 DO I NEED A PASSPORT OR VISA TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO? A passport is needed for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico. If you do not already have one, make sure you obtain your passport from the nearest U.S. Passport Services office plenty of time in advance of your departure date. El Quijote requires a copy of your passport for the registration process. A visa is not needed for traveling in Mexico. In fact, a document considered to be a tourist visa will be given to you upon arrival to México. This document allows you to be in the country for up to six months. WHAT TYPE OF DRINKING WATER IS AVAILABLE? In Mexico, you must ALWAYS drink bottled or boiled water. Even most Mexicans do not drink water from the tap. Bottled water is readily available in Mexico, and all of the host families have bottled or boiled water available for drinking at all times. DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL VACCINATIONS? No special vaccinations are needed for traveling throughout Mexico, however the Hepatitis B vaccination is highly recommended. If you plan to travel anywhere outside of Mexico (Central or South America) you should consult your physician to find out which additional vaccinations are needed. ARE BOOKS IN ENGLISH READILY AVAILABLE? Books in English are not readily available, with the exception of Mexico City. If you want to read books in English, plan on bringing some. Also, a Spanish grammar book with explanations in English is highly recommendable. WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHING SHOULD I PLAN TO TAKE? In general, Guanajuato has a very temperate climate with a year round temperature average of 64 degrees F. Throughout most of the year the weather is warm and sunny during the day, and cool and crisp at night, with the exception of June through September, which is the rainy season. The hottest months are usually April and May, where highs can get into the 90s. Because one will be doing a lot of walking and exploring, and because of Guanajuato's rugged landscape and cobblestone streets, comfortable clothes and walking shoes are highly recommended. A light jacket, sweatshirt or cotton sweater is recommended for cool evenings. Also, plan on bringing a rain coat or umbrella, if you plan to come during the summer months. HOW AM I GOING TO BE ABLE TO MAKE LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS TO THE STATES? While living with a host family, both local and long distance phone calls should be limited, even if you have a long distance calling card. Public telephones are widely available in Guanajuato1s downtown area, and long distance phone calls can be made from most of these phones using a U.S. calling card. Also, calling cards are available in Guanajuato, and may be used to make both local and long distance calls. HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY SHOULD I BRING? Spending money can vary drastically from person to person, and it is helpful to consult El Quijote's orientation book to get an idea as to prices. Because all of your meals, housing and laundry is already included, extra money would depend on how much you plan to spend on nightlife, shopping and traveling. WILL MY TEACHERS SPEAK ENGLISH? Most professors at the University of Guanajuato speak little or no English. Therefore, you can expect your classes at all levels to be in Spanish. This will help you to improve your own language skills, as well as learn more about the Mexican culture. WILL I EXPERIENCE CULTURE SHOCK? You may or may not experience culture shock, depending on your length of stay in Mexico. However, this may also depend on the individual. It is recommended that you read the section on culture shock in your orientation book so that you understand what the "symptoms" of culture shock are, and therefore, know what to expect and why. WHAT AIRPORT SHOULD I PLAN ON FLYING INTO? You should plan to fly into the Leon/Bajio airport, which is only a twenty minute drive from Guanajuato, and is where you will be picked up by an El Quijote director. Some students find it less expensive to fly into Mexico City, and then take a 5 hour bus ride to Guanajuato. If you cannot yet communicate well in Spanish, or are traveling alone, it is recommended that you arrive in Leon instead of Mexico City.
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El Quijote - Spanish Language Abroad Programs
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