Mexico - Victoria
Student: Victoria
Course: Bachelor of Criminology/Laws
Program: short-term exchange T3 2025
The highlight was being able to feel comfortable in a interactive classroom setting with like minded people who are willing to learn a new language/expand knowledge and meeting people/making long life friendships.
The lowlight, there is none, having to say goodbye.
Describe the city you were living in: the landscape, the culture, the weather etc.
I was living in Querétaro, located in north-central Mexico. The historic centre is incredibly picturesque, with cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured buildings, stunning colonial churches, and lively plazas filled with energy. One of my favourite landmarks was the iconic Aqueduct of Querétaro, which stretches across the city and lights up beautifully at night. Although it was Winter School and the mornings were quite chilly, the days would warm up into sunny afternoons, perfect for exploring on foot. What stood out most was the strong sense of community. Families gathered in the plazas, live music filled the evenings, and local markets offered fresh, vibrant food. I felt genuinely safe, welcomed, and surrounded by rich history every day!
What were some of the differences you observed to Australia when you arrived?
When I first arrived from Melbourne, I noticed how social and expressive daily life was in Mexico, with people spending more time outdoors and a strong sense of community. I was also pleasantly surprised by how affordable and convenient public transport was compared to home.
Describe a normal day in your life overseas: your university, your work placement or your study tour?
A typical day usually began with an early start. I would prepare breakfast, get ready for the day, and sometimes do a short revision session before heading out. Living with housemates made mornings feel social and lively, as we would all get ready together before walking about ten minutes to campus.
Our mornings were dedicated to language classes, which were interactive and immersive. During breaks, we would often have lunch together, explore nearby cafés, or take part in light recreational activities. The afternoons varied , sometimes we continued with classroom-based learning, and other days we participated in cultural activities or organised study tours around the city. Each day felt balanced between academics and cultural immersion, making the experience both productive and enriching.
How did you spend your weekends?
On most weekends, I explored nearby towns and cities with other international students. We visited museums, tried new food spots, went shopping, and enjoyed the nightlife, including salsa bars and live music.
Did you go on any memorable trips to explore your host country or maybe a nearby country?
One of the most memorable trips was to Mexico City, around a three-hour commute from Querétaro. There, we visited Xochimilco and took a traditional boat ride through the canals, attending a lively boat event filled with music and colour. This experience gave me the opportunity to connect and network with nine other international students from diverse cultures and backgrounds outside of the Winter School program. It was an unforgettable way to immerse myself in Mexican culture while building meaningful global connections beyond the classroom.
What's the best/most memorable thing you ate?
It’s hard to choose just one, but the most memorable dishes I tried were pollo en salsa verde with chilequiles, and birria tacos. The flavours were fresh, vibrant, and unlike anything I’d had in Australia. Sharing meals like this with friends was a big part of experiencing local culture and made trying new foods even more enjoyable.
How did you make friends and what sort of things did you do together?
I made friends by intentionally putting myself out there and reaching out to other international students before the program even began. Connecting with them early and organising to meet up once we arrived helped break the ice and made settling in much easier. From there, friendships developed naturally through simple conversations and shared experiences. We attended social events, grabbed food together, went to karaoke, enjoyed bike rides, visited discos, and explored the city. Taking that initial step to connect beforehand made a big difference and helped create strong friendships from the very beginning.
How did you decide which study abroad opportunity to do?
To be honest, participating in a short-term study program was never part of my original plan. I actually stumbled across the application link for this program just a week before the deadline and decided to go for it, curious to see where the experience might lead. What made it even more exciting was that I didn’t personally know anyone who had visited Mexico before, so it felt like a completely new adventure and opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture.
Was there some aspect of your trip that was different to your expectations?
One aspect of the trip that surprised me was just how safe and welcoming Querétaro felt. Before arriving, I had some worries about safety, but I quickly realised that the city was very secure and easy to navigate. I was also struck by the strong sense of community, locals were friendly, approachable, and genuinely willing to help.
What was something that challenged you?
One of the biggest challenges during my time abroad was navigating daily life in Spanish while also adjusting to a new living environment. From ordering food to participating in class discussions, I quickly realised how much I relied on language for confidence and independence. At the same time, having always lived at home with my family, adapting to sharing a house with others required maturity and flexibility. At first, it felt overwhelming not always understanding everything around me while also managing new responsibilities. However, these challenges pushed me to become more proactive and resilient. I learned to communicate in different ways, be patient, and step outside my comfort zone. Over time, I became more confident, independent, and adaptable, realising that growth often comes from embracing discomfort rather than avoiding it.
What's your one piece of advice for a student who is preparing to study abroad? How should they prepare?
My advice for students preparing to study abroad is to come with an open mind and a willingness to embrace new experiences. Do your research beforehand, learn about the city, the local culture, and the subjects you will be studying.
What is the one big thing you will always remember from your experience? Or one big lesson that you learnt?
One big lesson I learned from this experience is to fully immerse yourself in every opportunity that comes your way. It’s up to you to make the most of your time abroad, and stepping outside your comfort zone will lead to personal growth you won’t regret. I will always remember the beautiful connections I made along the way, friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Meeting other students who were in the same boat, navigating cultural and academic differences together, and supporting each other through challenges made the experience even more meaningful. These relationships, combined with the memories of exploring new places and embracing new experiences, are what I will cherish most from my time in Mexico.