ICS Mexico

What was the highlight of your ICS in Mexico?

A surfing trip to Baja California with two friends I made at my ICS University, a Spaniard and Argentine. We hired a ute and drove along to coast and surfed at a few different spots. It was the exact exploration that I imagined ICS would bring me. Surfing as the sunset, only speaking Spanish and meeting people I would never have met without this program. We also got to see seals, dolphins, orcas and whales. 

How did your language and intercultural skills improve?

I was very lucky to have Proulex lessons for my first three months in Mexico, this accelerated my learning a lot. When I built up more and more confidence with conversation I also felt my Spanish improve. Intercultural skills were definitely something I felt improve as I tried more and more to immerse myself within the Mexican culture.

What skills have you learned in the past year that will benefit your personal life and/or future career?

I’m not sure I can pinpoint any one skill that will benefit me, I think that the ICS year has just fine-tuned skills that I previously had. These skills mostly revolved around independence, confidence and discipline. 

How did university life in Mexico differ to Australia? How did you adjust, if needed?

The university lifestyle in Mexico is far more relaxed, there isn’t as much stress over attendance, behaviour in class, deadlines or schedules. There are instances of professors not showing up or assignments not being graded. So it was certainly a change from back home.

How did you finance your ICS (e.g. scholarships, loans, budgeting)? Any advice?

I had been aware of the ICS trip for a while and had been saving part of my earnings for over 2 years. I was lucky that the cost of living in Mexico is significantly lower than many other ICS locations. I finished the year with a considerable surplus, thanks to good budgeting and research. I would recommend using the HELP Loan as well.

What’s an assumption about your country that you found to be untrue? 

One of the biggest assumptions about Mexico I had been aware of was the danger. I had that assumption completely dispelled in most of places that I visited. The people are kind hearted, happy to help and very welcoming, like anywhere in the world, if you want to search for trouble, you can find it. 

What was your research project and why did you choose it? What were the findings? 

I chose to study the open and inclusive nature of my city and its inhabitants on a racial, sexual and cultural level. The people of Vallarta have a great sense of community and it was something that resonated with me, especially in the fallout of Australia’s plebiscite for same sex marriage. They celebrate all cultures instead of having a dominant culture reigning over others that exist.

If you were going through a tough time, what support did you receive or access? 

Whenever I was presented with a problem or a period where I wasn’t feeling myself, I first tried to solve it myself. When I wasn’t up to the task, I reached out to my friends on ICS as well, they were perfectly able to empathise with me, and if that didn’t work, my family would come in the mix as well. 

If you could redo your ICS, what are some things you would do differently? 

If I could redo ICS, I would’ve spent more and more time travelling Mexico and other parts of Central America. I wish I could have spent more time surfing and more time at the beach, which has meant that I have stayed on in Mexico and volunteering at a beachside hostel where I can surf everyday. 

Why should International Studies students choose Mexico as their major?

I would happily recommend Mexico over every other Spanish speaking option. The people are incredible and will make your entire year fantastic. You’ll learn Spanish in a relaxed and easy environment. The natural beauty and diversity that the country holds is mystifying, you can travel across the country and see so many different sites and cultures. You have Central America on your doorstep for more Spanish practice and a pretty safe trail to follow through. The food, well I can’t describe how magical all the food is, but it's beyond anything I could ever have imagined prior. The cost of living makes it considerably easier as well, with rent, food, travel and most other costs significantly less than what you’re used to, which for a travelling student, is perfect. 

If you were to take a geez at my journey from first thought about International Studies to where I sit now, you’d have plenty to sift through.

The plan I first had with BAIS was to study French, it was a smooth language and both my brothers had reasonable proficiency. After growing up with The Mighty Ducks, I was desperate to play Ice Hockey. The Canadian stereotype possesses many similarities with Australia’s except their kindness is unmatched. Prêt, non?

I picked up International Studies in my second year at UTS, in the time between finishing high school and applying for the second degree, my mind had changed. I wanted to learn Spanish like my sister had done in Chile. My destination in mind? Miami, with South Beach and thoughts of the American college experience. I would listen to Miami by Will Smith as the plane touched down.

Coming back from the long summer break, courtesy of the Communication degree’s lack of exams, my mind had changed yet again. I had a genuine think about Miami and I realised, despite the strong Latino population, if I was in Miami for a year, my Spanish would hardly improve. It would be far too easy to just revert to English, in a country where English is the main language.

What to do? Spain’s popularity meant I’d be gambling with preferences for a good city, Colombia seemed a little too dangerous and Argentina too cold. Chile was my sister’s ICS country and Costa Rica seemed a little too developing, where was my third bowl of porridge? It was directly under the United States.

The more I explored and researched Mexico the more I fell in love.

I had looked over the available cities, and for me, it was a toss-up between Monterrey and Guadalajara. Monterrey was close to the States, I could pop up for concerts and events. Guadalajara, on the other hand, was the closest city to the coast, I could have beach weekends.

Fast forward to the first information session about our destinations and a name I hadn’t heard popped up, Puerto Vallarta. I instantly googled it, my jaw dropped and my eyes shot open in interest. I was lucky, I nabbed it without competition. My life currently consists of beach days and burritos.

Don’t fear uncertainty and change with this degree, it may lead you down a path to paradise.

From the moment you arrive in your ICS city, you will be bombarded with novelty. This feeling will last a while, but it is something to be enjoyed. Getting to know ‘your’ city will be an experience you won’t forget. Mistakes will be made, sometimes you’ll feel lost and there will be days you crave the normalcy of home. Getting the feel of your new Ciudad will involve a fair amount of action. You’ve got to be asking questions, starting conversations and pushing past the nagging fear and worry. Most people will happily give you the time of day, especially if you’re making an effort to speak their language.

Although not every day will be perfect, sometimes you’ll be overloaded, sometimes stressed or tired and that’s ok. There are moments that you may fall back on the things you know. Maybe instead of searching around for an authentic place to eat, you succumb to the Golden Arches where you know the menu, enjoy the air conditioning and free wifi. Don’t beat yourself up about it, just don’t make it a habit. One piece of advice that has helped me a lot is remembering that it is ‘my’ year. You do have expectations in regards to Uni both in your city and UTS, that’ll provide some structure to your year, but otherwise do your own thing. Explore the cities and places you want to go. Venture out and learn, who knows when you’ll ever have an opportunity like this again?

Your city and your country will always offer new and fun experiences, but don’t feel as though you’re confined by either. I would happily encourage travel. Preferably somewhere that speaks the language you’ve been learning, but also treat yourself. I’ve been very lucky to have the rest of Central America at my doorstep. As soon as my first semester was over I was desperate the explore.

The travelling will be exciting. You’ll meet all sorts of people, you’ll see plenty of sites and natural beauties and start to miss home, which by the end of semester 1 will be your ICS city. It is a strange thing that this new city will become your ‘home’, but it will. You’ll have regular spots, whether it be cafes, bars, or just your favourite spot to watch the sunset. You’ll also miss the friends you made in that semester, whether they’re other international students or just locals.

Travelling will also just give you a chance to have a breather from the ICS, if you’re travelling you can just worry about your day to day activities. There are no assignments, no tests, no tutorials or lectures. Likely it’ll be you, a backpack, your passport and plenty of possibilities.

I actually ran into a previous UTS ICS student at a hostel in Flores, Guatemala. The best piece of advice she gave me, was to take and enjoy every opportunity you’re given, especially when it comes to travel.    

If you are to live and study in another country for an entire year, you will inevitably run into a problem. Maybe one, maybe some, maybe many. The problems will be opportunities for you to grow your independence and maturity. Solving these problems empowers you.

Within my second week of living in Mexico, I was going to the Immigration Office to obtain my Visa Card. Sadly, my entrance into Mexico hadn’t been completed in the exact manner necessary. I was here as a tourist, not as a student. The office happily notified me that I needed to exit and re-enter the country in order to acquire the card. Yay!

I went immediately on the front foot, researching the flights out of Mexico. After a solid hour of stress eating Pringles and googling on my phone I had booked a flight to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Somehow it was cheaper to fly from PV to Minnesota, Minnesota to LAX and then back to PV. $300 I would never see again. Minnesota was freezing. Then a dreadfully slow layover in Los Angeles. I should’ve brought a jacket. I returned to Mexico, tired yet determined. I would immigrate into this country perfectly. I am glad to report I did.
 

Mistakes and problems will pop up during your ICS. Your attitude toward them will guide your year. No matter the issue, this year, the onus is on your to tackle the problems that will surely come running at you. Brace for impact, then get started on fixing them.

The time has come to return for your second semester at your host university. You may have gotten used to travelling and seeing new sights on a daily basis. You may miss the freedom, the exploring, everything that a good semester break brings. Although, as you pack your bag to head to your uni again, don’t fret, don’t be sad, don’t hesitate for a second.

The return to your host Uni will be lots and lots of fun, for some it’ll be a return to the many friends you’ve made. For some, it’ll be the beauty of some structure in your life. For some, just not living out of a suitcase and having your own bed will be joyous enough.

There will be new classes, new students to meet and socialise with, and there are less UTS assignments to worry about this time around. The second phase of the year, you’re entering the University with a lot more confidence and know-how. You’ll be able to walk around with a stronger lingual ability, a knowledge of the campus like UTS back in Sydney and you’ll feel like you’re back home. Your ICS city. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to explore some different and exciting subjects. I’ve been very lucky this second semester, bending over backwards with Yoga, ascending higher in Rock Climbing and exploring one of my biggest passions with Film Analysis. So embrace this semester, it is your last one!

As an ICS student you will be at the receiving end of some of the coolest and memorable experiences of your life. The sheer expanse of the year will lend itself to one thing that will help you considerably, keeping a journal. Most travellers do tend to chronical down their thoughts and experiences for later reflection. With all that happens during your year, you don’t want to start forgetting things. Keeping track of these memories will provide you with an arsenal of answers to the multitude of questions you will be asked on your return to Aus!

The great thing about this is there is no one way to do it, you can write in a journal, you can take 20 photos a day, video everything or just record voice memos before you go to sleep. It’s completely up to you. This record will provide you with so many wonderful feelings. For one, it gives you a little structure, something to add to a different routine than you’re used to. Secondly, it allows you to reflect and analyse yourself as you pass through the year. Even after a month, you can look back and see all the fun memories you’ve made, how your mentality has shifted, or even a motivator to own your ICS year. This journal is for you, it's for your to be honest with yourself, don’t let your memories fade, they’re far too special to leave behind!

To immerse yourself into the culture of another country requires you to join them in their celebrations. The beginning of November in Mexico offers one of the country’s most unique celebrations, The Day of The Dead. Living in Puerto Vallarta I could have stayed there, but when you have to chance to experience a cultural event like this, you need to go for the source.

Preloaded with the Mexico City scene from the James Bond film Spectre I was more than excited. Sadly though, this was all Hollywood. The real and genuine celebrations of this festival happened in smaller towns. It offers people the chance to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us. Instead of mourning, pain and an absence of colour, the city of San Miguel Allende was bursting with life. People created altars, offered their departed gifts and kept them in mind. Graveyards were open, bright and people are proud to honour those they have lost. I was also lucky enough to be joined by three ICS friends, two studying in Costa Rica and one in Colombia. This was my chance to be the guide, to give them the proper introduction to Mexico.

It is a truly magnificent feeling to proudly show people the slice of heaven you’ve found in the world.

There is no set formula or correct method when it comes to money preparation and management. The countries, currencies and cost of living are all going to be different. The 2 years you have to save won’t also be a breeze. You may have to skip some fun and work longer and more consistently with the knowledge that it’s for your ICS year.

How you spend your money is also completely your decision. My recommendation would be to research, find out the costs of living in your chosen destination. Having an idea of rent prices can be a big help when you first arrive. The ICS year may also be a big first step away from home - it will be a good chance to test your independence. You may even catch a glimpse into how lucky you are to have your parents.

The year will likely unfold with a frugal beginning, thinking you have to budget really tight if you’re going to last a whole year. By the end of the first semester your thinking will have relaxed and you’ll be prepping for travel, whether it be your own country or surrounding ones. That’ll be a bit of a hit to the funds, but when you come back, you’ll be headed into the second half of your year with a better ability to manage your money. You may even splash some more cash in the final months. You can be smart with your money and still have a lot of fun, it’s your saved money, make the most of it!