Semester of Adventure in Mexico-New Perspectives, Entrepreneurship and Diverse Experience

Why did you choose to go to Mexico?

 I wanted my semester abroad to be more than just a change of scenery,  I was looking for a completely different experience from what I know back home in Germany. Mexico felt like the perfect choice: a vibrant culture, a language I’ve always wanted to learn, and the opportunity to study at one of Latin America’s top-ranked universities. I was curious to experience everyday life in a place so different from Europe, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible.

How did you like the partner university? What is the highlight of the study program there?

 I really enjoyed the open and dynamic environment at TEC. The way of learning had an even stronger focus on collaboration, group work, and real-life projects than at KLU. A typical lecture where a professor just talks for 90 or 180 minutes was quite rare, as almost every class was designed to be interactive, with plenty of discussions, teamwork, and active participation.

I especially liked working in diverse teams with both international and local students, it really broadened my perspective and challenged me to approach problems in new ways. Another big highlight was the variety of courses. Because of the size of TEC, they’re able to offer a much broader range of classes than I’m used to at KLU, which gave me the chance to explore completely new topics that really interested me.

I took a course on Entrepreneurship and Innovation that was super hands-on and inspiring, and another on Intercultural Leadership that helped me understand different working styles and cultural approaches better, and it´s something I’ll definitely take with me into my future career. The campus itself was also a standout. With around 8,000 students, it felt more like a small city, with plenty of outdoor spaces, cafés, and a huge sports center that offered everything from gym access, a swimming pool to group classes. It was a great place to both study and spend your free time.

How would you describe your overall experience of Mexico as a country? What impressed you most, and how did the exchange help you get to know the local culture better?

My time in Mexico was honestly an incredible experience. It’s such a diverse country , not just in terms of landscapes, but also culture, traditions, and people. From tropical beaches and colonial towns to vibrant cities and mountains, there’s so much to see and explore. Thanks to the flexible study structure at TEC, I had the chance to travel a lot during the semester. I visited some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, explored cities like Oaxaca and Tulum, and spent time in Mexico City- the 7th largest city in the world, which was fascinating. I also took the opportunity to travel to Peru for 10 days, which made the experience even more special and broadened my perspective even further.

One of the things that stood out most to me was how incredibly open and welcoming the people were. Whether in daily life or while traveling, we always felt safe and treated with kindness. Even when there were language barriers, people genuinely tried to communicate and help — that kind of warmth really stayed with me. Another highlight was the international student community at TEC. There were about 150 exchange students from all over the world, each with their own story and background. It made every day interesting, and I formed friendships that I know will last beyond the semester. And of course, the food! Mexican cuisine is hands down some of the best I’ve ever had. Going out for tacos with friends became one of those little rituals that I really miss now that I’m back in Germany.

How do you think this experience has contributed to your personal or professional growth?

 Living and studying in Mexico helped me grow in ways I didn’t fully expect. Navigating a completely new environment, from language to lifestyle, taught me how to stay calm and solution-oriented, even when things didn’t go as planned. It really strengthened my independence and resilience. Professionally, it gave me a deeper cultural awareness and a more flexible mindset, both of which are incredibly valuable when working in international or fast-changing environments. I also became more confident in unfamiliar situations and learned how to connect with people across language and cultural barriers, which I see as a real strength moving forward.

 Finally, what would you say to other students to recommend this destination, if you would recommend it?

I would 100% recommend going to Mexico! It’s a country full of contrasts, color, and warmth, and my time there gave me memories I’ll carry with me forever. I had the chance to explore so many incredible places, meet amazing people, and grow both personally and academically. Of course, there were moments that challenged me, but that’s exactly what made the experience so valuable. I learned a lot about myself, gained new perspectives, and came back with a more open and independent mindset. If I had the chance to choose again, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick Mexico every time.

More information:

Amelie Bolle, BSc in Business Administration (Digital Management and Innovation), Class of 2026.

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