punto Azul (3rd floor of building 7) where you will ask for issuing your student card. They will take your picture and give it to you on the following days. This student card will help you access the Campus as well as the library and the gym. This ID is your property, it is therefore your responsibility to report it and ask for a new one in case of lost or theft. The first ID you get on Campus is free, although, you have to pay $100 MXN everytime you ask for a new one. Be aware that you cannot lend this card to anyone in any circumstances. If you are caught doing so, you will fined and you will have limited access to the Campus Facilities.

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Medical Assistance.

For any medical assitance you can find the Campus doctor at building 9. There, after you give your student number, you will be helped and taked care of.

It is important for you to know that the campus doctor is the only one who can refer you to another hospital or doctor after he evaluates the situation. Medical insurance at Tec works with refund procedures. Therefore, if you are given prescriptioon drugs, be aware they are only provided by official pharmacies in the country. The closest one can be found inside Soriana supermarket located next to campus.

Please note that you will have to present an official ID and a copy of your medical insurance upon your arrival to any hospital. The hospital will mention you if your insurance covers the medical services you need and how they can proceed for the payment. On the same subject, we recommend you to always be prepared to pay and wait a certain time before receiving the reimbursement.

For detailed information contact your insurance company and keep IPO aware of the situation. fono de Em Telé

Celular Emergencias IPO 442 226 2980

Edificio 9 (gimnasio) Tel. 238 3230 Lun- Vie: 7h-22h Sab: 8h- 13h

ias.

ergencie l Em sS ca i d

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If you need a more important medical assitance or you if you have to get one outside of the Campus clinic’s opening hours, we recommend you to visit the following hospitals: Tel. 690 9037 Tel. 192 3000 Tel. 427 8000 Tel. 477 2222 Tel. 213 6511

ho l

Assista nc ical og

Psyc

Hospital EBOR Hospital Ángeles Hospital Star Médica Hospital Tec 100 Hospital Santa Cruz

38

e.

• • • • •

Guadalupe Martínez Farías gmartinef@itesm.mx

Nutr itio

As part of Tec services, you may access to psychological or nutritional services.

Both of them are located in building 9 (1st floor, in front of the men’s locker room). Please note you need to book an appointment prior of receiving services.

lA na

ssistance.

Ma. Angélica Méndez Espinoza mmendez@itesm.mx

Reccomendations for your Stay.

Leaving home to live and study abroad is an incredible but challenging experience. There will be times when stress overwhelms you and different feelings strike. The cultural shock is normal and usually unavoidable because you discover a new way of living that you yet did not know. In the end, most international students have a good time and take with them valuable life lessons from this situation. This experience may help you discover new personal features and be aware of how you react to different events when you’re out of your comfort zone.

This may also help you develop new skills in the academic and personal area. Enjoy this challenge as much as you can!

• • • • • • • • • •

Realise that having difficulty when coping with a new environment from the begginning is completely normal.

Stay in touch with home.

Find a supplier of familiar food.

Eat properly and at the right times.

Share meals with others.

Do not hesitate to ask people to explain themselves if you find them confusing.

Some of your fellow students are surely also having the same experience, so talk to them!

Join sport and cultural activities.

Take breaks to relax and find your space and time.

Do not isolate yourself for too long, better talk to someone about what is troubling you.

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Academi c

Tips for Cultural Shock.

l unse ing.

Co Diana Granados

dbgranado@itesm.mx

(+52) 442 238 3356

If you need help adapting to Mexico, you can always count on the Tec counselor.

IPO Opening Hours & Location.

Located on the ground floor of building 6, right in front of building 7. The weekly opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 8:30h to 14:00h and 16:00h to 18:00h.

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Mobile Phone.

Short Stay: (- 1 year) Prepaid SIM card.

In case you already have a mobile phone and you are staying for a short period of time, you can buy a prepaid SIM card in any convenience store such as Oxxo. It is also where you can add money to your phone number.

Long Stay: (+1 year)Phone Contract.

The contracts with mobile phone providers have a minimun period of time depending on the company providing the service. Telcel requires a 12-monthcontract but At&t accepts contracts for a month on. In both cases, it should be payed in monthly installments. For more informations visit any of the companies websites. (telcel.com, att.com.mx., movistar.com.mx).

Telcel Prol. Corregidora Nte. 306, Plaza Boulevares, 76 160 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro.

At&t Prol. Tecnológico Nte. 950, San Pablo, 76 130 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro.

41

About Campus.

42

1. Campus Map. 2. Student Associations.

3. Sport Facilities.

4. Art and Culture.

5. Library.

6. Stores and Other Establishments.

43

Campus Map.

44

Sport Facilities.

As a student of Tec de Monterrey, you are able to use all campus sport facilities for free. These include the soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball and indoors courts we have as well as the gym. Make sure you get to know the opening hours of all of them, so you can take full profit of them.

Student Associations.

A

You will need to show your student card to rent sports materials such as balls or raquets at the gym The gymnasium is located below building 8 but you need to enter from building 9. At the entrance of building 9, you will find the office where you can ask for the sport activities schedule, material and the full list of classes you can take for free.

These classes vary from one semester to another, although, it is known that the wide offer includes more than 30 different activities. They go from yoga, alpinisim, track and field, bodypump, boxing , spinning and many more.

ciations. ss o

Stud e

nt

There are several student associations going from cultural and academic to sport activities. They promote integration between mexican and international students. All the information can be asked to:

Millet Quintana mquintanc@itesm.mx (+52) 442 238 3517

AMI.

You can also ask for a Sport Passport which lets you into all the previous mentioned activities for limited times. The point of this is to try several things in one semester instead of assisting to a sole sport activity.

Mail: ami.queretaro@gmail.com Facebook: AMI Queretaro.

Sport s.

Among all of these student associations, AMI is a special one for us because it has the Big Brother program. You can be assigned to a mexican big brother so he or she can help you during your stay in Mexico. This help may be regarding school affairs but also about showing you the real and local heart of the country.

If you want to joing this associations, contact them through:

45

Fernando Lopez flopezs@itesm.mx (+52) 442 238 3236

Arts & Culture in Campus.

Actividad e

Another cool part of studying at Tec is the amount of cultural activities you can be part of. They go from dancing and music to theater and photography. We also offer a wide range of personal improvement classes such as make-up or communication skills. If you want a full list of the activities you can enroll for free, send us an email:

ulturales. sC

Luciana SubĂŹas lsubias@itesm.mx (+52) 442 238 3147

46

Library.

Roberto Ruiz Obregon is one of the biggest libraries in the state, be sure to get all the material and services you need from it. Also known as building 6, the library also includes classrooms and allow you to borrow books, laptops and tech resources, make copies, study in the quiet area or in the Learning Commons.

It is open during weekdays from 7h to 21h and on Saturdays from 9h to 18h. The learning Commons (also known as “Ruido”) is open from 8h to 24h everyday. You may note that the library may open earlier and close later during the exam period.

Functional Specs.

Our library is divided in three floors. The 1st floor offers computers, printing and scanning facilities. You can also get technical assistance to install programs or any other technological issue by asking the staff desk. At the same desk, you can add money to your student account for printing. All students have a $50 MXN credit upon their arrival, however you need to be aware you might need to recharge it later on.

47

Directora

On the top floor of the library, you will find Learning Commons. These spaces allows you to study in a more relaxed and playful environment. On the same floor, you will find a cafeteria, lockers and printing facilities. If you need to do a team project, there are special rooms with whiteboards you can borrow.

B

On the 2nd floor you will find the library and quiet study area where you can borrow books, movies or music. You can also ask for special credentials if you need to use our virtual library (databases, online documents and reports). Remember each book has a specific lending time, if you do not deliver them within the limits, you will be fined. To be able to keep borrowing books, you need to pay it a the bank and bring the receipt to the library’s desk. a iotec . ibl

Zaira Rodrìguez zdrodrig@itesm.mx (+52) 442 238 3379

Sotres and Establishments.

Cafetería Prepa

Food Station

Ciber Plaza.

Nutrisa, Tiendiia Cafetería Principal

Cajero Oxxo Cajero.

Wok, Ensaladas Cafetería Ruido

Tienda Tec

Bank & ATM’s.

Tec Store.

Souvenirs and Tec products can be bought here. You can take the best part of us with you.

Oxxo.

Comida.

48

We have a Santander bank inside campus, below Salon de Congresos. We also have 2 ATMs in building 4. One of these ATMs is from HSBC and the other one is from Santander. Check the exchange rate of your bank with each one of these companies in a way to make the best choice.

By law, the maximum amount of money you can withdraw from an ATM is $3,000 MXN per day.

Transportation in Campus.

There is a small transportation system inside Campus. Moreover, there are bicycles you can use from one station to the other. Never take the bikes out of Campus or out of the bike lanes.

Also, never make the transport shuttle stop outside the marked stations. If you happen to have a car, please park it in the marked places if you want to avoid fines.

Click or Scan the QR above.

49

DICI & CIMA.

Media Center.

DICI is a workshop located in building 13. It is mainly made for Design and Architecture students and offers machinery to work mainly with soft materials such as wood and or plastics. There are also some tools to work with metal, however if you need more specialized equipment, you can go to building 16 (CIMA).

Located in building 10. You can rent communication material like cameras, tripods, GoPros, adaptors, lights and many more. It is mandatory to register at the following link to rent anything from the Media Center:

If you want to use these workshops, you must take a special orientation from people working there. They will make sure you know how to properly use the appliances.

Click or Scan the QR above.

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Full Programs.

CLICK OR SCAN THE QR ABOVE.

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Exploring Queretaro & Contact Information.

52

1. QuerĂŠtaro.

2. National Holidays & Celebrations.

3. Public Transportation.

4. Safety in Mexico.

5. IPO contacts.

6. Support.

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Exploring Queretaro & Mexico.

Queretaro is one of the federal entities or states that form Mexico. It is located in the center of the country and surrounded by important states that just as Queretaro, have taken part in the rich and complex history of Mexico.

It is the least extended state in Mexico and it was officially founded on the 23rd of December 1823. Queretaro is a place that has a lot of industrial develpment and accelerated entrepreneurial expansion. Here in 1917 the official law of Mexico known as the “Constitución de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos” was writen an made official.

With around 2 0138 372 habitants, Queretaro is a relatively safe and quiet place to live. Here, you will find many places to go out, eat, dance,shop and culturally discover.

Within the state, there are several museums (Galería Libertad, Maqro, Museo de la Muerte, etc.) and archeological sites (Misiones Franciscanas, Ranas y Toluquilla, el Pueblito) as well as shopping malls and important companies.

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Sports.

The most practiced sport in Mexico is inevitably football (soccer). The local team is called “Gallos Blancos” and it plays regularly at the Corregidora Stadium. To know more about it, please consult the following webpage:

Cultural.

Queretaro is one of the most important states for Mexican history. Moreover it has a rich and cultural past as well as cheese and wine routes and special little towns called “Pueblos Mágicos” you can visit.

Click or Scan the QR above.

There are also ecoturistic and more adventurous options located in the Sierra Gorda.

Finally we have traditional markets and art galleries that show Mexico’s true colors, visit the next link for more information:

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Click or Scan the QR above.

Places to go.

Around Queretaro.

CDMX (Cd. de México).

Guadalajara.

Puebla.

Guanajuato.

Daytrips.

Shopping.

San Miguel de Allende Bernal.

Tequisquiapan.

Viñedos.

San Joaquín.

Pirámide del Pueblito.

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Antea Lifestyle Center.

Galerìas Queretaro.

Latitud la Victoria.

National Holidays & Celebrations.

12. Virgen de Guadalupe. (Not Oficial) 24. Noche Buena. (Not Oficial) 25. Navidad.

31. Último Día del Año.

*1. Año Nuevo.

6. Día de Reyes.

*5. Constitución Mexicana.

14. San Valentín (Not Oficial) 24. Día de la Bandera.

(No Oficial)

2. Día de Todos los Santos.

(Not oficial) 20. Revolución Mexicana.

(No oficial)

*19. Nat. Benito Juárez. *26-30 Semana Santa.

16.Día de la Independencia.

1. Domingo de Resurrección.

30. Día del Niño. (Not Oficial)

Verano.

*1. Día del Trabajo.

5. Batalla de Puebla. (Not Oficial.)

10. Día de las Madres. (Not Oficial)

Verano.

17. Día del Padre. (Not Oficial)

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Public Transportation.

As mentioned beforehand, the best way to move around the city is by car. Therefore, we highly recommend you to download the Uber app, and use it around. The second option would be taking a safe taxi (Taxi Seguro), you can find the number outside the main entrance and will also always find a cab there. Please note that these taxis, outside campus’ main entrance always ask you to pay in cash.

Regarding the bus lines in Queretaro, there is a practical app called “Rutero Online.” You can check the bus routes and fares there. If you can’t travel by bus you may pay as well by cash and be aware that buses are not always on time.

LONGER BUS TRIPS. Due to safety and comfort, we recommend you to travel by bus and more specifically Primera Plus Line. They can be found at any bus station and offer direct transport to all destinations.

OUT OF MEXICO. When travelling to other countries, the advice from IPO is to previously research to know if there are any special requirements or permits you need to do. In any case you can pay a visit to IPO’s office and we will gladly help you!

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Safety in Mexico.

Safety on Campus

Advice for not Being a Victim. Emergency Numbers.

We have an effective security service as well as the assitance of the local police.

The security staff constantly does checkups of all the campus facilities so you can ask them if you happen to lose something.

There is also a lost and found office known as “LocaTec” which is located in the basement of building 9.

• •

•

• • • • • • • •

IPO arranges the official trips and all the safety as well as logistics are taken into LOST OR THEFT OF IDENTITY PAPERS. account. For the personal trip initiatives, it • Photocopy your ID papers and keep them in a safe place: home, hotel or temporary is important to avoid the most dangerous residence. areas, you can check them here: • If you lose them contact IPO office and your

ergency Em

mpus La Ca w

• •

Red

59

r. ye

Arturo Bravo (+521) 442 181 8695

consulate. Remember that if they are lost you need to make a statement.

Click or Scan the QR above.

er IPO.

IPO study.qro@itesm.mx (+521) 442 226 2980

AR M

•

mb Nu

SI- P ro

Mexico has a fascinating culture and a welcoming population, however it is important to specify that some areas of the country contrast with what we can observe in Queretaro. As the touristic and central areas of the country experience a relatively low crime rate, the border states struggle with violence problems. The state of Queretaro is one of the safest in the country and its known for its high living stardars of living and tranquility. Although, as it is true for every city of a certain size, we should always take precautions during nights out.

•

Make sure you always go out in a group.

Never walk alone at night and even less if you don’t know the area.

Always make sure you have a functional communication device with you.

Avoid driving a car by yourself. (Mexican highway code is complex).

Be vigilant in the streets.

Mexico is a busy country, thus we advice you to carry a small bag and never lose sight of it.

In most places you will need cash when it’s a small establishment, however it is important that you keep as little cash as possible on you (max $500 MXN).

Never keep your wallet in one of our back pockets.

If a thief tries to steal your bag, do not try to fight them and risk injuries.

Never exchange money on the street or with an unknown person.

Always be vigilant when at ATM’s.

Avoid going to Menchaga, Las Lomas or Jesus Oviedo neighborhoods.

Buy all the tickets for flights, trips, tours or any event at official suppliers.

Beware of illegal goods sold on street.

Change of path if you feel someone is following you or enter a store.

éd

ica.

Ambulancia Tel. 183 6060

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edic

.

Ambulancia Tel. 221 0841

. oss Cr Tel. 065 Tel. 911

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f IPO. do

Montserrat BaĂąales mbanales@itesm.mx

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istant. ss

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IPO Contacts.

Marissa ZĂĄrate cmzarate@itesm.mx

Inc

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ing Adviso m o

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ing Advis o go

ing Adviso om

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Inc

ing Advis o go

Ou t

Claudia Ugalde cugaldeo@itesm.mx

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Alfredo Teissier fateissie@itesm.mx

y&

ers Mobilit ch

Agreem e

Sofia Corona

IPO

Elizabeth Amador eamadorga@itesm.mx

Tea

Keren Hernandez skhernand@itesm.mx

scoronabr@itesm.mx

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Hig

hschoo l.

Ma. Jose Guerrero mjguerrer@itesm.mx

s. nt

IPO Labors. ic

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@juanabtt

61

e ad a ac rienci expe

m

Support.

CASTI.

Counseling Service.

Diana Granados dbgranado@itesm.mx

62

IPO C on ct. ta

Acade m i

ounseling. cC

Edificio 6 Primer piso.

nter.

Ce ic

Inform at

IPO Office.

IPO study.qro@itesm.mx

Disclaimer.

The information contained in this booklet has been obtained from multiple sources, both Tec de Monterrey related and not related. While the content has been carefully verified and written mostly by Juana Borbolla, Ă ngel Delgado & Samahara HernĂĄndez, some information in this booklet may change or become outdated.

Schedules, rules, regulations and opening hours are subject to change during the academic year.

No rights can be derived from the information presented in this document. For further concerns, please contact any member of IPO Tec de Monterrey Campus Queretaro.

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LAYOUT & DESIGN RESOURCES: Juana Borbolla.

Epigmenio González 500

F r a c c . S a n P a b l o 761 3 0

Querétaro, Qro. Mèxico.

Te l . ( 4 4 2 ) 2 3 8 3 1 0 0 D.R . Instituto Tecnológico y d e E s t u d i o s S u p e r i o re s de Monterrey, México 2017

M a i l : s t u d y. q ro @ i t e s m . m x Yo u t u b e : S t u d y i n Q r o .

Facebook; Study in Qro.

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I N S TA G R A M @ S t u d y i n q r o