The Universidad Nacional Autonoma of Mexico is located just 3 hours from Mexico City on the highway leading to Acapulco. This year's summer study abroad marks the 18th summer that Dr. Alstrum, Director of the program, has been taking groups of students there. Students earn elective and required hours toward the Spanish and Spanish teacher ed major as well as the Spanish minor. Since this is a 7 week study abroad, it is strongly recommended that Spanish Teacher Education majors participate in this study abroad in addition to a semester abroad.
For more information about Taxco and how much it will cost go to the ISU International Studies link.
Coming soon...
Dr. Jim Alstrum
Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Campus Box 4300
Normal, IL
61790-4300
I studied in Taxco, Mexico, about 4 hours by bus southwest from Mexico City in the mountains. The school was a branch of UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico) and it was made from a former hotel, so all the classrooms are old hotel suites.
After flying in with the group, we took a bus to Taxco. The roads are very winding so you should either eat something beforehand, get Dramamine to help with motion sickness, or do both. I don’t usually have motion sickness in a car, but this was bad because the drivers are a bit fast. We got into the city and our families were there to meet us and take our stuff. I was a bit dazed, but once I got to the house and put my stuff down, things got much better, especially since I was living with 2 other girls from ISU. After a day or two, we had to take the placement test and so my host family went with us to the school’s entrance to show us where to go (it’s on top of a small mountain so be prepared to climb A LOT!). We had to talk with one of the professors and based on what we would say, she would give us the exam for the level she thought we would be at. When you get back your results, if you think that there was a mistake, tell them because the scorer used the wrong exam to check mine and most of them were wrong; and they wanted to put me in a level lower. Same applies to when you get into the classroom: if you think it may be too easy, wait a few days to make sure and then ask for a transfer.
For the first weeks, because of the altitude, I was tired all the time; but after the first week I felt fine again. Just make sure you drink a lot of water. I usually wandered the zocolo (center plaza) and around town to get my bearings. There is also a HUGE market that you can wander around to find out where things are. I liked to do that to just browse prices and possible gift ideas for later. Shopkeepers are willing to bargain, so I waited until my Spanish improved a bit and also so that I knew what I really wanted.
I took 2 classes, one with a Mexican professor and one with Dr. Alstrum. The classes with a Mexican professor are intensive language courses and not everyone will take them; it just depends on what you registered for through ISU. You can ask Dr. Alstrum, though, which classes you should register for if you want to have a Mexican teacher. My teacher was really nice and from what I heard, it was the same for everyone else, too.
Most of the students were from ISU, but in my classes there were other Americans from the East Coast, Texas, and California. They were all pretty nice though, and the ISU students grew pretty close because we went on the excursions together and were in the same classes.
I lived with an older woman and her daughter who was a teacher at the local elementary school; and they also had some cats and baby kittens. Although I did not talk much with the daughter, the Señora was very nice and was always willing to answer any questions and help with whatever anyone needed. We had to hand wash our clothes (which was not as hard as it may appear), and so she taught me how to do that as well, having a great laugh in the process. My house was in a decent location off of a main street, and within a short walk to the main square and downtown area. Although it was about 30 minutes from the school, the bus (VW van with the doors removed) stopped almost right outside my house and I could catch another one if I walked through the large market that was 20 feet away.
As far as houses, there are many different types but mine was pretty typical for a “Mexican” house because it was open to the sky. Everything was built around a main patio, but it also came with a lot of mosquitoes. My roommates did not have many problems, but I was bitten up really bad; so bring good bug repellant.
The food was very good, both in the restaurants and at home. I had classes until mid-afternoon so I went with friends to eat lunch a lot; and there is also a supermarket on the way from school that you can buy things on your way home (Super Che). I know they say not to eat the street food, but that was some of the best food that I ever had in Mexico; just be smart about it. They have this ear of corn with mayo, cheese, lime and chili, but have it put in a cup w/ everything but the mayo because it will make you sick since it sits in the sun all day. That was the only issue I had because I ate the mayo after it sat out all day. One other thing: vary what you eat and don’t be afraid to try new things. They also have a drink called “agua de…” and then there are a lot of fruits and things they make it out of; and they are fantastic!!! I highly recommend “agua de Jamaica” if you have the chance (hibiscus flower water).
The most important thing is to never drink the water from the tap because their filtering system is broken and so it can make you VERY sick. I used tap water to wash my hair, clothes, and dishes, and to rinse my mouth out after brushing. Your family will have jugs of water that they will use for drinking and cooking that you will be able to use; and there are liters for sale in many stores for a very decent price if you want some to carry around with you.
It’s not too bad. In the morning I took a bus because it’s about 30-45 minute walk, depending on how fast you can walk and how much you are used to the hills. It’s pretty simple to catch a combi (bus) because they are all over, but they only stop in certain places; so learn where they will pick you up before you leave the bus. Sometimes it may be a bit scary because there is an open door and they are flying up and around the hilly streets; but don’t worry because they are skilled drivers and know what they are doing. Another option is a taxi, but they will cost about 17 pesos while the bus is 4-5 pesos. It just depends on your budget and how quickly you need to get to your destination. I have used both and they are equally as reliable.
I went on the excursions with the group, and we had some weekends free so I did go a few places. The first free weekend a lot of people when to Acapulco, which I heard was really exciting and fun (although expensive), but I stayed around the city to see the local sites. Of course there is the silver market that can’t be missed, and it’s HUGE so budget enough time to see everything and make sure you bargain to get the best deal. Other great place is Montetaxco. It’s a resort like the Catskills in the movie, “Dirty Dancing” and has everything from horseback riding to golf to a pool and a spa. However, this is relatively expensive so keep that in mind when you go. Also, you can take a taxi up to it, but I recommend the cable car that leaves from an area just past the school because you get a FANTASTIC view of the city. If you are afraid of heights, just don’t look down. There is also a statue of Crist on top of the mountain that gives a great view of the city from the opposite direction. Again you can take a combi to the top (the driver will instruct you how to get there from the bus stop) and then it is a short walk from there. It is possible to hike up there as well, but it takes awhile. I took a bus up there with friends and then we took our time walking back down to check out the local scenery.
There are no trains so you can travel around by bus, car, taxi or plane. I took some side excursions with friends to a nearby gold town called Iguala and for that we took a bus there and then a cab back that had a set fare. I went on my own to the town of Saltillo in northern Mexico and so I took a bus to Mexico City and then flew there and back. Depending on the “star rating” the buses can vary, so if you easily get motion sickness, try to get a higher rating because the ride will be smoother and more comfortable all-around. If you are unsure of what to take, ask Dr. Alstrum. He is very knowledgeable about it all and after looking at the schedule, told me exactly what to take and when.
I did feel safe, but it’s crucial not to go anywhere by yourself; it doesn’t matter if you are male or female. It’s dangerous, but not if you are in groups. This is helpful during the day, but it mostly applies at night and if you are traveling to an unfamiliar city. For girls, there will be Mexican guys that say stuff to you on the street, but they are not harmful so you can just ignore them.
I feel like my Spanish has improved because of the experience, not so much in the classroom as my interactions with the locals outside of it.
