Focus on Mexico

  Mexico

• Mexico City: 
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)

Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: inquire for the specific dates

Description: A world away in lifestyle and culture from the U.S., Mexico encompasses deserts, jungles, mountains, beaches, volcanoes, and ancient Aztec pyramids. The country blends its Old World Spanish heritage with modern cities. Though many of its rural towns retain a 19th-century appeal, Mexico is one of the world's fastest-growing industrial economies. In big cities, skyscrapers rise next to low colonial churches that still have food and crafts markets arrayed on their front plazas. Yet no matter where Mexicans reside, they are typically relaxed, casual, and always ready to be with family and friends. The family is the strongest institution in society, so be prepared for your host family to be a big part of your life. Teens are expected to show respect for their parents and elders and to let them know when they are going out, where, with whom, and when they will be home. And when you go out, you'll most likely be hanging out with your new friends in the local Zocalo (town square) playing the country's most popular sport, soccer, or going to the movies and dancing at discos. Most AFSers are placed in urban areas with middle-class families.

Highlights: In Mexico, you'll most likely attend a private school, the best place for you to make friends and meet people. You'll attend school from September to December. Teachers lecture while students take notes. Many schools offer extracurricular activities such as sports and crafts clubs as well. AFS offers visits to local cultural and tourist sites, and opportunities to participate in local festivities. Be prepared to become immersed in an exciting and warm culture!

Cost in US$: $7,900

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

AFS Intercultural Programs's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947