Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores - Guadalajara Reviews

Type of housing: off-campus international dorms

Arranged by: Host university

If returning, I would choose: International dorms

Why? Spending half a year living with people from all parts of the world and from all parts of Mexico had been truly a wonderful social and educational experience and look forward to many more occasions if given an opportunity. I now have contacts in my social network that go across the globe that I keep in touch with everyday by means of today's technology that enables you to stay in touch through email, messenger, etc. A global social network that I have created from all the great international students that I had a luxury of living and studying with had been priceless to me.

Personal comments:
The accommodation turned out to be pleasant once getting used to. Coming from a 1st world country and from a middle to upper-class metropolis I was used to high standard accomodations. Adjusting was not a problem though. I was just happy and fortunate enough to be there and learning about how to accommodate myself with 100 international students from all parts of the world and not let our cultural differences interfere with everyone's way of life. The accomodations had also helped me develop those expatriate charateristics seeked today such as being able to adjust to foreign environments, development of personal and emotional maturity, and so on.

Describe host city: Students interact with the local community without much university involvement

Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment

Nightlife, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal comments:
La salamandra was a great night night club located in the "Mundo e" Plaza. The "Beer Factory" also was a great after movies place to go and meet up with friends. I liked Teotihuacan and the pyramids. It was really interesting to know that it was at one time , really one of the most powerfull cities in mexico. On spring break or as they called it "Semana Santa", I went to Acapulco. That is the place to go. I've been to Cancun but it was more like Florida with a spanish twist. The life in my city where I was living was really laid back. I lived in "Las villas de la hacienda", the town right where the school is located. So my house was only one street away from the school which made it very convenient for me. Most of the students were required to drive more than an hour in some instances just to get to school. On the over-all, this was a gret experience to learn another culture.

Course recommendations:
try the general courses with mexican students, it's better to meet new friends

Personal comments:
-

Language of instruction: English

Main source of funding:
Government assistance

Other sources of funding:
Family
Personal savings
Government assistance

Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work

Personal spending habits:
Travel, because I went somewhere as much as I can. Gotta see this beautiful country. Nightlife is kinda expensive here. Wed is ladies night though, free entrance and drinks most places. Telephone...so expensive. If you get a cellular be careful, I know two people who "lost" theirs this semester. Don't call home, have them call you in general. I grocery shop at Wal-mart. Don't be deceived. Mexico is not cheap (in the city). Maybe 10% less than in Canada in general. Electronics are much more expensive. CDs are SO CHEAP!

Travel, Nightlife, Overall, Telephone: was more expensive than at home.

Food, Housing: was less expensive than at home.

I wish I had known...
If you have big feet (size )9 1/2- 10 womens, you CANT buy shoes here. I need shoes bad. No shorts. People only wear jeans here. I dyed my hair brown so people would stop bothering me and stop treating me like a slut (they think all N. Americans are easy). Bring more pants and sweaters...it isn't that hot here. Make the first move. YOU have to talk to mexicans, and make friends with them. They won't do it with you first. Take initiative, even if it is so hard. And once again, life is not cheap. Mex. girls are not easy (at all) and you have to pay for everything if you are the guy.

In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!