OUMAYAB- The Ohio University Spanish Abroad Program

I only have a few stereotypes about Mexico. First of all I heard not to drink the water down there. I’m not to worried about that though because most host family’s use tap water, but in all other places I don’t know about drinking there water. Another stereotype I have about Mexico is it’s really dirty and unsanitary. This might be true for some areas and not for others. Hopefully the region I’m staying in will be clean, if not oh well not a big deal to me really. A third and final stereotype would be that the girls are overly submissive to men there. I don’t know how true that is but that’s one stereotype I’ve heard.

I have many expectations for my time in Mérida. First at foremost I expect to arrive there safely. If I make it that far, which I pray I do, I expect to be greeted with open arms and excitement for my stay in Mexico. I expect to be treated fairly and with respect, and I will return to favor. I am hoping to learn a lot of Spanish and for my linguistics to improve. I’m hoping it’s relatively safe and for my body to stay intact with my head still on. I’m hoping to make new friends in my study abroad group as well as people in Mérida. I’m looking forward to my stay in Mexico and hoping to gain knowledge, a better understand of their culture, and to make new friendships wish will last through the years.