STUDENT
COMMENTS
Not
only did we read some of the cutting edge material from prominent Mexican writers
and politicians, but we met with them and asked tough questions. Refreshingly,
many leading Mexican figures answered the questions candidly even acknowledging
when the situation was not in Mexico's best interests.
Adam Tabaka
The
Mexico trip is a rewarding, well-rounded experience. Students meet with important
political figures and business leaders, discussing and gaining insight on every
relevant topic concerning Mexico today. Additionally, cultural and historical
activites allow students greater understanding on the foundation of the Mexican
people. There could not be a more fulfilling trip in such a short amount of time.
Derek J Litchfield
Mexico
was a great learning experience, and more importantly, a ton of fun. The top level
officials and business leaders that we met with really helped me to better understand
the political and economic issues facing Mexico today. The group was also great
as were the cultural/tourist trips. I met a lot of great people that became good
friends by the end of the trip. I would recommend it (and have) to anyone.
Jay R. Anderson
Michal
Malur
Exceptional food
X-citing
Informative
Cultural
Opportunities
What
more could you want in a study abroad? I had the best time both in and out of
the sessions!
Julia East
Mexico
was a fantastic experience. As a former Spanish major I was able
to help my
classmates navigate the area. As a GMU student I was able to
learn more from
the meetings with local representatives than I could
have imagined from any
media source or book. I would definitely
recommend this program to anyone interested
in witnessing a nation
develop before their eyes.
Kate Hotze
There
is so much to do in Mexico City - eating out, shopping, sightseeing, and observing
the life of the very poor and rich.
Dara Soun
Mexico
City and Cuernavaca Zagat Syle by Andrew Corso
This "sprawling" metropolis
"steeped in history" serves as a natural and "elegant" introduction
to Mexican society and politics. For starters, try the group dinner from a terraced
restaurant above the Zocalo at sunset. The lowering of the Mexican flag by the
color guard is a wonderful way to take in the pageantry of Mexico's Federal city
and will kick off a fantastic group experience. Most restaurants serve taquitos
with refried beans and guacamole. It is a must in this city but don't forget to
try the chicken mole at a tucked-away roof-terrace restaurant near the old cathedral.
One beer or wine per person is complimentary! Any more and it is on you. On day
two, move out of the city and visit the Meso-American ruins at Teotihuacán.
Your guide Charlie will awe you with tales of "vast" civilizations of
advanced astronomers and artisans while you search for cheap deals on carved trinkets
and lace table cloths. Be sure to try the "chicken in a bag" at the
local nunnery. The story of the restaurant's founder will inspire you.
On to
the main event. No class trip south of the border is complete without a "sun-drenched"
and "action-packed" foray to Cuernavaca -- "the greatest place
in the world." While "the Land of Eternal Spring" is lower in elevation
than Mexico City an hour to the north, this town is no ant hill. The beautiful
vistas from Pancho Villa's museum and the "amazing" lack of religious
icons at the central cathedral will "inspire" you. But be sure to catch
the cathedral early in the morning when you are still recovering from a wild "fiesta"
the night before. This adds to the richness of the experience. Also, take some
time to feed the ducks in the park. But don't get too close, Mexican ducks are
a bit more "ferocious" than their pals up north. Cuernavaca is generally
quite "charming," which makes it perfect for a romantic evening. Just
don't go too far, or you'll be branded a "flirt." Before leaving Mexico,
visit the nearby silver mining town Taxco high in the Sierra Madre mountains.
Your guide Paco will revel you with "authentic" stories of the local
culture while you shop.
Andrew Corso
"This
trip was truly an educational and worthwhile experience. I really enjoyed having
the opportunity to delve into the culture and lifestyle of Mexico, albeit it was
only a short period of time. Though most of our pictures show the fun times we
had during our trip, I must say that I truly came away from this study abroad
class with much more interest and insight on Mexican politics. Having great leaders
who guided us throughout the trip made all the difference."
MPP student
“I
really enjoyed the program and would recommend it to everyone who is in the ICP
program. I learned the cultural, political, economic and social aspects of Mexico,
as of before I had a one sided view of the country. Visits to the micro industries,
the visit to the Congress, lunch and dinners with Mexican officials added to the
experience greatly. Historical visits to the pyramids and such, as well as the
visit to Tasco, contributed greatly to the lectures and other speeches we had.
Overall, it was a well rounded trip.”
“The
program provides a good insight on US-Mexican relations. I very much enjoyed learning
about how the US is perceived from the Mexican perspectives and I really liked
meeting the Mexican politicians. I strongly believe I learned more in the past
10 days than I would have over the course of a semester.”
“It
was such an incredible experience. I'd recommend it to everyone I know.”
“I
would recommend this (and recommending) to any and all students interested in
a study abroad trip. I see Mexico and the Mexican people in a whole new light
now.”
“It
was a tremendous opportunity, experience, and value for the money.”
