{"id":20842,"date":"2020-09-16T19:00:09","date_gmt":"2020-09-16T11:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/?p=20842"},"modified":"2020-09-17T10:22:24","modified_gmt":"2020-09-17T02:22:24","slug":"mexico-summer-exchange-homestay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/mexico-summer-exchange-homestay\/","title":{"rendered":"My 6-Week Mexico Summer Exchange &amp; Homestay"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>My summer exchange programme in Queretaro, Mexico was not only an experience in culture and sights, but also an adventure with amazing people to remember!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Though I visited Mexico more than eight years ago, the experience is still close to my heart.&nbsp; I spent six weeks there as part of my NUS summer exchange programme \u2013 the longest I\u2019ve ever been away from home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7921.jpg\" alt=\"Mexico Summer Exchange mayan ruins group photo\" class=\"wp-image-20879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7921.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7921-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7921-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7921-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>My peers and I<strong> <\/strong>at the Mayan ruins in Uxmal<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now with most student exchanges coming to a standstill, and university students called back to their home countries, I\u2019ve come to value my trip more than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ve always loved visiting far-flung locations because of the excitement of immersing in another culture. When I got the chance to study in Mexico, I couldn&#8217;t pass it up! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Parents, being parents, were hesitant to let me go on a typical semester-long exchange (due to the costs and being away from home for too long), a shorter summer trip was the perfect alternative.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u26a0\ufe0f Mexico Summer Exchange Hurdle #1: Are You Really Going to Mexico?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, there were still reservations from family and friends about me visiting Mexico. Media coverage sadly stereotypes it as an unsafe country filled with drug cartels and border conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In reality, Mexico is a huge country filled with many states. Much of its violent crime is situated in states like Chihuahua, Tamaulipas, and Guerero. The state where I lived in \u2212 Queretaro \u2212 is one of the safest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, its crime rate is lower than most large American cities! Gun control laws are tight as well, unlike a certain neighbour up north <em>(hint: it&#8217;s the US)<\/em>. I felt no danger walking around alone, taking sensible precautions like not roaming around deserted alleys at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, whenever someone heard I was going to Mexico, the common response would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>\u201cPlease come back in one piece\u201d<\/em><\/li><li><em>\u201cAre you sure you want to live there for 6 weeks?\u201d<\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Determined to prove them wrong, I went ahead and bought my plane ticket, travelling with a group of 15+ fellow students from my university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u26a0\ufe0f Mexico Summer Exchange Hurdle #2: No Hablo Espa\u00f1ol<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7920.jpg\" alt=\"Mexico Summer Exchange mariachi band first day in school\" class=\"wp-image-20880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7920.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7920-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7920-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7920-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><em><sub>A Mariachi band welcoming us on our first day in school<\/sub><\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My summer programme was at <strong>Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey<\/strong>\u2019s <strong>Queretaro<\/strong> campus, a private university known for its business school. I studied two modules there \u2212 Mexican culture and Introduction to Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7919.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange Tec De Monterrey\u2019s modern campus\" class=\"wp-image-20881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7919.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7919-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7919-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7919-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>Tec De Monterrey\u2019s modern campus<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Spanish tops many lists of \u2018easiest languages to learn\u2019, many of us still had trouble grasping the basics. For instance, it was extremely confusing to learn how certain nouns, including objects, were designated as either masculine or feminine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nouns ending with the letter \u201ca\u201d, such as <em>&#8216;silla&#8217;<\/em> (chair) are considered feminine. In contrast, masculine nouns end with \u201co\u201d, such as <em>&#8216;pueblo&#8217;<\/em> (town) or <em>&#8216;libro&#8217;<\/em> (book).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019d love to report that I was able to converse fluently in Spanish after taking the course. I still had much difficulty even communicating with my Mexican cab driver, needing to use Google Translate to give directions. Learning any new language is tough, even one with close resemblance to English!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7910.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange class photo\" class=\"wp-image-20883\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7910.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7910-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7910-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7910-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>A class photo with our Mexican culture professor<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fortunately, my Mexican culture class was smooth-sailing in comparison. Our native-born professor had a keen passion for his own culture as well, and would pepper his lectures with numerous jokes and personal anecdotes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One particularly interesting topic was how death is celebrated in Mexico, especially during the Day of the Dead on 1 November. Deceased friends and ancestors are commemorated through festivities like feasting, costumed parades, music, and shrines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As our professor shared, death-related jokes are commonplace as well. This is a stark contrast to Chinese culture, where death is often a taboo subject to be avoided, including any numbers and symbols associated with it (e.g. the letter 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfd Mexico Summer Exchange Highlights #1: <strong>Living with a Host Family<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As many local university students were on summer break, I didn&#8217;t get to meet many of them. However, I did opt for a homestay experience with a local family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The family of four included Imelda, our host mum who worked as an administrative staff at the school\u2019s campus, her husband and their two teenage sons Olaf and Andre. Their homely terrace apartment was a 15-minute ride from campus, and they would help us with laundry and cook simple meals for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7924.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange host family relative baptism\" class=\"wp-image-20887\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7924.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7924-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7924-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7924-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>Joining our host family for their relative\u2019s baptism celebration<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initially, communication with them proved quite a challenge, given that only Olaf was fluent in English. Thankfully, Google Translate app made conversing a little easier, and we did get to know them better as the weeks went by. They even invited us to a few family events, including the baptism celebration of a close relative. Baptisms are a huge affair in Mexico, with the gathering of extended family and a sumptuous lunch buffet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7912.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange host family roommate birthday celebration 1\" class=\"wp-image-20891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7912.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7912-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7912-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7912-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>My host family celebrating my roommate\u2019s birthday<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7913.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange host family roommate birthday celebration 2\" class=\"wp-image-20892\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7913.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7913-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7913-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7913-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>Celebrating Olaf\u2019s birthday with the host family<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our host family also put together a small celebration for my roommate\u2019s birthday, complete with a song routine and tequila specially made by Imelda\u2019s grandmother. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have fond memories learning to dance salsa from them as well, and discussing daily life including Mexican politics (let\u2019s just say it\u2019s a complicated, frustrating affair).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfd Mexico Summer Exchange Highlights #2: <strong><strong>Unforgettable Adventures<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7916.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange queretaro 1\" class=\"wp-image-20896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7916.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7916-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7916-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7916-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>Sunset view of Queretaro\u2019s famous aqueduct<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As weekday classes ended in the early afternoons, my peers and I had plenty of time to explore the beautiful city of Santiago de Queretaro. Its highlight is its Baroque-style aqueduct, built during the 18th century to bring clean drinking water to the town. Spanning the length of almost 1.3 kilometers, the aqueduct can be clearly seen from most highways around the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7917.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange queretaro regional history museum\" class=\"wp-image-20897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7917.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7917-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7917-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7917-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>Queretaro\u2019s regional history museum housed in a 16<sup>th<\/sup> century convent<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7914.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange queretaro town plaza\" class=\"wp-image-20899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7914.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7914-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7914-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7914-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>The Jardin Zenea, Queretaro\u2019s picturesque town plaza<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The historic city centre has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we wandered its streets, we admired the colourful, colonial-style architecture and monuments. I recommend visiting the <em>Museo Regional<\/em> (Regional Museum), housed in an old convent and filled with exhibits detailing the history of the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I also loved Jardin Zenea, the town\u2019s scenic open plaza with a lovely park and live music on the weekends. Further away from the city centre, you\u2019ll find Mercado La Cruz, a lively local market filled with fresh produce and other wares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7911.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange programme guanajuato \" class=\"wp-image-20900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7911.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7911-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7911-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7911-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><sub><em>A weekend trip to the<\/em> <em>beautiful neighbouring town of Guanajuato <\/em><\/sub>&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7918.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange program\" class=\"wp-image-20901\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7918.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7918-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7918-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7918-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>My travel buddies with a group of residents of Queretaro<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interestingly enough, many locals we met had never interacted with Asians before, and a group of them even requested to take pictures with us. Many had also never heard of Singapore and were unaware that we are a multicultural nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My guess is they never got the opportunity to travel to our region. This made me really thankful for all the travel opportunities I received at such a young age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7907.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange cancun beach\" class=\"wp-image-20902\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7907.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7907-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7907-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7907-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>The stunning azure waters of Cancun<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/Cancun-2.jpg\" alt=\"travel group mexico summer exchange cancun beach\" class=\"wp-image-21623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/Cancun-2.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/Cancun-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/Cancun-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/Cancun-2-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>My travel group enjoying a relaxing afternoon on the beach<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During long weekends, we travelled out of Queretaro to popular tourist destinations like Mexico City, Guanajuato and the Yucatan peninsula. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of my most memorable experiences is simply relaxing along Cancun\u2019s beaches, which boast crystal-clear waters in several shades of blue. The city\u2019s also known for its vibrant nightlife and classy resorts. Being students, we chose to stay in a hostel to stretch our dollar further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7909.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange program chichen itza \" class=\"wp-image-20905\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7909.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7909-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7909-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7909-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>Filled with ruins dating back to the Mayan civilisation, Chichen Itza is a fascinating attraction<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re fascinated by ancient civilisations like me, Chichen Itza in the Yucatan is a must -see. A large pre-columbian city built by the Mayans, walking around the ancient ruins was a surreal experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The highlight was El Castillo, an intricate step pyramid dedicated to the serpent deity Kukulcan and the alleged site of numerous ritual human sacrifices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7915.jpg\" alt=\"mexico summer exchange stalagmites\" class=\"wp-image-20907\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7915.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7915-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7915-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/IMG_7915-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption><em><sub>Stalagmites hanging from the ceiling of the cenote, with turquoise waters beneath<\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another unforgettable adventure was swimming and snorkeling in a cenote at Labnaha Eco Park, located in the bohemian town of Tulum. Cenotes are underground, water-filled sinkholes formed via the collapse of limestone bedrock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking up and seeing long stalagmites hanging from the ceiling was definitely a sight to behold.&nbsp; The cenote contained several pitch-black tunnels which we swam through as well \u2212 a scary but exhilarating experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83c\udf89 Mexico Summer Exchange Conclusion: <strong><strong><strong>Seizing Opportunities<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking back, I\u2019m filled with so much gratitude at the opportunity to study abroad &#8211; even just for the summer. Sadly, COVID-19 has put a stop to most university exchange programmes, with much uncertainty on when they can return in full force \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/when-can-we-travel-again\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">which experts predict 2023 for travel to fully resume<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many students are cut off from the invaluable experience of living in a foreign country for a prolonged period, and connecting with individuals from various cultures. There\u2019s much to explore in our beautiful world, and we only see a small part living where we are!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When such opportunities return, I\u2019d advise any student to take them without hesitation. To lower costs, consider staying in hostels when travelling around, or living in homestays and campus accommodation. Once working life begins, it&#8217;s practically impossible to travel overseas for more than 2 weeks. Even if your job entitles you to travel, business travel doesn&#8217;t accord you much free time for taking in the sights.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Borders might be closed at the moment (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/coronavirus-travel-update-singapore\/\" target=\"_blank\">see which borders are gradually opening up<\/a>), but when more reopen and you have an opportunity to go on an overseas study trip, take it up! Also, now that YouTrip exists, it would be extra handy to have the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-youtrip\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color:#702d82\" class=\"color\">YouTrip card<\/span><\/a>&nbsp;to take advantage of the&nbsp;<span style=\"color:#702d82\" class=\"color\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/what-are-wholesale-exchange-rates-how-to-use\/\" target=\"_blank\">Wholesale Exchange Rates<\/a><\/span> to save even more money overseas \u2013 in addition to your current e-commerce savings on overseas sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/iherb-hack-how-to-pay-less-without-promo-codes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">iHerb<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/muji-sg-vs-taobao-which-is-cheaper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Muji Taobao<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/how-to-get-cheaper-airpods-amazon-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazon US<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t have one yet, enter &lt;<strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtrip.onelink.me\/HnkC\/49ead0da\" target=\"_blank\">BLOG5<\/a><\/strong>&gt; during sign-up for free S$5. \ud83d\ude0e<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more stories like this, as well as tips and guides,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/youtripsg\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>join our Telegram (@YouTripSG)<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/go.you.co\/blog-newsletter\" target=\"_blank\">subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;or down below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Related Articles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/immunity-passports-covid-19\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Immunity Passports: Will They Help Resume Travel During COVID-19?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/how-my-family-escaped-extortion-vietnam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How My Family Escaped an Extortion in Vietnam<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/taiwan-pride-my-first-taipei-lgbtq-pride-experience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Taiwan Pride: My First Taipei LGBTQ+ Pride Experience<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtrip.onelink.me\/HnkC\/49ead0da\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" src=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/04\/15_728x90.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/04\/15_728x90.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/04\/15_728x90-300x37.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The longest I&#8217;ve been away from home!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":21650,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[624],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20842"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20842\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21650"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}