Meet Ashleigh Mavros, Foreign Correspondent

Ashleigh Mavros is a sophomore studying journalism with a Spanish minor. She is currently in Merida, Mexico for winter quarter.

Merida, Mexico will be my temporary home from January to March as I study abroad in the Language; Culture Program. Senior year of high school I was able to take a day trip into a small town in Mexico across the Texas border and I fell in love; the colors, the people and the overall environment were completely invigorating. An avid traveler for all of my life, I’m looking forward to actually putting down roots in a location for an extended period of time. My hometown has a large presence of Hispanic citizens so I’ve grown accustom to the culture, but while in Mexico I believe the hardest obstacle for me to overcome will be to trust and reach out to those I meet. However, I know my independent and curious personality will open many doors while in Merida. By the end of the trip I hope to have eaten tons of fried ice cream, swam in cenotes, and embroidered my own dress.

Introducing Foreign Correspondent: Kaitlyn Richert

Kaitlyn Richert is a sophomore double majoring in magazine journalism and informational graphics/publication design, with a minor in Spanish. She is studying abroad in Toledo, Spain for winter quarter 2012.

I’ll be studying abroad in Spain this winter, and I chose the program because I want to immerse myself in a foreign culture and develop a stronger grasp on the Spanish language. While my majors pertain to journalism and communications, taking a quarter off from that to explore different culture and language is important to me. I hope to someday work with international clients in the magazine or communications industry. I have never been abroad before, so I am anticipating anxiety and excitement.

Celebrating Mérida’s Foundation and the Mexico’s Longest Cake: A Cultural Experience! by Katie Scott

The first week of January is a great time to arrive in a Latin American country. Us “gringos” found this out upon our arrival in Mérida, learning that “navidad,” or Christmas, is technically still celebrated until January 6, where “el dia de Los Reyes” is celebrated. Since Mérida was founded with Catholic influence from Spain, it is no surprise that this holiday originates from the Catholic story of the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem to bring gifts to Baby Jesus. Although it historically has religious roots, this street celebration has been modified to a more informal, communal celebration with a religious force behind it comparable to Easter. Not being a religious person myself, I still felt comfortable joining the locals and partying in the streets.

For students studying abroad, understanding and experiencing holidays, or “días festivos,” is a fantastic introduction to the community you are about to live in and provides you with a great representation of their culture. Almost all holidays will have some history behind its meaning and significance (think about Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July), so it’s a great way to not only learn the culture, but also learn a bit of history as well.

The city of Mérida wasn’t only celebrating the end of the Christmas season, but also the foundation of the city. I got to learn about when the city was founded, (1542!) and visited buildings and churches that are as old as the city! One can also understand architecture and the style of the city better when they know their history: for Merida, their foundation year was when the Spaniards first arrived to Mexico and conquered the Mayans that were living there. Many of the buildings are beautiful and colonial-designed due to the Spanish influence. Religion and Catholicism was huge during that time in the Spanish social realm, so there are several monumental churches “en el centro,” the main downtown area of Merida.

Enough about the history, you’re probably wondering how the city celebrates this double-holiday. “Rosca de Reyes” is a traditional cake that is baked for this holiday that in every cake, there is a figurine hidden inside. If you have the figurine (who is supposed to represent Baby Jesus), then you are supposed to throw a party for all the people you celebrated the holiday with before the second of February. My roommate had the figurine in her cake that she ate from work, so I will be inviting myself to that party! In the downtown area of Merida, they close down some of the main roads and have a huge party in the street. Hundreds of people swarm closed down streets to see and taste the biggest rosca de reyes in all of Mexico, stretching 1.5 kilometers, which in Gringo measurements, makes it about 4,821 feet long. It is HUGE. And yes, this cake is in the Guinness book of world records!!

Aside from getting a huge piece of cake and soda or hot chocolate for 25 pesos (less than 2 dollars), there is a huge dance party going on at the end of the huge cake, with a live band performing and signing nonstop for a few hours. It is quite a spectacle and very fun to be a part of. They invited a bunch of the ladies in the front dancing on stage, so I got to dance with the band!

I think its important to remember that events like these are not required parts of our excursions or the programs, so you must talk to locals or your host family in order to get the inside scoop of when these awesome cultural events go down.

Hop on Google or ask your local friend when the next holiday or fiesta is going down in the town you are studying abroad in. Make sure you go, bring a camera, and have an unforgettable time!

No weight, no problem by Jasmine Garcia

Jasmine Garcia is a sophomore studying public relations at Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. She is currently in Spain for winter quarter. Follow her on Twitter: @JasmineRGarcia

When traveling the world, you are confronted with many issues such as what to pack. When staring at your suitcase, have no fear.  I know all of us fashion lover’s dread one thing when going to the airport: the weight limit for suitcases. I can say for myself that I had to repack my suitcase three times just to get it a pound and a half under the weight limit. Here are some tips to make your packing stress free but still look fabulous while abroad.

Scarves: Scarves are one thing that can jazz up any outfit plus keep you warm during those unexpected cold days and nights. Many scarves are lightweight and pack easily while taking up little space. Also many stores in other countries sell scarves abroad, so if you get tired of the ones you pack, you can always shop for new ones.

Comfortable shoes: I can attest for myself that a stylish shoe will always beat out a comfortable one. But for those long days of touring cities and walking to class, a comfortable (but cute) shoe is necessary.  I recommend a boot in a neutral color such a black or brown so that it can be worn with many different outfits. Also, the clothing during the night life is very relaxed so a boot will transfer quite easily from day wear to night wear.

I also recommend Vans or a canvas style of shoe. It’s very casual and can go with many outfits as well. My gray vans are a great alternative to the boot look and are also very comfortable for long days of walking.

Hair accessories: Since  you are traveling to a different country were the voltage is probably different than the United States and you are dealing with a weight limit, you probably are not going to be able to bring the hair dryer and straightener that you cannot live without. For this reason, I recommend bringing hair accessories such as headbands (which you can buy for a steal at Forever 21), lots of bobby pins and hair ties. These tools will help you change up your style when you get bored with your everyday look and will make living without your beloved hair tools a little more manageable.  It even gives you an opportunity to try some styles that are sported by some of the locals (if you dare).

Fleece jacket:  By now, I’m sure most of you are tired of the fleece look, but for traveling, a fleece jacket is very lightweight and can add an extra layer when it may become a little chilly. A fleece jacket, such as a Northface or a Columbia, is very casual and can be purchased in a variety of colors. If you are not looking to splurge, many stores carry their own brands of fleece jackets that run very cheap.

Watch: I have recently become obsessed with watches and wear one every day. Wearing a watch abroad helps a lot and even adds style to your outfit. Many places in Spain don’t have clocks and people don’t look at their phone a lot to check the time. Plus if you wear your watch on the plane, it’s less weight you have to worry about packing. 

Happy traveling!

Meet Foreign Correspondent, Katie Scott

Katie Scott is a senior Spanish and Sociology major studying abroad in Mérida, Mexico for Winter Quarter 2012.

Hola! I will be one of your Foreign Correspondents, channeling any and all cool and interesting stories and facts about the Yucatán, Mérida, the Mexican lifestyle and what it is like studying abroad here. I am a lucky third-timer when it comes to study abroad, I was in Toledo, Spain two years ago studying Spanish and received my TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate this past summer in Cuenca, Ecuador. I love the Spanish culture and lifestyle (although different per country that I have visited) and want to share my experiences and thoughts with those interested or curious about studying abroad.

A quick overview of Mérida: it is the capital and the largest city (population of around 1 million)of the Mexican State of Yucatan and the Yucatan Peninsula. When you think of Mexico, Merida is in the eastern-most part of the country, a top of the tail-like end of the country. It ranges from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit each day, but it is usually around a perfect 78 each day (well, for now, it is supposed to get hotter when “winter” ends).

The people of Mérida are as pleasant and warm as the weather. Everyone is extremely friendly, eager to make conversation, and helpful if you are lost or need directions. So far, Mérida is living up to its’ expectations and I am loving it!