Throughout Mexico, there are many stereotypes, both positive and negative, that exist for the country and it’s citizens. For example, I think of Mexicans as hard working and dedicated people. In addition, I think of them as religious and family-oriented citizens. I also think of them as people with unique traditions and cultural practices. For Mexico as a country, I think of it as a large rural country with a various farms. I also think of the urban parts as crime-filled and decent amount of pollution. There is also unique art throughout the country as well as cultural rituals and customs.

When I travel abroad to Merida, I expect to not just learn about another culture, but to actually live and embrace it. By the time this experience concludes, I expect to be fully familiar with the Yucatan environment, culture, art, and cuisine. In addition, I expect to be able to have a detailed and advanced conversation in Spanish with fluent speakers. I also expect to learn numerous new words in Spanish.