Study report
By Femke Steman (f.l.steman@student.rug.nl), BUAP in Puebla, Mexico 1. Preparation
1.1 Study Abroad Application
In order to prepare myself for the study abroad application I used the step by step guide published by the Mobility Office, which I found very useful to look at what I needed to do to apply while also preparing myself for the steps ahead.
1.2 Application to the host university
A couple of weeks after having been nominated, I received an email from my host university explaining all the requirements to be accepted. In my case, I needed to hand in a couple of documents: Learning Agreement, resume in Spanish, Transcript of Records, evidence of Spanish language command, motivation letter, letter of recommendation and copy of passport. While some of these documents are very easy to obtain, some (like the letter of recommendation) took a little bit more time, so it always smart to start collecting these documents on time to be able to meet the deadline.
1.3 Visa n.a.
1.4 Language
My host university required (as a minimum) a B1 level in Spanish from all non-Spanish speaking students. This is because all the courses are taught in Spanish. As I am studying European Languages and Cultures, I had already passed my language courses before going abroad, thus meeting this requirement.
2. Stay abroad
2.1 Arrival and orientation
Upon arrival I met the mobility coordinator (which was required), she welcomed me and told me how to prepare myself for my classes, sign up for them, etc. The BUAP also
organized an introduction day for all the exchange students, which was a really cool way to meet some new people and enjoy the Mexican culture as they served typical Mexican food and invited traditional dancers.
2.2 Your study programme
When I arrived at the host university they provided me with a list of all possible courses and their schedule. I was required to pick courses from only one study programme, which was
not a problem personally as the UG also required me to pick courses related to linguistics (but I was able to pick one other course not related directly, because of a schedule conflict).
In the application process I had already picked out some courses according to the online study programme, but when I arrived I could pick any course that I liked (of course I had already recorded some in the Learning Agreement, but I could make a few changes). As I had already had classes taught in Spanish at the UG, it was relatively easy for me the follow the classes in Puebla. However, the first weeks I definitely struggled a bit to understand
everything the professor was saying, but I could always ask him/her or a classmate for clarification.
2.3 Housing
The BUAP does not provide housing, but according to one or their emails we could ask them for support. I personally did not do this, so I do not know how helpful their advice actually is, but I did not find it hard to find a room. I would definitely suggest staying in a hostel or Airbnb the first two weeks, so that you can check out different rooms while you’re already in the city (and avoid ugly rooms, sketchy landlords etc.). There are different places around the faculties where people put up advertisements that you can easily contact, but what I did was become a member of a Facebook group and through there I found a room. The search for a room in Puebla is really easy (especially compared to Groningen!) and I found a really nice room after only a couple of days in the city. There are also some organizations that have different houses all around the city specifically for international students, which could definitely be an option but you will only live with other exchange students and it might be harder to find contact with Mexican students. The rooms are also cheaper than Groningen, the price range is approximately 2000-4000 pesos (100 to 200 euros), for a decent bedroom.
2.4 Grant and costs
Because the UG has an exchange contract with the BUAP, students can receive the Marco Polo Grant. The total grant depends on the country and the year you’re doing the exchange, but for me the total amount is around 1000 euros, of which I received 70% before leaving and I will receive the other 30% when I come back and have fulfilled all the requirements.
The costs of living in Mexico are really low compared to the Netherlands, for example, a full meal (with drinks) will almost never cost you more than 4-5 euros and the public transport only costs 40 cents. In a month, I approximately spend 700 euros, this includes rent, food, transport, going out, etc. etc. The only thing that can be a bit expensive is the use of Uber, but it’s a lot safer and easier than public transport (especially at night), so it’s worth the expense.
2.5 Free time/ Student life
Student life at the BUAP is definitely different than student life at the UG. For one, the courses are less organized and some weeks you won’t have to do a lot of work. This is perfect, because that way you’ll have a lot of time to explore new places, get to know your
host country, make friends, etc. In the end you’ll be doing the same amount of credits in one semester as you would in one semester at the UG, but at the BUAP the courses are more focussed on the classes than self-tuition. So I am spending more time at the university here that I normally spend in class in Groningen, but that provides you with the possibility to get to know better the persons in your classes as well.
2.6 Travelling
As mentioned before, there is enough free time to do fun things, for example travelling. One thing I have been loving about my exchange so far is the possibility to travel to other parts of the country and explore new places and new dishes (Mexican cultures revolves around food and every region has their own specific dishes). Trough travelling I have already seen some amazing places, but more importantly I have learned more about Mexico as a country. Since it’s such an immense country (again, especially compared to the Netherlands, where I am from), it is essential to not only stay in your host city as you will never get to know the country that way.
3. Return
3.1 Contact with the host university before, during and after you stay
Before my stay in Puebla, I had minimal contact with the host university: they sent me information and the list of required documents and in return I sent those documents. Once I emailed the mobility coordinator with a question, to which she responded very quickly. As I said, I met up with the mobility coordinator when I arrived in Mexico, she welcomed me and explained me what to do. After that I have only had contact with the secretariat of my faculty about my courses. At times, this contact was a bit difficult because I did not really understand everything (and I was very used to how things go at the UG of course), but overall the contact was good.
3.2 Your perspective on the culture of your host country
Before arriving, I did not really know what to expect of the Mexican culture and my
expectations were mainly based on stereotypes and what I knew of the Spanish culture. My expectations were kind of accurate, Mexicans are really open and interested people. Food and music play a big part in the culture, they can talk endlessly about tacos and whenever there is music on, they just have to dance. What I also really like about the Mexican culture is their expressiveness, whenever they are talking they will use a lot of hand gestures and facial expressions to tell their stories. In general, they are also really eager to explain their culture or traditions, also when it comes to the not-so-fun topics, for example the (un)safety or inequality in the country. Although I found it very important to learn about the positive aspects of the Mexican culture, unfortunately the criminality around drugs and unsafety is still a part of the country and it’s important to also get to know that part as well.
4. Your advice for future outgoing exchange student
Mexico is an amazing country to do your exchange, because you will learn one of the best varieties of Spanish (in my completely unbiased opinion of course), you will live in a country whose culture is completely different which will force you out of comfort zone, but will sometimes remind you how good things actually are in the Netherlands. And last but not least, you will be able to eat all the delicious Mexican foods! My advice would definitely be to be open, open to all these new experiences, open to try all the Mexican foods, open to meet new people, open to learn about the Mexican culture. If your goal is to improve your Spanish, definitely surround yourself with native speakers and don’t be afraid to speak and make mistakes, it’s the best way to learn. And for everyone, make friends with both
Mexicans and other international students. The first because that way you can learn the most about the Mexican culture and ask them about traditions or the Spanish languages.
But definitely don’t forget to meet up with fellow exchange students, that way you can also learn about their cultures and you’ll always have to people to visit new places with (because all the exchange students want to travel as much as possible). Please contact me if you’re going to or considering going on exchange to Puebla! In my preparation I kind of missed some personal experience and tips, so I would be happy to help you. Especially with finding a room, because I lived in a house with Mexicans and exchange students and I had a great time there because of that combination (as I explained before). They are looking for new exchange students every semester, so I could definitely help and send their contact information if interested.
5. Other
