OUMAYAB- The Ohio University Spanish Abroad Program

When I think of Mexico some of the stereotypes I have are that the police are corrupt. I am under the assumption that the Mexican police will arrest or give you a ticket without a reasonable explanation. They will also try to place paraphernalia on you to have a reason to arrest you, basically that you cannot trust them. Another stereotype that I have is that they live on dirt roads with little huts as their homes. Few are very rich but that all the rich people have maids. I think of poverty stricken families, where the whole family including children must work to provide for the family. In America the most common stereotype that surfaces is that Mexicans will cross the border as a group all living together and work for low paying jobs. They are the jobs that most Americans chose not to work. A positive stereotype I guess would be that Mexicans are hard working people and value time with their family. They take the time to prepare big meals and sit down together to enjoy their food, not like the many fast pace American families. I also think of Mexican shops to be similar to the marketplace scene on Aladdin, “would the lady like a necklace, a pretty necklace for a pretty lady”. They try to get your attention and sell you products at a more expensive price than what they are worth and then having to bargain with them.

When I arrive to Merida I will be in for a huge culture shock. I will be taken back by the various environmental changes such as the hot and humid weather, as well as the swarming insects that will be accompanying me from day to day. The Yucatan community will also be very diverse from the way they dress, to their attitudes and mannerisms. I assume that they will be very friendly and inviting people. We will be constantly exchanging looks with one another out of curiosity for the others differences. I anticipate learning a lot from my host family about culture, who they are personally, and more about myself. I will be prompted to challenge my strengths and forced to overcome my weaknesses each day. I envision myself leaving Merida with the ability to speak Spanish effortlessly and with much more confidence than before. I also expect to cultivate close relationships with my host famify as well as my fellow OU students that are also attending this exciting journey.