July 2025
Why Mexico out of all possible countries?
Having previously taken part in several exchanges through BeMSA and Erasmus, all within Europe, I felt
it was time to step out of my comfort zone. For both personal and professional growth, I wanted to experience something completely different, and
Latin America seemed like the perfect destination.
Discovering research and a new family in Mexico
I was assigned to the research project "Human Morphologic Development" at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. While it wasn’t one of my initial preferences, the experience exceeded my expectations. Throughout the month, I gained hands-on experience with a wide range of research techniques and received exceptional guidance from the team. The lab environment was incredibly friendly and supportive and everyone was eager to help and share their knowledge.
Each week brought a chance to engage with different sub-projects, offering valuable insights into various aspects of embryology research. With the lab conveniently located just five minutes from our accommodation, it quickly became a place I looked forward to visiting every day.
A Home Away from Home in Monterrey
One of the true highlights of this exchange was the accommodation. With around 40 exchange students arriving in Monterrey at the same time, I initially wondered how everyone could possibly be housed together. To my surprise, the local exchange team managed to place us all in a single villa, just a five-minute walk from the university hospital. From what I could estimate, the villa could host up to 60 students comfortably.
My room featured six bunk beds, though only three were occupied during my stay, making it feel spacious and comfortable. It came equipped with air conditioning and a private bathroom fitted with three toilets, four showers, and two sinks, more than enough for everyone. The villa itself offered a range of shared facilities, including a common room, kitchen, conference room, outdoor space, and even a small gym. Although I never used the gym there (we had access to the university gym, which was far better equipped), it was nice to have the option.
Living in this vibrant, communal setting made the experience even more enjoyable. Being surrounded by fellow exchange students created a lively, supportive environment that quickly began to feel like home
Exploring Monterrey: Social Life and Adventures
The local social program organized by SINESP may have only included two official activities per month, but what it lacked in quantity, it more than made up for in quality. Each event was well thought out and incredibly fun. One of the most unforgettable experiences involved a three-hour drive into the mountains, followed by an exhilarating river descent in wetsuits, complete with rappelling sections and jumps of up to 12 meters! It was, without a doubt, one of the most thrilling adventures I’ve ever had.
Even with a limited official program, there was never a dull moment during my exchange. Living under one roof with the other exchange students meant we were constantly organizing our own activities and outings. From hiking in the mountains and watching a baseball game to exploring waterfalls, hosting pool parties, and discovering hidden gems around the city, we managed to create a month packed with memories.
Monterrey may not be considered a typical tourist destination, but this vibrant mega-city has so much to offer for those willing to explore beyond the usual path.
Traveling Beyond Monterrey: Exploring Mexico Together
Given the sheer size of Mexico, organizing a nationwide trip for all exchange students would have been a logistical challenge for the national officers. While no official trip was arranged, our group of 40 exchange students in Monterrey decided to take matters into our own hands. We planned our own weekend getaways to Guadalajara, Tequila, and Mexico City, booking plane tickets together and staying in large villas with pools.
These 2–3 day trips became some of the most unforgettable moments of my exchange. From exploring historic cities to sharing late-night conversations by the pool, these experiences brought us even closer together and created memories I’ll always treasure.
Thanks to Mexico’s affordable domestic airlines, similar to Ryanair in Europe, traveling across the country was surprisingly easy and budget-friendly. Many students even stayed for an additional week or more after their exchange to continue exploring. Unfortunately, duty called me back to Belgium, so I couldn’t join those final adventures, but the time I had was more than enough to fall in love with Mexico’s diversity and culture.
Final reflections: a month to remember
Looking back on my month in Monterrey, this exchange turned out to be far more than just an academic experience. It was a journey filled with personal growth, cultural discovery, and unforgettable connections. From the welcoming lab environment and the incredible accommodation to the adventurous local trips and spontaneous national getaways, every element of this exchange contributed to a truly enriching experience.
What stood out most was the sense of community: living and traveling with fellow exchange students from around the world created friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Monterrey may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of a traditional exchange destination, but it offers a perfect balance of academic opportunity, vibrant social life, and access to explore the beauty of Mexico.
If you are considering an exchange and have the chance to come here, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. Step out of your comfort zone, embrace the unknown, and you might just find your most rewarding adventure yet.
