‘No Te Preoccupes’ in Tec de Monterrey, Mexico

Hola a Todo! I’m Miela Malyon (Ba of Photography in Design) currently studying at Tec de Monterrey in Queretaro (a small city about 3 hours drive north west of Mexico City).

Whilst I’ve studied photography for the past 3 years, here in Mexico I’m taking Spanish language classes and one philosophy subject in English both as free electives. Both my courses are in the form of tutorials and do not have separate formal lectures, this appears to be quite common for Tec. I’d highly recommend taking language classes, to aid with connecting to the country, making friends and socialising (for me my main motivation has been to enable me to work here as a photographer). In my philosophy class, I’m the only native English speaker, which proves challenging at times. If you can I’d highly recommend taking courses in Spanish, and getting your language proficiency up before going.

As a private institution, Tec is modelled off an American model of University (including a collage called ‘prep’) there is a ridiculous amount of extracurricular activities called ‘Life courses’ that you can take concurrently on top of your academic studies. There’s everything from Theatrical Acting to Taikwando. Furthermore, orientation for exchange students is jam packed! There have been various opportunities for catered tours to cultural sites (such as the famous Pyramids of Teotihuacan) which offer an easy opportunity to see more of the country and get to know other students. Tec also runs off a 5 week blocks with every 6th week being free of classes for ‘Life Weeks’ that offer further time for travel.

In terms of living, Queretaro offers a tranquil option in comparison to CDMX, the city is fairly walk-able and very very safe by Mexican standards. For those wanting more nightlife, access to museums and metropolitan culture I would recommend the CDMX. But if you’re wanting somewhere a little more quiet to get your bearings Queretaro is a good middle-ground that isn’t too far away. Almost all of my weekends have been spent travelling to CDMX or other parts of the country for leisure and photo jobs.

Whilst Mexico does have a reputation regarding safety, I truly urge you if you’re thinking about exchanging here to come! Mexicans are incredibly friendly (if you think Australians are – it’s a whole different level here…) and very willing and eager to put time and effort into helping foreigners get where they need to go. Every time I’ve found myself struggling, I’ve been greeted with the same ‘No Te Preoccupes’ / don’t you worry from strangers and friends alike. Many have gone out of their way to help with the big little things that are sometimes difficult in a new country (finding a mobile sim, navigation) to more tricky situations (losing a phone/key etc).

Last but not least! The other reasons I absolutely urge you to get your booty into this country is for the richness of history, art, food, and nature! Mexico has an incredible strength of traditional and contemporary culture, with each state having it’s own flavour. Everywhere you look (from the food, to murals on the sidewalk) there’s references to this explosive mix of contemporary subcultures, Catholicism and pre-Hispanic traditions (Mayans and Aztecs are only just the beginning… there is in fact 100’s of indigenous groups). In contrast to Australia, the way Mexico openly celebrates both traditions brought by ‘colonisers’ (the Castillanos) and indigenous practices is bloody inspiring, and paradoxical. I feel we would do well to take a leaf out of Mexico’s book. For any future students considering travel to Mexico, please feel free to reach out to me via socials, happy to answer any and all questions. Mexico is also incredibly diverse in terms of ecosystems…jungles, volcanos, mountains, beaches. You simply need to know where the locals go (or, you find it out on the way jeje). See below me hiking (solo) in the mountains of Tepoztlán, walking around a lagoon in the crater of a dormant volcano Sierra Nevada de Toluca, and dying of heat in the desert ecosystem of Baja California.

Miela Malyon
Bachelor of Design in Photography
Tecnologico de Monterrey
Mexico

For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program please visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal