Studying abroad is a great way to explore the world while completing your education! Studying abroad means you’ll have cool adventures, learn about topics you’re interested in, and maybe even meet people who turn out to be lifelong friends.
Friends who travel together, stay together.
Location is one of the most important factors in studying abroad. Your destination determines the language you’ll speak, the customs you’ll learn, and the food you’ll eat, among many other factors that contribute to the overall experience.
There are tons of amazing places to study abroad, and Mexico is one of them! Read on to discover how to study abroad in Mexico (and why it’s such a great choice for your program!).
READ: 10 Importante Teen Travel Tips for Mexico
Why study abroad in Mexico?
The food
Tamales, enchiladas, and burritos, oh my! Mexican food is already delicious in the states, so just imagine how good it is straight from the source. From tacos el pastor to chilaquiles, there’s no shortage of amazing food to try in Mexico. (Bonus: Try the many different types of ‘mole!) Studying abroad in Mexico for international students will be a culinary adventure that you’ll dream about for years to come.
The culture
Chichén Itzá will leave you stunned.
There are over 30 UNESCO sites in Mexico, 27 of which specialize in the culture, and you can see them all when you study abroad there. Among the most famous of these is Chichén Itzá, stunning ancient pyramids, and Mayan ruins. If you enjoy more modern sites, try Guanajuato, a gorgeous and brightly decorated town with roots in mining metals. The possibilities are nearly endless with amazing cultural sites to go see while you study abroad in Mexico.
The cost
Tuition at universities in Mexico is fairly cheap compared to the United States. In addition to this, the cost of living is affordable too! Housing and food will cost you significantly less than in the United States and likely less than many study abroad programs in other countries. Plus, the more you save here, the more you can spend on travel adventures! The affordability is just another reason why you should study abroad in Mexico.
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How to study abroad in Mexico
1. Decide what kind of experience you want—and where!
There are so many amazing places to study abroad in Mexico!
There are tons of different programs and courses to study in Mexico for international students and some depend on location. If you’re fascinated with Mayan pyramids, consider a program that specializes in ancient architecture or indigenous cultures.
If you prefer a marine biology focus, try a program near the ocean that will help you explore your interest! There’s even an underwater photography study abroad program. The sky’s the limit, so think about your interests and preferences. Then decide which program is the best fit for you!
2. Create a budget
Studying abroad in Mexico is cheaper than many places, but it’s not free! Before you apply to any programs, take a minute to survey your financial situation and how much you can afford to spend on studying abroad. Make sure to factor in program fees, housing, food, recreational activities, and emergency funds.
READ: 5 Things You Won’t Expect From Study Abroad in Mexico
3. Apply for scholarships
Studying abroad isn’t free, but it can be pretty close to free with scholarships! See our guide for how to apply to scholarships or search GoAbroad’s scholarship directory. Even if the scholarship doesn’t pay for all the costs, it can still take a huge chunk out of them and make finances for studying abroad much more manageable.
4. Apply for your program
Are you already thinking about the delicious Mexican food that awaits you?
Once you know what kind of experience you want and your finances are all in order, it’s time to apply to programs! The application process can be different depending on the program, so make sure to double-check deadlines and leave yourself plenty of time.
5. Figure out your visa
If your program is shorter than 180 days (about 6 months) then you don’t need a visa at all! But it’s always good to double-check with official channels and make sure all your ducks are in a row. If you do need a visa, you’ll need to gather all the necessary documents (your passport, letter of acceptance from your program, etc) in a timely fashion.
This is another area where it’s good to leave yourself a lot of extra time. Processing visas can take longer than you think (especially in the Covid era), so leave time for mishaps and miscommunications. The last thing you want is to miss your program because your visa isn’t approved yet.
READ: Top 5 Cities to Study Abroad in Mexico
6. Learn some Spanish
When studying abroad in Mexico, it makes sense to learn Spanish. Even if it’s just the basics, locals will appreciate your effort. Some programs include Spanish classes, so keep an eye out for those. Learning the language can enhance your experience overall and give you lifelong skill!
Depending on the study abroad program, learning the language may be more or less necessary, so look up the specifics and decide for yourself. And when it’s all said and done, there will likely be a program coordinator or administrator on-site who speaks English (for emergencies or embarrassing situations!) so don’t stress about language barriers too much.
7. Research!
With the proper research, your study abroad experience in Mexico will be magical.
Now that you’ve figured out finances, applied for your program and sorted out your visa, you get to move on to the fun stuff: exploring all the specifics of your program! Some important questions to ask yourself or your program coordinator:
- What will the weather be like and what kind of clothes should you pack?
- How safe is the country overall?
- How about the area where the program is based?
- Are there any special customs that you should know about?
- What’s the best taco place in the area for you to try?
Ask the important questions and research answers to prepare for your study abroad adventure!
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Adventure doesn’t have to be far from home—study abroad in Mexico!
Mexico is a great option for studying abroad! Studying abroad in Mexico means top-notch universities, affordable living, and delicious food—and all close to home! It also gives you a great chance to improve your Spanish, a skill that will serve you well for the rest of your life.
Between exploring ancient Mayan pyramids and eating your weight in tacos, you’ll have tons of amazing adventures when you study abroad in Mexico.
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