OUMAYAB- The Ohio University Spanish Abroad Program

Before actually experiencing Mexico and having direct connections with Mexican people, I have a few stereotypes. I expect them to eat spicy food only and to wear only bright colors. I expect the Mexican women to wear dresses and skirts. I expect Mexican people to only listen to traditional Mexican music and no popular music and to be a little old fashioned in general.

While in Merida, I expect to develop friendships with both my classmates and people in Mexico. I am excited to meet more of my peers at Ohio University through this program and begin new friendships. I am also looking forward to developing friendships with Mexican people and I am particularly excited to meet the family I will be living with. Dr. Burton mentioned in class that one of the mothers came to Ohio to visit the students that lived with her, and I feel that a relationship like that one is extremely valuable and is something I will work toward. Along with the relationships and strong friendships that I hope for throughout this experience, comes the knowledge I expect to develop. I hope to become very familiar with both the Mexican culture and the language. After my stay in Mexico, I expect to be very comfortable with speaking the language and to have lost all anxiety that it currently brings. I want to be able to hold a steady conversation and do so confidently.