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.

I am very happy to say that I have met every expectation that I had about Merida and even more. I have most certainly met new people and made new friends. The atmosphere here in merida is wonderful. Everyone is friendly and whenever you need something someone is willing to help you.  My spanish has improved greatly. I never thought before that I could hold an entire conversation in Spanish! My knowldege of Mexican culture and mayan history has expanded as well. Visiting ancient ruins and living amongst native people everyday, I have a new respect for this country, that living in the USA one is not able acquire. The beautiful city of Merida is so much more than I expected. It has so much to offer, and despite warmth or cold (just finished the coldest Mexican winter in many years), it was so easy to find somehting to do, some beautiful place to see, or some new experience to make. The program as well as my family provided me with everything I needed. i don't what I would have done without my Mama! I had the freedom and opportunity to visit all over Mexico and I enjoyed myself immensely. I am a graduating senior and without this experience I would have certainly missed out on an incredible life experience.

Well, my stereotype about cheaper items in Merida was mainly true. You can do and buy plenty of things cheaper there. For example, five dollar movies or 60 cent bus rides. I have purchased so many cool things for myself and my family and friends. However there are a few stores that are even more expensive than my favorite stores in the US. But those are just the exception. Good pricing and good bargaining are a more often than not occurrence. My second stereotype was about the men in Mexico. While many of the younger guys are tiburones (sharks) like my Mama says, American men are pretty much the same. Luckily no one flashed me but we did get whistled at on a daily basis. We actually just got used to it. There are many stereotypes about Mexico that are not true, so I'm glad that now I can actually say that I know the real Mexico.