SMAD CDMX Study Abroad Program
Spring Break 2024
10 Days, 2 Cities, 1 Country
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” - Anita Desai
Background Video By Ana Lopez
Welcome Abroad!
Day 0
Themes: Culture Immersion, Creative Advertising Abroad, Disrupting Stereotypes
Pre-Program Check! Find out the basics before diving in
Day 1
Location(s): Washington DC & Mexico City
Did international crossing borders ever look so fun? I think not! Press this tab to begin your journey to SMAD's CDMX Study Abroad Trip Pre-Program Check! Find out the basics before diving in (March 8th)
Day 2
Location(s): Mexico City's Downtown (March 9th)
Guided Tour of Mexico City
Unwrap Mexico City's layers with a combo tour! Explore iconic landmarks and hidden alleys on a guided tour, then dive into the world of tacos. Sample endless varieties from street vendors, each a flavor explosion. Choose a tour that fits your interests, from Aztec history to trendy neighborhoods. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)
Day 3
Location(s): Mexico City, & Teotihuacán and Basilica de Guadalupe (March 10th)
Pyramid and Site Exploration
Journey through time in Mexico City! Explore the mystical Teotihuacán pyramids, a marvel of ancient civilization. Climb the Sun Pyramid for breathtaking views, then delve into the Basilica de Guadalupe, a pilgrimage site for millions. Witness Mexico's rich blend of history and faith in this unforgettable adventure.
Day 4
Location(s): Mexico City, & IBERO University March 11th
Advertising Seminars; Joaquín Maldonado Chief Creative Officer of TERAN, & Mexican Cooking Class
Sharpen your creative edge in Mexico City! Attend advertising seminars led by industry giants, like Joaquín Maldonado, Chief Creative Officer of TERAN. Learn from the best, then get hands-on with a Mexican cooking class. Master the art of salsa and other delicious dishes, all while soaking up the vibrant culture. This is a unique blend of professional development and culinary adventure!
Day 5
Location(s): Puebla IBERO, B!RTH Advertising Agency (March 12th)
Mexico City isn't all sightseeing! Expand your horizons with a visit to IBERO Puebla, a renowned university. Get a glimpse into Mexican academia and immerse yourself in the campus energy. Then, dive into the world of advertising at B!rth Advertising Agency. See how a Mexican agency operates, network with creative minds, and gain fresh perspectives on the industry. This is a well-rounded exploration for any aspiring professional.
Day 6
Location(s): Puebla, Cholula Pyramids (March 13th)
Explore beyond Mexico City! Journey to Puebla, a charming colonial city famous for its colorful buildings and delicious mole poblano. Step back in time at Chapultepec Castle, Mexico's only royal residence. Finally, delve into the vast Anthropology Museum, a treasure trove of pre-Hispanic history. This trip is a kaleidoscope of Mexican culture and heritage.
Day 7
Location(s): Mexico City, Chapultepec Castle & Anthropology Museum (March 14th)
Immerse yourself in the heart of Mexico City! Explore the iconic Chapultepec Castle, perched atop a hill with panoramic city views. Then, delve into the vast Anthropology Museum, a treasure trove of pre-Hispanic artifacts and Mexican history. This adventure combines breathtaking sights with a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the vibrant soul of Mexico City.
Day 8
Location(s): Mexico City, Xochimilco, Frida Kahlo Museum & Coyoacán (March 15th)
Unwind in Mexico City's floating gardens of Xochimilco, a vibrant network of canals enjoyed for centuries. Take a colorful trajinera boat and soak up the festive atmosphere. Then, delve into the life and art of Frida Kahlo at her iconic Blue House museum in Coyoacán. Explore the vibrant neighborhood and immerse yourself in Frida's passionate spirit. This adventure blends artistic immersion with a touch of Mexican whimsy.
Day 9
Location(s): Mexico City (March 15th)
Ditching tourist traps, today's mission: shop like a chilango (Mexico City local)! Upscale vibes of Antara or Miyana's family fun? Time to score unique finds, from local fashion to quirky souvenirs. Movies, food court feasts – a day of retail therapy awaits!
Day 10
Location(s): Miami, Florida & Washington DC (March 15th)
Sunshine Stopover: Miami Beach & D.C. Bound
My journey back from Mexico had a surprising twist! A connecting flight in Miami turned into a delightful coastal escape. I soaked up the sun on the beach, explored bustling marketplaces, and savored the Floridian vibes before heading to Washington D.C. for my shuttle back to Harrisonburg. A whirlwind adventure, but a memorable one nonetheless!
Gallery Recap
¡Viva México! A Glimpse Through Our Study Abroad Lens
Embark on a visual fiesta through our study abroad adventures in Mexico! This gallery recap showcases the magic we've experienced, from iconic landmarks to hidden alleys, vibrant street food to cultural encounters. Prepare to be transported to the heart of Mexico through the lens of our cameras!
Program's Purpose
Culture Immersion
Go beyond the tourist facade. We'll delve into the rich tapestry of Mexican life, from traditional art and cuisine to local customs and celebrations. You'll connect with people, understand their stories, and gain a profound appreciation for this vibrant culture
Global Creative Advertising
Unleash your inner advertiser! We'll explore the world of Mexican advertising, known for its innovative spirit and bold visuals. Learn from local experts, develop your creative problem-solving skills, and craft campaigns that resonate with a global audience
Disrupting Stereotypes
Shatter the mold! Mexico is a land of diverse experiences, beyond beaches and burritos. We'll challenge preconceived notions and explore the realities of Mexican society. This program will empower you to see the world through a new lens and become a champion for cultural understanding
¡Sigue nuestras aventuras! (Follow Our Adventures!)
Want to dive deeper into the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious eats of Mexico? Join us on Instagram! Follow @smaddiesincdmx for a behind-the-scenes look at our study abroad adventure. From bustling markets and ancient ruins to mouthwatering street food and local fiestas, we'll share the magic of Mexico, one post at a time. ¡Hasta pronto!
Day 1
United States to Mexico
Harrisonburg, VA – our cozy corner of the Shenandoah Valley! This charming college town boasts a walkable downtown with arts, eats, and shops. Hikers love nearby forests and Shenandoah National Park. JMU, the heart of Harrisonburg, adds a vibrant academic buzz. It's where we live, learn, and explore – a place to call home, our home!
Mexico is a tapestry woven with vibrant threads of culture, history, and adventure. Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Mexico City, a metropolis with ancient Aztec pyramids brushing shoulders with modern skyscrapers. Explore the charming colonial city of Puebla, famed for its delectable mole poblano and colorful architecture.
Miami was an interesting surprise! My layover back to the Burg became a sunshine stopover. Beach time and a market whirlwind – fresh finds and Florida vibes fueled my unexpected adventure before my D.C. dash home. ¡Hasta luego, Miami!
¡Adiós, Harrisonburg. Hola, Mexico City!
The plane rumbled down the runway at Washington, D.C., and with a mix of excitement and maybe a touch of nerves, I waved goodbye to the familiar East Coast landscape. Mexico City, here I come!
This isn't just a vacation; it's a deep dive into the rich and vibrant Mexican culture, a chance to unleash my creativity, and an opportunity to shatter some common stereotypes about Mexico City. But first things first – getting there!
Taking Flight (Literally): The flight was smooth sailing (or soaring?). Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) is a bustling hub, and the flight from the U.S. took around 4.5 hours. Plenty of time to get acclimated to the time zone and maybe even crack open a Spanish phrasebook (¡gracias por el café, por favor! – thanks for the coffee, please!).
¡Bienvenido a México!: Now that we officially landed in Mexico City, it's time to get situated. Stay tuned, ¡hasta luego!
Day 2
Touring Through Mexico City's Downtown
Places we Visited
Our Mexico City adventure began with a fitting introduction – a visit to the awe-inspiring La Catedral Metropolitana, the largest cathedral in the Americas. Towering over the Zócalo, its magnificent facade hinted at the centuries of history housed within.
Leaving the grandeur of La Catedral Metropolitana behind, we took a step back in time. Just a stone's throw away lay the remnants of ancient Aztec structures, echoes of a civilization that once thrived on this very spot. It was our guide's expert insights that truly brought these ruins to life, painting a vivid picture of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital that predated Mexico City.
Next, we plunged into the vibrant energy of the local markets. Stalls overflowed with colorful crafts, fresh produce, and an intoxicating mix of aromas. We haggled good-naturedly with vendors, picking up unique souvenirs and tasting everyday Mexican life. Our guide even shared a fascinating tip – a street lined with red umbrellas might not be what it seems, but a discreet marker for the city's black market (ooh ah); (un)fortuntely we did not go, but still found it interesting!
Did you know...
- La Catedral Metropolitana is 200 years old and had 20 different architects
- Mexico City is sinking because it is located on a lake and the government spent a fortune keeping the Cathedral stable!
- The Conquistadors would build on top of the Aztec structures to hide the history
- When James Bond was filmed in the city it theatrical release made Mexico's City Festival a worldwide phenomenon resulting in larger celebrations
- The mail service is super cheap, 3 pesos, but packages will take 3 months to arrive
- St. Domingo Marketplace is an area that sells many things, including fake IDs and Degrees! If a doctor is bad or does not know what they are doing, the people say the doctor studied at St. Domingo University
Day 3
Teotihuacan
Fit Check First, Hats Included
Before our tour, we took a cozy hour-long ride to our stop! While we entered, there were a ton of hat shops where we bought amazing hats to go along with our spectacular fits, as seen here on Leah.
Afterward, we ensured we had enough water and went headfirst into the ancient ruins with our tour guide!
Up Up And Oh, We're how Many Feet Up??
These pyramids, built thousands of years ago, still stand the test of time today! Fortunately, we had the opportunity to go to multiple pyramids. The first one we went on was a smaller structure where the leader would talk to 10s of thousands of people at once. Because of the architecture, the leader could speak in a conversational voice and be heard at the very edge of the arena just fine; no microphone was needed!
The second pyramid we went on was MUCH taller. The steps felt like small mountains. Once we got to the top we analyzed an even BIGGER pyramid, engraved with the markings of the rain god. A snake mixed with an eagle. Representing the cycle of rebirth
There's Layers to These Wonders
Remember that scene in Shrek 1 when Shrek was advising Donkey about layers to every situation, and with each layer you peel back, there is even more? Well, this ancient society, and Shrek's lesson have a lot in common. You see, this society believed in cycles for everything they did, activities, structures, rituals, you name it! So, when their leader passes away, the next leader takes it upon themselves to build an even bigger temple on top of the previous one as a sign of power and the continuing tradition of completing the cycle's next phase!
Day 4
IBERO University & TERAN TBWA
IBERO Classes
IBERO's campus was open, and the classroom resembled an American auditorium! The culture of this campus was more casual than that of the U.S. Professors and students had mutual and professional relationships, with one of the professors calling his students "Swifties" to refer to them as his fans!
Joaquín Maldonado, Chief Creative Officer at TERAN\TBWA
This ad agency is all about disrupting the status quo. Joaquín's secret weapon? His seven criteria for Creativity are brave, distinctive, desirable, relevant, impactful, artistic, and collaborative. This "creative compass" now guides my thinking, reminding me that great ideas can come from shaking things up!
Tacos From Scratch
A visit to IBERO was not just about academics – it was a hands-on exploration of Mexican culture! Our day took a turn when we found ourselves in a lively kitchen classroom, learning to make tortillas from scratch. Under the watchful eye of a local professor, we kneaded the dough, feeling the transformation from simple ingredients to a soft, pliable dough. Each participant rolled out their tortilla, the anticipation building as we watched them sizzle on the griddle. The final test? Of course, it involved devouring our warm, homemade creations, a delicious reward for our newfound skills. This tortilla-making experience was a delightful blend of cultural immersion and culinary adventure, a perfect example of how learning goes beyond the classroom!
Cooking Process
Final Result!
Day 5
Puebla, B!RTH Advertisement Agency
Congratulations! You are Now My Elite Employee!
B!rth is a young organization with a sense of humor. While there, we witnessed the open artistic spaces were ideas come to life! Including, meeting their first employee (seen up top)!
B!rth to Creativity
Your ideas are only as good as your team! During our tour guides presentation they shared how they work cross-functionally to make their best work and conduct user-centered research to best market to people's needs.
Day 6
Chapel, & Cholula Pyramids
These Pyramids were found only 40 years ago! Located next to a Cathedral.
Interesting Fact: The way most pyramids in Mexico are found is because the Spaniards built their churches over these ancient places to symbolize them colonizing the land.
Cathedral Cat
Keeper of The Holy Cat Nibble
Day 7
Chapultepec Castle & Anthropology Museum
Day 8
Xochimilco, Frida Kahlo Museum & Farwell Dinner
Xochimilco's Hidden Hustle: From Floating Farms to Future Chefs
But Xochimilco's beauty goes beyond the party atmosphere. These floating gardens are actually a working ecosystem! Farmers here, called chinamperos, have been cultivating crops on these unique islands for centuries. It is a fascinating, sustainable way of agriculture, and their fresh produce ends up on the plates of some of Mexico City's top restaurants. Talk about farm-to-table freshness!
This focus on sustainability and community resonated with us even more after learning about a unique Mexican requirement. University students here have to complete 450 hours of community service before they graduate! Can you imagine the positive impact that has on local communities and social responsibility? It made me think about how we can integrate similar programs back home. Future advertising campaigns could be all about promoting environmental causes or social justice issues. Just a thought!
So, Xochimilco was not just about the floating fiesta (although that was pretty epic). It was a reminder that beauty and practicality can go hand-in-hand and that education can be a powerful tool for creating a better future.
Xochimilco's Hidden Harmony: Farmers & Nature
Xochimilco's beauty is not just skin deep. These floating gardens are a testament to centuries of sustainable farming practices. Chinamperos, the farmers who call these canals home, have mastered a unique ecosystem. They create their fertile islands using layers of organic materials, maintaining a healthy balance for plant life. Scraped canal muck and chili castle, a blue-green alga that thrives on the water's surface, become natural fertilizers, keeping the soil rich and productive. It is a fascinating closed loop where waste becomes a resource, ensuring the gardens flourish for generations to come.
A Symphony of Life: Wildlife in the Canals
Xochimilco is not just a haven for humans; it is a thriving habitat for a surprising variety of wildlife. The lush vegetation provides a sanctuary for colorful songbirds, their melodies adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Dragonflies flit through the air, their iridescent wings shimmering in the sunlight. And keep your eyes peeled for playful axolotls, a unique salamander native to Mexico, peeking out from the water's edge. These canals are a vital ecosystem, a testament to the delicate balance between human ingenuity and the natural world.
La Casa Azul Oasis: Unveiling Frida Kahlo's World
A trip to Mexico City would only be complete with stepping into the vibrant world of Frida Kahlo. The Frida Kahlo Museum, housed in her iconic cobalt-blue childhood home (aptly nicknamed La Casa Azul – The Blue House), offered a deeply personal glimpse into the life of this legendary artist. Wandering through the rooms, we encountered her bold self-portraits, vibrant folk art collections, and personal belongings – all imbued with her unique spirit and unwavering strength. From the wheelchair displayed prominently in her studio to the colorful textiles adorning the walls, La Casa Azul felt less like a museum and more like a journey into Frida's soul. It was a powerful reminder of the artist's resilience and the enduring legacy she left behind.
Farewell: A Delicious Goodbye
Our farewell dinner was not just about the food (although let's be honest, amazing Mexican food by private chefs is a win in any book!). It was about a cultural revelation – the art of truly appreciating a taco. Who knew there was an etiquette involved? Apparently, the proper way to show respect for this culinary masterpiece is to bring it to your heart, bow your head slightly, and then savor every bite. Mind. Blown.
This little lesson in taco tradition added a whole new layer of meaning to our final feast. Each bite was not just delicious, but a way to express gratitude for the incredible experience we had in Mexico. We devoured tacos bursting with flavor, sampled an array of mouthwatering Mexican candies, and laughed with newfound friends, all under the warm hospitality of our amazing chefs. It was the perfect send-off, a delicious goodbye filled with laughter, learning, and a newfound appreciation for the humble taco. ¡Hasta pronto, México!
Day 9 & 10
The Journey Home
Last Minute Exploration
Before takeoff, we squeezed in a local mall adventure. International brands mingled with local shops, offering the perfect mix of souvenirs and everyday finds. A final chance to snag some keepsakes, practice haggling (with questionable success!), and soak up the city's vibrant energy. ¡Adiós, malls!
Miami Fever-Dream
Our journey home was not direct! A Miami layover became a delightful (and unplanned) Florida adventure. Beach time and a market whirlwind – fresh finds and Florida vibes fueled our unexpected mini-adventure before our final dash home. ¡Adiós, Miami!
Back to The Burg
After a whirlwind adventure, familiar sights greeted us upon landing in Harrisonburg. The Shenandoah Valley's rolling hills felt like a warm embrace, a welcome return to our cozy corner of Virginia. Suitcases unpacked, memories overflowing, we carried a piece of Mexico within us, forever grateful for the transformative experience. ¡Ya estamos en casa! (We're home!)
¡Adiós México, te llevo en el corazón!
As I write this final farewell, a bittersweet feeling washes over me. This single scroll has captured just a glimpse of the incredible journey of my time studying abroad in Mexico. From the electrifying energy of Mexico City's Zócalo to the serene beauty of Xochimilco's floating gardens, this experience has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Mexico, you have challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, embrace new perspectives, and see the world through a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and traditions. I have learned from passionate chefs whipping up culinary masterpieces, sharp advertising minds crafting innovative campaigns, and history whispering through the walls of ancient ruins.
The connections I have made with local residents and inspiring professionals will continue to resonate long after my departure. We've shared laughter, exchanged stories, and created a unique bond forged in a foreign land. These friendships will be a lasting reminder of the warmth and generosity of the Mexican people.
But most importantly, Mexico, you've awakened a thirst for exploration, a curiosity for understanding different cultures, and a desire to keep breaking down stereotypes. You've shown me the power of stepping outside the familiar and embracing the unknown. This is just the beginning, a single chapter in a story that promises to be filled with new adventures.
So, ¡adiós México! Thank you for the unforgettable memories, the life lessons learned, and the delicious tacos devoured. You'll forever hold a special place in my heart. ¡Hasta pronto! Perhaps on a return visit, ready to discover new hidden gems and reconnect with the magic of this incredible country.
And to you, the reader who joined me on this virtual adventure, ¡gracias por acompañarme! (Thank you for joining me!). I hope these glimpses have ignited a spark of wanderlust in your soul. The world is a vast and vibrant tapestry waiting to be explored. Go forth, embrace the unknown, and create your own unforgettable stories!
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