My main expectation in studying abroad over this coming winter quarter is to familiarize myself much more with the Spanish language.  I feel that learning in the classroom without immersing myself in the culture I am studying can only take me so far regarding my speaking ability.  I expect to open myself up to another culture in the hope of broadening my own experience as a person as well as shifting the way I view the world.  I don't think I'm taking any stereotypes of the Mexican culture with me when I travel.  I try not to blanket any particular culture with a specific characteristic and I have a hard time being around anyone who does.