Universidad Iberoamericana Logo

Universidad Iberoamericana

Why choose Universidad Iberoamericana?

Universidad Iberoamericana ("Iberoamericana University"' or just "IBERO") is considered one of Mexico's most prestigious universities, distinguished by high academic standards and a strong social commitment. The Mexico City campus, located within the Santa Fe business district (western part of town), hosts approximately 12,000 students. IBERO ranks amongst the best 30 universities in Latin America. The short term program "Social Realities in Mexico" has been developed based on our long-standing experience with social projects and close collaboration with over 200 partner NGOs around the country.

Founded
1943

Reviews

Diego
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing!

TRANSLATION:
I studied for a semester at Universidad Iberoamericana and it was one of the best experiences of my life! All the university staff are very kind to us foreigners and have made our stay in Mexico unforgettable! I think the best memory I have of the many university events was the welcome party -- no one knew until we arrived, but it ended up being a very lively party! hahaha

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Yo estudié un semestre en la Ibero del DF-Mex y fue una de las mejores experiencias de mi vida! Toda la gente de la Universidad es muy amable con nosotros extranjeros y have lo que se puede imaginar para que nuestra estancia en México sea inolvidable! Creo que el mejor recuerdo que guardo de los numerosos eventos de la Universidad sea la fiesta de bienvenida pues nadie sabía hasta ese momento, sin embargo todos juntos lo hicieron la más loca y animada peda! jajajajaja

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe if students had a greater incentive to make more cultural programs...
Default avatar
Julz
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely amazing experience

I highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a short course. Mexico City is such an fabulous city and going to uni everyday, learning Spanish and learning about Latin American cultures and society really gives you a holistic, one of a kind experience. The staff were fantastic and Claudia made me feel welcome before I even arrived! She is incredibly efficient and a whiz at organising interesting trips, excursions and tailored the program to our groups personal interests. We had the chance to go to a variety of NGO's and really get to hear from the local people what social and societal problems exist. One of the most interesting experiences was when we went as a group to a migrant shelter and were given the chance to ask and listen to the migrants and their personal experiences. Coming from Australia, we don't get taught too much about the migration patterns of Latin America and it was an eye opening experience to hear, see and have the opportunity to learn more about it and particularly in real life rather than a textbook. Although my Spanish level wasn't as good as the others, the staff made sure to translate difficult conversations which also helped me to improve my language skills. That was personally one of my biggest fears but as soon as I arrived the staff, teachers and students made me feel so comfortable and at ease. The students at the university are so friendly and helpful and the student life is fantastic. Every weekend we were busy with some kind of social event which was always a lot of fun. I definitely made some friends for life while being in this program. Overall I would personally highly recommend this program to anyone that is interested. I only wish that the program was longer! haha I will never forget my experience and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Default avatar
Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A life-changing experience

For five weeks I attended classes at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, Mexico. We had classes Monday to Friday, 9am - 11 am in Spanish and 11:15am - 1pm in our history class. Our exchange group was small, however, we were put into different Spanish classes with the other exchange students at the University depending on our level. Our group would then come together for 2 hours to learn about the history and social issues in Latin America. Excellent teachers, excellent resources and overall an amazing experience being able to study abroad in such a culturally rich city! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a short-term study abroad option! My favourite part of my study abroad trip was the fact that we went on so many enriching excursions. We also got to spend a week in the state of Chiapas in the south of Mexico, which was life changing! We visited two NGOs, swam in various waterfalls and fell asleep to the sounds of wild monkeys as we stay in the jungle. Also, the food in Mexico is next level, especially if you love the heat! I was constantly surprised by how diverse the food can be in Mexico, from region to region. Mexico City is full of yummy delights and I can guarantee that you will never go hungry in this city!

What would you improve about this program?
Would love an extra hour of Spanish language classes at day!
Default avatar
Tipaporn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My memorable experiences with La Ibero.

Though, it's been 4 years now since I took a Spanish courses at Universidad Iberoamericana (La Ibero), I still remember these following memorable experiences with this campus. The Spanish courses here are considered comprehensive; that is, they not only improved my language skills for the academic purposes, but also broadened my view on the general knowledges of Mexico's history. Also, their staff, teachers as well as supervisors from the Office of International Students, encouraged many outdoor activities for us to practice more Spanish in the real situations. Every Friday, for instance, they brought us to the main historial and cultural sites in Mexico City as parts of one subject included in our language courses, and they sometimes organized us a-day as well as overnight trips from the capital to other cities. As a result, all of these comprehensively learning environment I've got form La Ibero has strengthen me both academic and social capabilities, the memorable ones I won't forget.

Last but not least, thank you so much, the campus, the courses, the staff and friends from every nationality I'v met along those years, for such great experiences. Thank you for has been inspiring me to currently pursing my undergraduate here in the Department of International Relations!! :)

Diego
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

the best university

very organized and friends !!!! I had Spanish lessons and history and were incredible, every day had Spanish classes and that helped me a lot in living with others. The country is amazing and I was very happy to meet people both from Mexico, but also from other countries. I hope someday to return to visit them because I miss. It's great when you know the culture of another place. The university is very organized and full of great and very kind people.

Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Claudia Castillo

Job Title
Special Programs Coordinator
Claudia is passionate about travel and loves making other people fall in love with her country. Born and raised in Mexico City, she has lived in California, Portugal, and Guatemala. You can either find her searching for cheap flights to travel all around the world, exploring new places and activities in her hometown, or chilling with her friends and hanging around with her dog, Sam.
Thumbnail

What is your favorite travel memory?

I am lucky to say that I have been to many places in the world and in different situations, which is what makes every travel memory unique. It is hard to pick my favorite one but I would say that one of the best things that I have done is traveling with my two best friends to Cuba.

One day we saw an amazing flight offer and purchased the flights without thinking of how, when, or if we could take days off from work, etc. We wanted to see the “real Cuba”, so we managed to stay at a married Cuban couple's home - their kids were gone so they rented their spare bedroom.

They made us feel at home, introduced us to other Cubans and truly got us to experience the soul of that amazing country.

Dancing salsa, having a mojito, eating Cuban food and lying on white sand beaches are a must! I think the best trips are always unplanned and it's important to keep an open mind because you get to know things that you wouldn’t in an all-inclusive resort.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I am an outgoing person with a lot of love for Mexico, so being in this position has allowed me do what I enjoy. I would say that I have definitely grown into a better person since I have had the chance to meet a lot of amazing people and gain friends all over the world.

Meeting people with different personalities, beliefs, backgrounds and cultures makes me want to share all that knowledge and experience I have gained in return.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

We always hear stories of students that have never been to Mexico before and after a summer or a semester here, they decide to move here indefinitely.

One of the best stories was from one our Aussie students; she had never been to any country in Latin America before and she decided to continue her Spanish language studies in Mexico in a short program. Once she came back to Australia, she decided that her place was in Mexico and last year she just took her things and moved here. She is now teaching English near an amazing beach in Mexico.

Another one of our students, just a week after she went back to France, purchased her flight ticket back here because she was homesick for Mexico. She now eats more tacos and Mexican food that I do, and I believe she is a Mexican hiding in a French body.

I think my favorite phrase was from an American student that had never left the U.S. before, and he said referring to Mexico and our culture: “I have never been more comfortable being uncomfortable, and it feels great”.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I did not have the opportunity to go to Mexico for a full semester, I would choose to participate in the “Social Realities in Mexico” program, because it offers you a full immersion experience; not only living with a Mexican family, but you get to know so many people in those 6 weeks.

Plus, the participants of that program travel a lot inside the country, from historic and trendy neighborhoods inside the huge city, to ancient pyramids and small indigenous villages in Southern Mexico. There is never room for getting bored or a day that goes by without knowing something different.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I feel proud of working in a Jesuit institution; I personally identify with a worldview where you help others as much as you can. I feel also proud of our team, because we always try to give the best of each other and we go beyond boundaries to make each student feel at home. We are a diverse – and multicultural – team and I think we complement each other’s work very well.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Loving what you do, and we definitely do.

Professional Associations

NAFSA Logo