Faq’s


a) Can I drink tap water?

Monterrey tap water is perfectly safe, but since it has a different composition than the water you usually drink, you might develop a stomach condition. Bottled water is better if possible.

b) Where can I exchange money during my first few days in Monterrey?

Try to bring with you at least $500 Mexican pesos, especially if you arrive on a Friday afternoon or Saturday, since money exchanges are closed. Across the street from the campus there are two exchange places and four banks where you can exchange dollars, but they are only open on weekdays until approximately 4 p.m. Businesses will take them, but at a much lower rate.

Another option is to withdraw money from an ATM.  Some ATMs in Monterrey are in accordance with foreign banks and allow you to withdraw pesos in Mexico from your own account. They also take international credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard. You will find banks in the airport, you can withdraw pesos upon your arrival.

c) If I arrive at the bus station instead of the airport, will I be picked up on the official arrival dates?

Unfortunately, our free reception service only includes the airport. Students arriving elsewhere will have to find their own means of transportation. However, it is a lot cheaper to take a taxi from the bus spacing from the airport.

d) Is public transportation safe in Monterrey?

Yes, you may feel safe taking a cab for transportation. However, we make the following recommendations to minimize risks:

Avoid using city buses. Use a cab instead.
Try to arrive during the day.
Don’t share your cab with strangers.

e) Which places do you recommend for eating on my first days in Monterrey?

There are an infinite number of places around the campus such as the mentioned above. You should also check in your reception package for useful information on this and many other topics.

f) When do I have to pay for my courses, housing, and health care insurance?

Orientation sessions will provide the important information you need. You will make the required payments during this period, so we advise you to come prepared. Remember we only accept personal checks from United States banks and Traveler’s Checks.

g) Are checks acceptable at Tec de Monterrey?

Yes, the Tec accepts personal checks from American Bank's, traveler’s checks or cash. Credit cards are not accepted on campus.

h) How can I find out what courses will be available at Tec during my stay, and if I can enroll in them or not?

There is a Tec web page where you can find this information: www.studyinmexico.com.mx

The International Programs classes will always be offered according to the information published in our promotional brochure mailed to your school.

We cannot guarantee you will be able to enroll in all the courses you want. Therefore, we advise you to select 8 or 10 courses, so that if for any reason you can’t enroll in some of them, you will have other options available approved by the academic counselor at your school. It is VERY important that you take the online Spanish placement test, if your mother tongue is not Spanish, and afterwards you will need to have an academic orientation session with the staff of the Academic Department of the International Programs Office. After your have taken the placement test they will contact you by email to select your classes.

i) Will I be allowed to change classes once the academic period begins?

No. There is a deadline to make changes. During orientation you will be given information about this.

j) How many courses can I enroll in?

The maximum academic load during a semester term is 48 units (18 credits in the United States system). International students may enroll in any courses they wish during the semester, as long as it does not exceed 48 units.

The maximum load for summer sessions is 16 units (6 credits in the United States system).

For graduate programs in three-month (business programs) as well as semi-annual (other programs) calendars, the maximum load is 48 units (12 graduate credits). For summer, the maximum load is 24 graduate units.

k) Can I access my e-mail in Monterrey?

During the first week, and until you are assigned a personal email account from the Tec, you may access your e-mail from our office, but only in case of emergency. After the Orientation week you will have your own account, which you can use in any computer on the campus. There are also Internet cafes where you can go and check your e-mail. If you bring a laptop with you there are Internet hook ups in many places on campus.

l) Will I be allowed to arrive late to the Orientation sessions or to my classes?

This is something we do not recommend, but if for any reason you have to be late, keep in mind that:

If for any reason you are going to be late, we ask you to contact us so we can evaluate all the implications and help you the best way possible.

m) Which are the obligatory expenses I have to pay at the Tec?

If you are an exchange student and you have your own apartment or house for rent, then the only thing you have to pay to the Tec is you health care insurance.  This is only if you do not have one of your own, or if you cannot prove you already have one.

The rest of the expenses are optional and are on your own expense.

If you are an independent student, you would have to consider the tutition as well.