OUMAYAB- The Ohio University Spanish Abroad Program

When I think of Mexican stereotypes, there are a few that I have heard around a lot that come to mind. The most common one is that Mexicans are dirty, or that they all wear sombreros. Another popular stereotype is that people in Mexico are poor, do lots of odd jobs and drink tons of tequila. Another thing that comes to mind is that they are slow paced people and take lots of siestas. Another thing that people joke about Mexicans is by saying the phrase “I’m going to take a Mexican shower today” meaning that the stereotype is that people from Mexico smell. I don’t really think of these stereotypes as stereotypes that I personally have just things I hear around. I have studied Spanish since the 8th grade and have been to Mexico twice before so most stereotypes that I used to have about the people in Mexico I have seen firsthand to see what the truth is and what is not.

My number one goal to accomplish in Mexico this winter is to improve my Spanish speaking skills. Since I would like Spanish to be my second major it is very important to be able to speak the language as well as I possibly can. I also would like to learn as much about Mérida and the surrounding area as possible so that I am able to tell everyone at home about it. I have already been to Mexico before but never to the Yucatan area so my goal is to see as much of it as possible. The last expectation I have is to make great friends during this trip and to bond with my host family.