Expectations:

My expectations in Merida are to improve my Spanish, to make new friends and to learn more about our neighbor to the South. I am excited about the opportunity to study abroad in Merida and I expect my Spanish to improve ten-fold. Additionally, I would welcome the opportunity to volunteer at a non-profit organization during my time in Merida because service is life no matter where you are (both literally and figuratively)!

Stereotypes:

Having traveled abroad before, my stereotypes are minimal. In my experience, a foreign place is never as you expect and things rarely go as planned. Therefore, I try to accept rather than expect or stereotype for that matter. It just makes life easier :-)

My expectations in Merida were semi-met. I definitely did learn more about Mexico, our neighbor to the South. After being here and reflecting on the rhetoric many Americans receive from the media regarding Mexico, much of it is not true. Unfortunately, the information Americans do receive is limited to the problems on the border and in Mexico City. Merida has opened my eyes to the "real Mexico."

Regarding my Spanish, while it did not improve ten-fold it did improve. For example, I have noticed that my comprehension and reading skills are much better. I am aware that my conversation and writing skills are a consistent work in progress.

My plan to volunteer in Merida, did not come to fruition. I did speak with Alicia (my contact from the U.S.) and her boyfriend's orphanage was too far and too difficult to travel to on a weekly basis. In lieu, of this I intend to
donate some of my clothing to the orphanage at the end of my trip.

I did not come to Mexico with many stereotypes. As I stated earlier, a foreign place is never as you expect and things rarely go as planned. In retrospect, one stereotype I had formulated of which I was not aware was of the terrain of Mexico. before this trip, I had not realized the varied terrain here. For example, I have visited Palenque and San Cristobal which are in contrast to the city of Merida and the Caribbean Sea.