México, D.F. by Gabriela

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I received three thousand euros for one semester scholarship program.

What is the student lifestyle like in México, D. F.?

Thousands of students arrive in Mexico every year. There's no better place for an scholarship program. You meet people from all over the planet, have the best parties and experiences.

The schools in Mexico are great. UNAM is one of the best universities in Latin America. Studying there were insane. The teachers and local students are always there if need them. They want you to have an amazing experience.

I thought the education system in Mexico, at least at UNAM, sooooo diferent from the system I was used to in Brasil. They make you actually think. And you are able to learn for real. That was the thing I like the most in UNAM.

Would you recommend the city and the University of México, D. F. to other students?

Absolutely yes. UNAM is an excellent school. Teachers coulnd't be more prepared. The people are kind and ready to help with anything you can possible need.

CU is amazing. I can not explain with words how big and beautiful that place is. You need to take bus routs or even a taxi to move from place to place. They have their own stadium and football team. They have their own Supermarket with three different banks in there. Crazy! If you are hungry you can stop in any corner and buy a taco or a salad, or maybe just a coffee.

This is the main library in the university. It's also the most beautiful building in CU. The images tell us a story and show as how Mexico can be magical.

What is the food like?

Hot! Everything is really spice in Mexico. Never believe a Mexican when he tells you something isn't spice. That means exactly the opposite.

For me, the food was the only thing I didn't love in Mexico. I don't like any spice in my food, so I spend my intire scholarship running from the "salsas".

However, if you like pepper, then Mexico is your place! They put it in everything. I mean it. Even not a beer it's safe.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in México, D. F.?

A little bit. UNAM gives students a list with some accommodations options, but it's a small one.

I searched on many websites months before I arrived. But I was afraid of getting in a bad area. In the end, I found it in AIRBNB APP. I don't regret my choice at all.

How much does it cost to live in México, D. F.?

Not much.

Mexican money is not the most expensive one. Almost everything was cheaper than in my own country. So I lived great without spending much.

But you need to be carefull. Once you are a forigen, there are always that kind that will try to take advantage of you. Keep alert.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Spanish is similar to portuguese, I thought. That is going to be easy. HA. Poor Gabi.

Spanish and portuguese can seem similar, but mexicans and brazilians? Well, we have distinct accents, what made my life miserable at the begging.

But a few weeks later, things start making sense and I was starting to communicate. By communicate I mean answering any question with "si, gracias" or "no, gracias".

"Gabi como estás? " "Si, gracias"

Going to school and reading politics in spanish was a nightmare. Writing tests and homework? My death.

But thanks God, People were always kind and pacient with me. They like to teach me new words, specially the rude ones.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to México, D. F. from your city?

I had some awnsome moments traveling with a group called HANG OUT MEXICO. They have parties and road trips for a really economical prices.

It is a great option for traveling around and meet people from all over the place.

There are other groups with the same idea, but Hang Out is the one I know and can talk about. But a small search and you can find at least two more options.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in México, D. F.?

I recommend following HANG OUT MEXICO in social medias, because they always have great parties for students from abroad.

Condesa is where things happens in Mexico. If you don't have any plans you can always go there and let it go. I'm pretty sure you will find some good party.

My favorite night club was Pata Negra. You ask any mexican and they will tell you a hundred reasons you shound't go there. Don't listen to them. The place is cool.

Arctic Bar is also a good Idea. It's an ice bar. COOL.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in México, D. F.?

My favorites restaurants were LOFT at Condesa. Every monday everything is 50% off. PARADISE. You should go.

And PANEPS at CU. Best hamburgers EVER!

If you want to feel the most mexican a forigen can be, you can eat some tacos in any trailer around the streets. They are fantastics.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

ANYWHERE. Mexico tells a story on every street, in every smile. You can just walk around and appreciate it.

DF is a big city. Even bigger than São Paulo. There are so much you can do.

If you enjoy art, you can go to Fridas' house. It was a house where Frida Kahlo lived the most part of her life. There, you can see some of her best jobs, her old clothes and things. It's a blue and beautiful house.

Chapultepec is an insane place. It's a park. But not just that. There is a castle, a lake and even a zoo. Near there you can find the Museo de Antropologia, the most Museum I ever met.

We can not forget the famous beaches. God. How they are beautiful. I don't have words to describe it. There is one more amazing than other. Acapulco, Cancun, Play del Carmen, Islas Marietas, Vera Cruz, Puerto Vallarta... You will just fall in love with each one of these pieces of Heaven.

Tulum is now my favorite place. I can't stop staring at this pic and thinking how flawless mother nature is.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to México, D. F. in the future?

Don't get scared by things going wrong or being alone. Just breath and let it go.

Mexico is a beautiful country and there are SO many places to visit. Go to as many places as you can. Spend your money in moments and not things. I'm pretty sure it will be worth it in the end.

Live la vida loca. Make friends and connetions that will last forever!