Why Mexico?

Choosing Mexico can open the door to a meaningful life and career opportunities. According to the Consortium on North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC), it has become increasingly important and valuable for students to study abroad in Mexico. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) creates more opportunities for those with international experience. There is a growing cross-border economic activity and professional mobility between Mexico and the U.S. Mexico is one of the main trading partners of the U.S.

Students and professionals who understand the challenges of a bilateral setting will be a strategic addition to both society and corporations. Studying in Mexico is on of the best steps to get acquainted with a new culture, a new way of life and creating a professional and personal collaboration network. Understanding local politics and the Mexican way of life is crucial for the future of both countries. The U.S. and Mexico share responsibility in different economic and social issues.

Top Reasons to Study in Mexico

  • Mexico offers a unique blending of the Old and New Worlds
  • High standard and recognized education institutions
  • Become Immersed in different cultural alternatives
  • Experience a wide range of different social realities
  • Spectacular sceneries
  • World class museums
  • Unique fairs and festivities (see Mexican holidays below)
  • Mexican-American population is the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States
  • One of the world’s finest cuisine
  • Initial language learning opens up more opportunities to explore the literature, music, art, dance, sports, etc
  • The best opportunity and setting to learn Spanish.

Varieties and dialects of the Spanish language make Spanish the official language of 21 countries. If territories are included, there are more than 30 worldwide destinations in which Spanish is widely spoken. More than 250 million people consider Spanish their first or “native” language. It is the third most widely-spoken language in the world. There are currently more than 280 million people living in countries where Spanish is the official language, thus opening a great opportunity to explore the world, work, teach, volunteer or work on an internship abroad and live in any of the many Spanish-speaking countries.

Organizations where Spanish is official

  • United Nations (UN)
  • European Union (EU)
  • Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
  • Organization of American States (OAS)
  • North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
  • Union of South American Nations (UNASUR)
  • Mercosur
  • African Union (AU)
  • Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS)
  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
  • World Trade Organization (WTO)
  • Latin Union
  • Interpol
  • Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
  • Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI)
  • Central American Common Market (CACM)

Mexican Holidays

January 6: El dia de los Reyes Magos
(Three Wise Men) Family and friends get together in a very casual way and have a ROSCA DE REYES (like a big doughnut in an oval shape) for dinner. Inside the ROSCA there is a plastic baby (Jesus) and who ever finds the baby is supposed to invite the presents to eat TAMALES on February 2. Also children receive gifts from the King Wizards. http://www.inside-mexico.com/ReyesMagos.htm
May 10: Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a time of commemoration and celebration of Mothers
September 16: Mexican Independence Day
Independence Day is a major celebration in Mexico. People gathers in downtown and when the clock strikes eleven o'clock the crowd gets silent. On the last strike of eleven the president of Mexico (governors and major also) steps out on the palace balcony, and rings the historic liberty bell that Father Hidalgo rang to call the people. Then the president gives the Grito de Delores. He shouts "Viva Mexico" "Viva la Independencia" and the crowd echoes back. http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/TLresources/units/Byrnes-celebrations/mid.html
November 2: Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. http://www.public.iastate.edu/~rjsalvad/scmfaq/muertos.html
November 20: Mexican Revolution
This day is celebrated with Military parade in front of the President’s Palace. http://www.mexonline.com/revolution.htm
December 12: Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe)
http://www.inside-mexico.com/guadalupe.htm
December 24: Nochebuena
Nochebuena celebrates the the night of the birth of Jesus. The family dresses up and gathers together. http://www.mexconnect.com/MEX/austin/posadas.html