Mei Gillespie

Mei Gillespie

Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Latin America, Social Realities in Mexico

Introduction

Kia Ora! 

I’m Mei, a third-year BAdvSci/BNurs conjoint student! This summer, in January 2023, I’ll be traversing 10,949 km across the globe to study at Universidad Iberoamericana (IBERO) in Mexico City! I’ll be travelling alongside five other incredible individuals on the Prime Minister’s scholarship Latin America (PMSLA) for the Social Realities in Mexico program. This will be my first overseas and living away from home experience. I can’t wait to write about it for those reading and following my journey in México. 

I’m excited (and very nervous) to see what living abroad is like. I am truly honoured and thankful to have a chance to go abroad, especially when it involves learning and enriching my understanding of important social issues and challenges in México. 

Alongside the program, I am most excited to learn about México’s rich history and culture, meet new people and try some spicy tacos! Interestingly enough, I will also be celebrating my 21st birthday in México City, which falls on one of Mexico’s public holidays: Día de la Constitución (Mexican Constitution Day). Will I eat 21 tacos, try 21 new things, or blow out 21 candles on a cake? 

Stick around to find out! 

¡Nos vemos en México!

(See you in México!)

  • A bumpy ride

    Welcome to week two of living in Mexico City! This week has been more hectic than the previous week. All of us international students started uni on Monday, the 9th of January, alongside the domestic students. It was very packed. Starting uni in a new environment was nerve-wracking and felt like that nervous buzz you…Continue…

  • An interesting welcome to Mexico

    On Wednesday, the 4th of January, we departed from Auckland airport to start our long-haul flight to Los Angeles airport. From there, we would fly to Mexico City to live and study at Universidad Iberoamericana (IBERO) for 6 weeks. I was hesitant to fly internationally because this was my first time travelling abroad. The thought…Continue…