Dalia Neri Garcia

I wanted to study abroad in my native country, México, to be away from Berkeley for a while. I first studied for a summer in México to learn about the history of my country. This experience left me wanting more from México so I decided to study for a whole semester at UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México). I chose México because that is where I was born and I wanted to go back to explore my home country, learn about my history and be with family. I wanted to be in México during the important festivities, such as Independence Day, Día de los Muertos, Christmas, and New Year's.

The most interesting cultural experience I had in México was learning Nahuatl, an indigenous language from México, where 1.5 million people speak it. I was able to take an introductory class at the ENALLT (Escuela Nacional de Lenguas, Lingüística y Traducción) in UNAM, which increased my interest to learn more about the language and the indigenous communities.

The September 19th earthquake, which took many lives and people's homes. Thankfully, we were not harmed and neither was our apartment. It was a natural disaster which left many devastated and scared. I was able to be with my family after it happened, in a safe and comfortable space which was much needed. I was grateful for the solidarity of all the people and it was heartwarming to see people ready to help each other.

On a weekday I would wake up, cook some breakfast and go to one of my classes. Then I would go to boxing practice. Then I would go to another class, my nahuatl class. After, I would go back home and cook a dinner with my housemates. I would then do some homework and maybe watch a show. On a weekend, I would sometimes go visit my family (aunts and cousins) since they live fairly close and have dinner with them. If I didn't go visit them, I would go with my housemates to a museum or to the historic center to explore the city. Then at night we would go out dancing.

I took two classes in the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, one-nahuatl philosophy, two-history of education in latin america and the Nahuatl course at the ENALLT. They were very different, the first two were discussion based and rarely lectures. The readings were heavy like at Berkeley but the assignments were different.

The most meaningful aspect of my time in México was that I was able to focus on self care and try new things. I did boxing for the first time, which was an amazing way to manage stress and care for my mental and physical health. I met new people, some from the same program and others not from it, whom I share many meaningful moments with. I was able to be with distant family whom I had not seen in a while. I was also able to travel a bit and explore cities and states I had never been to.

I think personally, I became even more social and confident in myself. It got me to care more about me and my health. It got me thinking about moving to México permanently later in life or pursue a post-grad program over there.

I would recommend to be open to experience new things and to not be afraid to be there; to not be fooled by the media which paints México in a negative and dangerous light or they will miss out on all the beautiful things México has to offer; to enjoy every moment because time goes by so fast.