Volunteering, a master's degree, and travel around Mexico

Hey everyone, my name is Marcela. I teach Spanish and Portuguese to foreigners, and today I am here to tell you a little about my experience living in Mexico.

It all began a week after I graduated with my degree in languages and literature (January 2015), when I left for the new country intending to spend a semester teaching Portuguese at a university in the city of Zacatecas (north-central Mexico). However, I changed my plans at the end of the exchange because I was accepted into the master's program in Hispanic American Literature at the Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas. Up to that point…

Pyramids of Teotihuacán – Archaeological site near Mexico City

I had studied Spanish for a few years at university and had also spent six months on another academic exchange in Salamanca, Spain, in addition to taking some trips and courses around South America. But I feel I had to start almost from scratch and learn a new Spanish, because, like most Spanish-speaking countries, Mexico has many Indigenous languages that give rise to new expressions used mainly in colloquial speech.

Akumal Beach – Riviera Maya – Mexican Caribbean

My tip for anyone who wants to study abroad without a Brazilian institution acting as an intermediary: research the institutions that interest you online, and look for research areas and contact details for potential professors working on those topics. Introduce yourself, talk to them, and do not be afraid to try, because this contact is essential when applying for a scholarship and requesting a residence visa for the new country.

Catrinas procession – Day of the Dead celebration – Mexico City

As for life in Mexico, I can say that I reassessed many stereotypes that we, as Brazilians, learn about the country: soap operas, mariachis, sombreros, tequila, desert…

I discovered a country with an incredibly rich cultural variety, friendly people, and great biodiversity within short distances.

A few interesting facts to show that Mexico is much more than Cancún: the capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest cities in the world and one of those with the most museums, around 180. Across the country, there are 187 archaeological sites belonging to various Indigenous peoples in addition to the well-known Maya and Aztecs.

Mexican cuisine is considered an intangible cultural heritage of humanity; the beaches on the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean are uniquely beautiful; the currency is worth less than the real (for anyone looking to avoid the high dollar), and the cost of living is low compared with Brazil; the country also has 111 Pueblos Mágicos (towns considered heritage by the country), as well as 34 sites recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage.

My tip for sightseeing: do plenty of research about the country before traveling.

Do not believe all the media sensationalism about violence and insecurity, but also stay alert, as a tourist should anywhere in the world. Be extra courteous (because Mexicans could teach us a thing or two about that), and be open to understanding differences with sensitivity.

Today, I am back in Brazil and work teaching these “Spanish languages” that I have been/am in contact with, either over Skype or in person. I am very grateful to this country that welcomed me for three years and for all these experiences, so I try to share with my students a little of what I am always learning.

(https://www.instagram.com/marcelarvieira)

Interactive gallery available in the original post.