Mexico

Come and see the abundance of Mexican culture as no tourist can. Learn how Aztec, Mayan, and Olmec civilizations, with Spanish influences, form the roots of today's modern agricultural and industrial Mexican society.

Mexico celebrates many religious and secular festivities throughout the year. One of the most fascinating celebrations is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Lest you think this is a solemn occasion, be assured it is a very joyful celebration. In fact, you’ll find that vendors throughout the country sell candy and sweets in the form of human skeletons and skulls to mark the holiday.

Being invited into a Mexican home is a great honor as the warmth and hospitality of the Mexican people is known the world over. Family life is very important to Mexicans. In most families, you will have siblings as most Mexican families have from two to four children. Children typically live at home until they marry.

Mexican parents instill strong principles in their children and tend to raise them traditionally. Though teenagers typically are free to go to parties or out with their friends, they are also expected to respect their parents, get good grades at school, and be polite. While it is very common for Mexican families to have a maid who helps around the house, teenagers usually must keep their rooms clean and help with household chores.

Academic Programs

As a student in Mexico, you’ll have the option of choosing from among several areas of interest such as computers, commerce, tourism, health, sciences, or administration. Normally school begins about 8:00 a.m. and ends around 2:30 p.m. with a break during the day. Some schools also offer extracurricular activities such as sports, chess, language, and cooking clubs. After school, students typically spend two to three hours studying.

Upon arrival you will attend a 3 day orientation which will be a time to learn more about Mexican culture, open channels for new information and lasting relationships, and to begin your educational experience. There will also be mid-year and re-entry orientations to ensure that each student is able to take the most out of their exchange experience.

As a year student, you may participate in a day trip where you will visit important historical, colonial, and archeological sites. Both year and semester students will also have the option of participating in other activities organized by YFU and may participate in school or club trips and activities for an additional fee.

YFU Activities for students and host families may be offered locally at no cost. Additionally, students may participate in a 12 day tour of the Mayan World for an additional fee. Year students are asked to pay a registration fee of around $100 to participate in the 6 day trip at the end of the year. While school enrollment fees are covered by YFU, students should be prepared to cover the cost of school uniform (if necessary) and school books and supplies.

Gap Year Abroad
The traditional Academic programs are also available as Gap Year Abroad options. Learn more about other 13th Year Abroad Programs.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Online Resources

To learn more about Mexico, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Spanish language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites 
• Embassy of Mexico in Washington, DC web site

"I feel that I understand the Mexican culture, I have a new family and my Spanish is excellent now." - Bonnie Boglioi

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated:  August, 2007