Arrival and the first week at the Tec
When I decided to spend a semester abroad in Mexico, I didn't know what to expect. After going through the selection process and receiving the confirmation from the Tecnológico de Monterrey in my mailbox, things got serious. I booked my flight, packed my rucksack and at the end of July the time had come. I would be living and studying in Mexico for almost 6 months. My attempts to organize a place to stay on the Internet failed miserably, and because all the landlords wanted the rent for 5 months + deposit in advance, I decided to look for something suitable locally.
I arrived in Monterrey with a queasy feeling and a booked Airbnb. Zona del Tecnológico de Monterrey is the name of the area around the campus. The Tec provided a guide with various accommodation options - see accommodation tips.
After several Airbnbs and a week in the Ikali hostel (highly recommended), I found a place to stay. Before the start of the semester, the Tec offers an introductory week for exchange students, which is held in English and Spanish. During this week there are helpful tips and you should definitely not miss it. You also go through the registration process, can change your timetable, get an e-mail account and there is information about sports courses and other activities outside of your studies.
Studying at the TEC de Monterrey
As TEC de Monterrey is one of the best private universities and, at $5000 per semester, also one of the most expensive in Mexico, you can expect a lot. The campus is huge, there are many buildings, restaurants, retreats and a huge library. However, you quickly find your way around and have lectures in a kind of class group.
My courses consisted of lots of projects, homework and reports during the semester. The final exam was a maximum of 30% of the final grade or less. Grades range from 0-100%, with 70% having to be achieved to pass. Due to the school-based system, the professors know most of their students and always have an open ear for questions and problems. Most assignments and the exchange of information takes place via the online platform Blackboard. If you have general problems, you can always consult the International Office on campus.
Monterrey and life off campus
Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico and is surrounded by huge mountains. Due to its proximity to the USA, the city is somewhat "Americanized" and when traveling to the south of the country, I realized that it is not an authentic Mexican city. A lot of concrete and air pollution characterize the cityscape, but within 20 minutes you are directly in the mountains, where you can hike and climb.
Once you leave the campus, hardly anyone speaks English, which is why you should learn a few Spanish words in advance.I spent most of my time outside of my studies in the Zona del Tecnológicode Monterrey. Basically there is everything you need, restaurants, supermarkets, bars and everything else you need. To get around, I mostly used Uber or bingelaufen for longer distances.
The activities offered by the Tec outside of studies are highly recommended. You could take dance classes, train in many different sports, but also take courses on finance, engineering and many other topics. However, it should be mentioned that these courses were only offered in Spanish, which encourages students to learn the language and come into contact with Mexicans.
In summer it is impossible to live in Monterrey without air conditioning, it gets extremely hot and you still sweat at night. Basically, you can go out in a T-shirt every day until November.
Tips on accommodation
As a foreigner, you generally have to be careful, as Mexicans like to charge a bit more rent if you don't speak Spanish and are white. However, you should not pay more than 5000 - 6000 pesos (250€ - 300 €) for a shared room including electricity, gas and internet near the campus. Monterrey is one of the most expensive cities in Mexico, but still relatively cheap by German standards.
GarzaSada 1892 - Several apartment complexes with a beautiful backyard and pool, around more expensive
VillasTEC - Student residence with 3 shared flats, everyone has their own bathroom, kitchen is shared, 6000 pesos for a room, pool is also available ATTENTION exchange students are often asked for more
TorresTEC - Student residence right next to Villas Tec
Residencias - student residence on campus, strict rules and somewhat more expensive, no alcohol allowed, usually fully booked long before the start of the semester
RentaTEC - Organization where Mexican students from the TEC arrange private apartments for other students. Beware of the sometimes high prices!
Many of the exchange students had the same idea as me and stayed in an Airbnb for the first few days, some even for the entire duration of their stay abroad. There are sometimes good opportunities locally, and I highly recommend the Facebook group: Mercado de Depas deTec MTY , where private individuals offer rooms and sometimes even entire houses for rent.
General tips
- Transatlantic flights to Cancun are cheaper
- You can fly within the country for €50
- Good intercity bus network, no valuables in the luggage compartment, keep everything important on your person when traveling by night bus!
- in Monterrey student organization ISE offers trips and events - mostly organized via Facebook
- do not use Intégrate (another student organization)
- learn a little Spanish in advance
- Uber to get around, not available in all cities
- Bargaining is possible for everything, often the "gringo price" is demanded
Leisure tips in Monterrey
- Hike up the Cerro de la Silla
- Hike up the Cerro de las Mitras
- Matacanes canyoning outside Monterrey near Santiago from €85
- Chipinque National Park near the city for short hikes
- Barrio Antiguo beautiful district with bars and clubs
- Parque Fundidora city park in the center
- Potrero Chico one of the best climbing areas in Mexico
- Grutas de Garcia huge grotto with stalactites
Final words
Mexico is a beautiful country, often a bit chaotic, loud, unpunctual and you have to get used to a lot of things. my semester abroad has improved my English a lot, I speak a little Spanish and this experience has given me a different perspective on my life here in Germany. If you are open to new things and just want to get to know a different world, then a semester abroad in Mexico is just the right thing for you
.If you have any questions about Monterrey or Mexico in general, please let me know
.Saludos, Franz
Phone: 01788893020
TEC campus in Monterrey, Cerro de la Silla in the background on the left
Email: franz-usa(at)arcor.de