Studying in Mexico: Elisa’s Testimony from Anáhuac University

Academics

1. How are your classes going at your host university? Are there any major differences with ICD Business School?

I chose 3 in-person classes and 2 online ones, so I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes last only 1.5 hours (compared to 3–4 hours at ICD). They’re structured similarly to ICD, meaning a mix of theory, practical work, and group projects. Exams are fairly easy since they’re multiple choice, but we also have a final group project to submit for each course.

The biggest difference with ICD (and France in general) is the relationship with professors (and the administration). Here, students are close to their teachers and use informal language with them—it’s all much more relaxed.

Additionally, the campus is huge and has an American style. The university offers free access to all sorts of sports and artistic activities. It’s fully equipped (football, basketball, and padel courts, dance studios, a large gym that’s free and open all week, etc.).

The university also organizes many enriching conferences that we can attend for free on various topics (for example: a self-employed entrepreneur sharing how she started her business, or a talk about geo-economic relations between the U.S., Mexico, and China).

2. Is there a particular class or professor who has inspired you?

Not really, but I did choose one course in Spanish (I’m bilingual), and the other four are in English, focused on multinational companies and their strategies—which I find really interesting.

🌏 Culture & Leisure

3. What was your biggest surprise when arriving in your host country (culture, habits, lifestyle, etc.)?

My biggest surprise upon arriving in Querétaro was the warmth and friendliness of the people here. Mexicans are very welcoming and open-minded, and I immediately felt at ease (they only do one kiss on the cheek to say hello, by the way).

They’re also incredibly generous, and refusing an invitation can be seen as rude since they’re not used to hearing “no.”

I was also amazed by the vibrant colors in the cities—buildings and houses are all colorful.

Among the cultural differences, I’d also mention the rhythm of life and concept of time. In Mexico, punctuality is much more flexible than in France. For example, “ahorita” (which means “right now” and is used constantly) could mean “in a few minutes”… or “next week.”

Then, of course, the food is much spicier. I wasn’t a fan of chili at first, but over time I’ve started to enjoy this type of cuisine!

And finally, there’s always a reason to celebrate! I was really impressed by how omnipresent music and dancing are—on buses, in restaurants, and even in the streets. The culture of celebration is really different, and I loved discovering these joyful vibes.

That said, life in Mexico isn’t so different from Europe overall. That being said, I find the cost of living here fairly high for Latin America (especially in Querétaro and other big cities), although it’s still cheaper than in France.

4. Have you attended any cultural events or festivals in Mexico?

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to experience Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead, held on November 2nd) ☹

So far, I haven’t attended any major events or Mexican festivals.

💰 Honor Scholarship

5. What does receiving the Erasmus+ Honor Scholarship mean to you, and how has it helped your experience abroad?

Receiving the Erasmus+ Honor Scholarship was a surprise—I wasn’t expecting it—but it turned out to be an amazing opportunity and a real honor.

It’s helped me a lot, especially since the cost of living in Querétaro, and particularly in my neighborhood, is quite high.

But more importantly, it allows me to travel and explore Mexico—a country rich in culture and full of diverse landscapes—and even nearby countries like Costa Rica, which I’ll have the chance to visit during Holy Week break.

Conclusion – Coming Next: STEP 4 – The Added Value of Mobility

Through Elisa’s testimony, we can clearly see how an international mobility experience goes far beyond academics. It’s a unique opportunity for learning, discovery, and personal transformation. Next up in our series: how international exchanges shape the academic and professional paths of our students.