2013-2015 M I E X E D . 1 2 LA SALLE

My name is Valentin. I am French and I

belong to MIEX Edition 12, 2013-2015. As everyone in MIEX, I am deeply fond of

travelling and discovering new cultures

and after enjoying Nancy and Bologna I

decided that Mexico was right for me. I had always been attracted by warm

southern cultures, and the professional

opportunities arising in the development

of the country helped me make my

decision. Mexico is a great country and I have been

enjoying it so far! I arrived in Mexico

about a week and a half before the start

of the programme so that I could get settled.

My first impressions about the country

are pretty much in line with what I

expected in the first place in terms of

culture, the level of development, infrastructure and so on.

Mexican people are warm, helpful and

very hard-working people. If you are out-

going, it is easy to meet new people and make acquaintances and they will surely

try their best to help you settle in the

country.

My Second Year at MIEX: LA SALLE

MIEXERS AT LA SALLE!

OUT ON THE TOWN BOATING DOWN THE RIVER IN CLASS

VALENTIN JEANJEAN

In my perception, finding accommodation is much easier than in

France or Italy and you can get a decent place for about 250-320

euros in “La Condesa”, which is in the university district. It gets

even cheaper in other cities such as Querétaro, Guadalajara or

Monterrey where opportunities for internships may also be

available for MIEX students.

As you know, Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the

world and there’s always something to do, to visit, whether it is

cultural, going out, sports, etc. However, it takes a bit of getting

used to with transportation, traffic, and noise pollution. Getting

on the subway or the “Metrobus” in rush hour is a real challenge

and sometimes becomes even impossible!

We often hear all sorts of myths about Mexico being extremely

dangerous. Obviously, some parts of the city are not

recommendable but in districts such as “La Condesa”, it is safe

even at night. Only basic precautions are to be taken when taking

the subway or in remote places.

Mexico has a huge variety of food that is much different from

what we usually know as “Mexican food” in Europe. Barely

anyone will eat burritos here! But things such as tacos, chilaquiles

and enchiladas are very common and can be found all around the

city. Same goes for foreign food, such as sushi for example, can be

found all over the city, even within the university.

I really like the university here. They have given us a warm

welcome from the beginning and Alejandra López, the post-

graduate study manager, who is a MIEX alumni too, does a very a

good job in helping us and organising various visits.

I particularly appreciate the relationship with teachers who will

also try their best to help both with your university work and

for any other kind of advice. The workload is quite intense here

in Mexico and takes up a lot of efforts as the teaching methods

rely much more on personal homework than on traditional

lectures from what we have observed so far. The university

facilities have everything we need, from a large library to

Starbucks to relax and work, and also various sports and cultural

activities are offered.

We are now all in the process of looking for an internship or for

a job and it appears that in Mexico too, networking is a crucial

factor. Not only does Mexico City have job offers but big cities

such as the ones mentioned above also are important economic

poles that gather opportunities for graduates.

I’d be happy to talk to you more in-depth about my experience

and you can ask Tamami to give you my contact. In the

meantime, enjoy the MIEX year in France and Bologna!