VIVA MEXICO!
It is time to tell you about my life abroad in Guanajuato (Mexico). In the 3rd year of my studies, I had the chance to go abroad for one semester to a country of my choice. Since I always wanted to learn Spanish but also to use this opportunity to leave Europe, I put Mexico as my first choice and also got it.
I can’t describe the moment nor feeling when I opened this letter. It was a mixture of excitement, happiness and a bit of anxiety.
I stayed in beautiful Guanajuato, about 5h north of Mexico City.
Arrival in Mexico
Luckily, I already knew a few Mexicans from my university who supported me a lot during my time there.
Therefore, I spent the first 5 days in Mexico City with my friend. Afterwards, I continued my trip to Guanajuato by bus.
Buses in Mexico
I can strongly recommend you to travel by bus through Mexico. First of all seats are huge and can be pushed way back so that you are almost laying down.
Secondly snacks and drinks are included in the price and finally you are able to watch movies. All that for around 25€.
My Life abroad in Guanajuato
Hostel in Guanajuato
The first week I spent in “La Casa Del Tio” which was perfect for my needs. Located right in the city center for only 8€ a night, this hostel made my wallet very happy.
I did not mind bunk beds and the fact that I had to wait 10 minutes for “hot” water in the shower.
During the first 2 nights I was alone in a room for 8 people. After that I shared my room with 3 other girls who all had different reasons for their presence in Guanajuato. One even turned out to be my roommate later on.
Generally speaking, “La Casa Del Tio“ is a very nice hostel with basic facilities and a great location. It even has a nice roof terrace with an incredibly view over Guanajuato.
Spanish Language Course in Guanajuato
I arrived one month before university started in Guanajuato. The reason for this was that I wanted to attend a free language class for 4 weeks, in order to learn Spanish. My Spanish skills were pretty basic.
The language course I went to was organized by my university (Universidad de Guanajuato) and carried out by the División de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades.
The program lasted 4 weeks. Every day, Monday to Friday, we had 4 hours of classes in the morning. Those included one hour history, grammar, conversation and literature class.
I enjoyed grammar class the most as our teacher taught us in a very interactive and funny way rather than just repeating grammar rules and giving exercises. He also gave very good tips on how to remember it.
In the afternoon, every now and then, we were offered voluntary cooking and dancing classes. All teachers were really nice, friendly and funny which made the courses very enjoyable.
People in Guanajuato
I can say with confidence that Mexicans are very helpful and friendly people by nature. I had a very positive culture shock.
Alright, that was my 1st month in Guanajuato. I have to say that every beginning of a new adventure is usually difficult. You will face daily challenges, especially if you don’t speak the language and can’t even do basic things such as ordering a bill in a restaurant.
In my next post “Mi casa es tu casa” I am going to tell you about where I lived in Guanajuato.
