Expectations

One of the expectations I have for my time in Mérida this winter is that, at first, I will probably be very intimidated because I will be immersed in a culture (not to mention a household!) in which I do not know the language fluently. However, over the course of my time there I expect to expand my knowledge of the language (and the culture) and will hopefully return back to the states with a new understanding and appreciation of Mexico and its people. I also expect to be confronted with a few circumstances that may be out of my comfort zone. By going into this experience with this expectation I know that I need to be open and willing to break away from familiarity in order to take away as much as I can from my trip, not to mention it is also respectful to those who are basically adopting me for ten weeks. I expect to have fun but with limitations in regards to alcohol. I know the temptation will be there sometimes, but reminding myself that the memories I make in Mérida are ones I want to keep, not regret or forget. And perhaps most importantly I expect to form relationships with people (both from Mexico and fellow OU students) that I will cherish and learn from for the rest of my life.

Stereotypes

 Having not been exposed to Hispanic culture pretty much at all prior to this experience, I don't have very many stereotypes. I really don't know what to expect from the people or the culture. The one thing I have heard is the differences in gender politics between those in the US and those in Mexico. On the other hand, I have heard that the stereotype American women have to Mexican men is not entirely accurate. The way American women are seen is the way we are depicted in American film: sexually promiscuous partiers.