OUMAYAB- The Ohio University Spanish Abroad Program

Although everyone studies abroad for many of the same reasons each individual usually has specific hopes, goals or expectations for the trip. I have been taking Spanish classes for almost seven years and feel that I have a good understanding of the language. However, I feel that I have reached a spot in my learning where four hours a week is not enough to help me improve. My expectation for Merida is that it will help me become more fluent in Spanish. I want to improve my Spanish accent and fluidity along with my understanding of a native speaker. Lastly, I want to become immersed in the culture so that I can leave with a deep understanding of the language along with the Hispanic lifestyle. I feel that all of this will help me immensely throughout my life and in my future career.

It is hard to imagine any culture other than that of the United States since I have never left the country. When people do not have enough accurate information about a country they make it up with stereotypes and assumptions. My stereotype of Mexico is that it is a very poor country with little government regulation. I imagined Mexicans as being uneducated with blue collar jobs and very small houses. Because of their reputation in the United States I believed that many Mexicans were in gangs and had very few morals when it came to making advances on women. I also heard that Mexico was a very unsafe and dirty country. Although these stereotypes are very commonly believed by Americans I feel that many of them are untrue. I am excited to learn more about the Mexican culture and the country as a whole through this class and while spending winter quarter there.