8 new things that I learned during my internship in Mexico

April 1, 2022 Jeniffer Glancey

What is it like living abroad in Mexico? Jennifer spent 3 months participating in a Law Internship in Oaxaca. Here are 8 new things she learned while in Mexico.

By far my worst mistake during this trip was initially thinking that the whole of Mexico was going to have perfect sunny “Cancún-type” weather all day and all year round. Although Oaxaca was definitely bright and sunny most of the time, there were definitely moments when my one sweater that I had brought did not suffice. My advice to anyone coming to Oaxaca would be to protect themself from the sun and also prepare for the colder evenings!

When discussing what I had learned at school about Mexico with the people at my internship, they were shocked to discover that all I really knew of were the Aztecs and Mayans. In Oaxaca alone there are around 17 distinct ethnic groups and indigenous languages spoken, I even learned a few words in Zapotec! Oaxaca is only a state of Mexico and I feel like I have only just skimmed the surface of it, and I am now keen to travel and see the rest of the country.

There were inevitably times when in conversations I would be completely lost and need a reexplanation. Although it seems a little embarrassing, what I learned was that most people I met were so impressed that I was speaking Spanish in the first place and learning another language. After being surrounded by other language learners at school or in my family, the reality is that learning a foreign language (and going to another country to speak it!) is a challenging journey. Other people are not expecting perfection and are far more likely to be impressed by your ability to communicate in their language than fixating on the little slip-ups you are bound to make.

Beach in Mexico

Another false impression that I had of Mexico was that their cuisine would be similar to the Taco Bell menu. And if I’m being completely honest I was hoping to come across the nacho-sombrero from Despicable me! Instead of having the tacos and burritos, I was expecting to see lots of – I grew to love the tlayudas, memelas, mole, hot chocolate, tortillas, tamales and even the mezcal began to grow on me. I attended an incredible Oaxacan cooking class as well as a chocolate-making class and took the opportunity to ask all the questions I had about the origins and traditions of these foods. I have even brought back ingredients to have a go making some of these things at home.

I got extremely lucky with my internship placement. The people I worked with were very kind and patient and told me all about the incredible cases they were working on. Although they were a relatively small non-profit organization, they had an incredible impact and were making huge environmental and legal advancements which I found very inspiring.

Although I have not dined at every single restaurant in Oaxaca, and many are very good, I would choose a 50 pesos tlayuda from my local market over a fancy dinner any day. There is something about sitting on a little stool next to a street food cart where the lady making it remembers your usual order; and the food is fresh, hot and delicious. So much so that if I were to bring my family to Oaxaca, the first place I would take them to would be my local market before an overpriced restaurant.

I did feel a little lonely the first few days. I didn’t know my way around the city and didn’t know any locals other than the family I lived with. It’s important to realize that although there is plenty of support, no one will guide you all the time nor create your experience for you. I was lucky to be in such a vibrant city where there were constant activities or events to attend, and people who are always willing to chat and make friends.

Sunset in Oaxaca

I was never too worried or scared about moving out by myself initially. But as I arrived I realized that I was in a whole new city and didn’t know a single person! After living with a couple of roommates from this program, I can honestly say that some of my best memories from here are of us together. Because we are very different people we learned so much from each other and I now have lifelong friends who I will definitely see again.