I am a Spanish Education major so I have many expectations for both myself and the trip to Mérida, Mexico. My biggest priority on the trip is to gain a better and more comfortable feel for the Spanish language. I believe that by practicing my language skills on a daily basis I will be able to enhance my understanding of both the language and the culture that I will someday be teaching. I am also excited to experience life in foreign territory. Finally, I would like to see the ocean from Mexican Shores.
Although I wish I did not have any stereotypes against the Mexican culture, I am ashamed to say that I do. First, I am nervous about the 4 hour bus ride to Merida. Due to all the movies I have watched, including El Norte, I can imagine men with guns stopping the bus and taunting us I am also a little worried about the Swine Flu incident although I do realize that it is becoming a world-wide flu rather than just in Mexico. Finally, I am anticipating the way Mexicans will treat me as an English student. For instance, if I order something to eat and mispronounce the name, how will they react? Besides my last statement, I am pretty sure I will be able to overcome these stereotypes as soon as I have experienced the country.