Going to Cuernavaca, Mexico was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I learned so much about the language, the culture, the people, and myself while I was there. School was not about grades, but making sure you were learning and having fun while you were doing it. Having such small classes made it easy to fully immerse yourself in learning Spanish. I feel that my confidence has grown in speaking Spanish as well as my vocabulary and my ability to use the right tenses.
The excursions we took to Taxco, Acapulco, and Mexico City allowed us to interact with everyday citizens of Mexico. I got a feel for the “real” Mexico when we were traveling. It was great being able to freely communicate with everyone.
Our free time, as well as our structured activities, like volunteering to teach English at a local orphanage, taking salsa lessons, and having weekly intercambios (talks with “hermanos” we were set up with from the school) allowed us a look inside the Mexican culture. We were free and encouraged to have our own lives away from school. We got to know the city, meet our own friends, and make our own plans. We began to feel like locals.
The host families were nothing short of awesome. Living with a host family is one of the only ways to really feel connected to Mexico (or any country). Speaking only Spanish seemed intimidating at first, but by the end, I realized I survived a month speaking another language! The food was always wonderful. The living accommodations were great. The families were so loving and inviting; it didn’t feel like we had only known each other for a month.
For anyone considering studying abroad, for any length of time, I would wholeheartedly encourage it. Only through traveling can you fully see how big this world is and all it has to offer. Cuernavaca was definitely an experience I will never forget and I can’t wait to go back!