EXPECTATIONS

While studying abroad in Mexico I expect to encounter and experience things that I never have in the past. I expect to vastly expand my understanding of the language and culture. I will meet new people, those in my program and native people of Mérida. I plan on being open to new experiences, which will require me to step outside of myself and what I am used to. I think that Mexico itself will be beautiful and warm, something to brag about to my friends and family. My host family will hopefully embrace my stay and teach everything I need to about living in Mérida. Lastly, I expect to enjoy myself and create an unforgettable experience.

STEREOTYPES

The few stereotypes that I have about my trip to Mérida are mainly associated with the stories that I have heard from people that have been on previous trips to this location. I heard the trip is a blast and things are very cheap there. I hope to be able to buy items of clothing and accessories for cheaper, that would be much more expensive in the United States. While I have heard many positive aspects of the country I did hear a few negative ones. One example was when one young lady told about time when she was walking back from school and she was flashed by a man on the other side of the street. That is kind of scary, when I think about it. That led me to believe that there are some perverted and scary men in Mérida.  But I suppose the same is true in the US. So I just think that I will be practicing the buddy system a lot while in the country. Otherwise, I think that the country is better-developed than other Mexican cities. Thus, I should not be placed to far out of my comfort zone.