Mexico

Dan Beldner
MU in Guadalajara, Fall Semester 2006

"Hi! My name is Dan Beldner, and fall 2006 I had the opportunity to study abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico. The three and a half months I was there was undoubtedly the best of my life. After studying Spanish for so long in the classroom I was finally able to apply everything I had been learning. I think it would take 3 years in the classroom learning Spanish to learn what I learned in those 3 months, my favorite part was just talking to people in everyday situations where I had to use my Spanish.

"I didn't know anyone when I arrived, but it turned out to be a good thing. I started to meet a couple of the locals who quickly introduced me to all of their friends. In Guadalajara, if you have one friend, you will soon have ten. People are incredibly nice and genuinely caring. I didn't really want to just do all the tourist things, but I didn't have to. All of the locals were quick to invite me into their homes, their everyday activities, and even weekend trips.

"The time I was there was incredible. The food was amazing, my host mom was an incredible cook. If you are even considering studying abroad for a summer, semester, or even year, go and don't look back. Soak up the culture and see how other people view the world. I had heard before I left that studying abroad is one of those experiences you look back on for a lifetime. It's true. My global perspective has truly been changed."

Michael Kamerman
MU Summer in Cuernavaca, Summer Semester 2003

"I'm going to warn you-Mexico is only for people who want to have a ton of fun, travel a bunch, and learn Spanish at a level that easily surpasses their high school Spanish teacher's.  My name is Mike Kamerman. I live in Dallas, Texas, and I'm majoring in International Business at MU.  Before I decided to sign up for the MU in Mexico program, the only knowledge I had about Mexico was the less-than-beautiful border towns of Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros and the more-than-beautiful Salma Hayek. However, I decided to take the opportunity to live for 6 weeks in Mexico, and I had the time of my life.

"Every stereotype I had about Mexico was erased from my mind within the first couple of hours after we landed in Mexico City.  Not only was the city clean, but the people were some of the nicest (and shortest) people I had ever encountered.  Immediately, the people make you feel welcome, regardless of whether your Spanish level is beginner or advanced.  At the school we attended, I walked by a couple of rooms where some of "los gringos" were learning their numbers and simple phrases like, "hola, buenos dias," which quickly made me realize I had no need to worry about my own Spanish level.

"At the school, life was amazing.  I took 6 credit hours and got great grades in both of my classes.  There's really no way not to; you're living in Mexico after all, and there are plenty of people who can help you with your homework....  There are also great after school programs you can attend like salsa dancing classes, cooking classes and more.  These classes are a great idea (especially if you're a male) because for those 'mujeres,' there is no better way than getting on the dance floor at night to prove the theory about Caucasians and their dance abilities.

"In all, studying abroad will teach you much about a culture, much about a language, but more about yourself.  You'll meet people, do things, and learn different ways of life that will really define who you are and perhaps where you'd like to be when you finish school.  This program is not just for Spanish majors or International Business majors; it's really for everyone.  I believe that if the University of Missouri requires a million hours of boring prerequisites, they should at least require studying abroad, too.

"Now, with all that said, I know there are thousands of questions, concerns or doubts you might have regarding studying abroad.  I encourage anyone who has a question or would like more information regarding studying abroad in Mexico to e-mail me.  The International Center has many valuable resources, but students like me can give you experiences and resources that can convey to you why studying abroad in Mexico will be the most enjoyable experience of your college career." E-mail: michaelkamerman@hotmail.com.

Rosanne Finlay
MU in Mexico City at UNAM, Fall Semester 2002

"I chose to study abroad in Mexico City for two reasons. First, my major is International Business, and I studied Spanish as my language. I felt the best way to improve my Spanish was to immerse myself in the language and culture of Latin America. Secondly, I wanted to work abroad after graduation, and since Mexico was at the top of my list, I decided to see if I would really be happy living there.

"At UNAM, I was enrolled in CEPE, the division for international students. I took Spanish language and literature classes, as well as several classes about Mexican history. Universities in Mexico usually do not have residence halls for students to live in, which gave me the opportunity to live with a Mexican family. This was the best part of my experience abroad, because my family was willing to explain many aspects of their culture.

"I graduated in December and currently work as an intern for the U.S. Department of Commerce in Mexico City. After my internship, I hope to find a job and continue working here in the city. Please, feel free to e-mail me about any questions you have about MU's program at UNAM or questions about Mexico City in general. I am more than happy to help you out!" E-mail: rosanne_and_luis@yahoo.com.

Chester Moyer
MU Summer in Cuernavaca, Summer Semester 2001

"Hola! My name is Chester Moyer, and I am a senior Accountancy major here at Mizzou. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend my summer, from May 25o August 9, 2001 in Mexico. I spent 6 weeks with an awesome MU program and the final 5 weeks studying independently. During the MU program, I took intensive language and cultural classes with 12 of my peers from Mizzou. Our school was beautiful and located in a very comfortable city about an hour south of Mexico City. Outside of classes we took excursions to Acapulco, Teotihuacan to see some of Mexico's ancient pyramids (that rival Egypt's pyramids), numerous other historic cities, museums and even a trip to watch Mexico play the Untied States in soccer before 110,000 screaming fans. I extended this trip to live on my own in southern Mexico to teach English, basic accounting, and computing on a farming cooperative. I was a part of experiences that I will never again have the chance to experience! I encourage you to take the challenge of studying abroad and experiencing the wonderful country of Mexico!

"Please contact me if you would like to know more about MU's program in Cuernavaca, about studying abroad independently or about Mexico in general." Email: cpm9fa@mizzou.edu.

Brandy Vestal
MU in Mexico City at Universidad Iberoamericana, Winter Semester 2001

"Hi! I am a senior at the University of Missouri -Columbia majoring in Spanish Education. I spent the second semester of my junior year in Mexico City studying at La Iberoamericana. I took classes that taught literature and history. My favorite class turned out to be one that I only took to fulfill my desire to see everything I possibly could while there. It was a class called "Discovering Mexico City," and I not only learned the history but got to stand in the middle of some of the neatest historical sights that I have ever seen. Also, while there I traveled to Acapulco, Chiapas and Playa del Carmen. We saw three different historical sites with indigenous ruins and met all different types of people from all over the world. It was an experience of a lifetime." Email: brandov89@hotmail.com.

Greg De La Piedra
MU in Mexico City at UNAM, Academic Year 1999-2000

"Because I am a Spanish major and a History minor, I figured there was no better way to learn Spanish and Latin American/Mexican History than in a Latin country. I had a great experience, better than I possibly imagined before I left. By going abroad, you learn about yourself; you learn a new culture with a new set of rules; and you see things by traveling and everyday living that impact and change you. I remember before leaving for Mexico, my academic goal was to learn Spanish. Once I got to Mexico and lived there for a little while, I realized learning Spanish was secondary because it was inevitable. What became my priority was self-exploration and learning about Latino culture and the people. It truly was the best decision of my undergraduate career.

"On a personal side, the woman who inspired me to go abroad is soon going to be my wife, so my experience was also fueled and goaded by personal factors and goals.

"To anyone wanting to go abroad but perhaps not 100% sure, I say do it. After all, Columbia, Missouri will be here when you get back no matter what, but if you don't go abroad, you will miss out big." E-mail: gregdelapiedra9@hotmail.com.