Getting to a new place far from home and out of your comfort zone is always a big challenge, which is why 10 Mexican host families have given them a warm welcome into their homes during their stay in Yucatan this semester.
Better yet, we have a group of local students from different universities who have volunteered to act as tutors for the Centre students, accompanying them in various cultural activities around the city, helping them get to know the day-to-day life in Merida and overcome language barriers.
The first activities were held in some of the most important sites in Merida and Yucatan like the historic downtown, the most popular local market Lucas de Galvéz, and Museum Casa Montejo. They also took a few trips outside the city to Progreso beach, Izamal, and marvelous archaeological sites such as Ek Balam, Yaxunah, and the World Heritage of Chichen Itza.
These activities are an incredible opportunity for cultural immersion, as the students are able to experience the daily life of local Mayan communities, which represent nearly 70% of the Yucatecan population. They have also been able to explore astonishing landscapes, cenotes, and rich local biodiversity.
This is just the beginning of a remarkable adventure, to be continued…