Descendants of the Aztecs and the Mayas, Mexicans enjoy a rich tradition of native legends, artistic expressions and diverse cultures. The land of deserts, jungles, mountains and beaches also offers some notable modern architecture. Also, check out the lively conversations at local town squares featuring food and craft markets.
Family time, school and sports are important to Mexican teens. And friends go in town for movies, dancing and hanging out.
You can live anywhere in Mexico—from rural to urban areas.Families are usually the center of social life for many people. Some are quite large, including the extended family and unmarried children living at home. Parents can be protective, especially with girls, so please keep them informed about your activities. Actively helping people in need is important to local communities.
You will probably attend a private school during your year abroad in Mexico, with five or six classes a day. Expect to study subjects like Mexican history, Spanish literature or Mexican law, as well as a few electives. Uniforms are usually required. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a sports, theater or music group, if extracurricular activities are offered at your school.
Spanish is the main language spoken in Mexico. Having a basic knowledge of Spanish or English will be helpful.
Mexican food is varied, flavorful and sometimes spicy. Tortillas, rice, beans, tacos, and quesadillas are staples. Don’t forget to taste the mole, a thick, rich sauce from the Mexican state of Oaxaca, and some of the delicious homemade fruit drinks.
Our learning program will prepare you for an amazing AFS intercultural experience. The program begins at your home country with a pre-departure orientation and continues with orientations and other supported learning activities and facilitated conversations will help you maximize your experience, cope the challenges of navigating a new culture and community and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding, throughout your time abroad, and as you return to you home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family through your learning journey abroad.
The Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program will support your intercultural learning experience. This state-of-the-art program prepares you to successfully navigate new cultural environments—during your AFS experience and long after you finish the program. Online intercultural learning modules combined with in-person sessions help you develop practical and global skills, knowledge and attitudes that employers need and mission-driven organizations believe will help achieve their social impact goals. You will receive your certification upon completion of the training program.