When I first told individuals that I was going to study abroad in Mexico, the number one question was almost always about the issue of safety. The campus of the Universidad de las Americas is perhaps the safest campus I have ever visited because the campus is gated and police are everywhere throughout the campus and at all times during the day and night. I feel very safe here on campus.
Now we go to outside of campus. Behind the campus of UDLA, is the Camino Real, the famous area for the clubs, bars and restaurants in Cholula (in a future blog post, I will discuss the party life here). Because the street is so close to campus, it is constantly patrolled by police. Think of it this way: if the Camino Real was dangerous, there would be no customers for the numerous businesses that consistently make a profit from students. No danger equals business and a good time for all.
The entire campus is completely gated and police protect the campus inside and out.
There are dangerous areas and violence happens in Mexico-and in the US. A foreigner can be a prime target for attacks. Traveling in a group is obviously safe but I actually recommend going to places with a Mexican (and Mexicans are extremely friendly so you’ll make friends easily here) because they will usually have a better sense of the area and how to conduct themselves because it is their culture. However, don’t act like a victim and always, always be aware of your surroundings!
Studying abroad is glorious experience and safety issues shouldn’t be reasons not to travel to an area unless the area is too violent. However, you are safe here. Just stay smart and do your research. Additionally, remember that there’s more to Mexico that drug wars and violence that the media always talks about. It’s a beautiful and vibrant country-and you get to explore it (and to learn more, just read this blog!).
Because this is an important topic, please feel free email me with any questions/comments at lydia.mertz@valpo.edu.
Saludos!
September 22, 2010 at 8:11 pm
In the 4 years I’ve been coming down to central México I have never had a sense of danger. Random violence is rare. Most of the violence you read about is in the border regions and that between criminals,police,and military.I am in Michoacan,which does have considerable violence amongst those groups but for the average traveller I feel it’s much safer than in a larger city in the US.,including Ft.Wayne. I’ve travelled by bus as far south as Oaxaca, spent time in the middle of Mexico City,and in many tiny villages and have encountered only friendly,welcoming people.
I currently live in a colonia near the center of Morelia,a city of 4 million people and walk the streets whenever and where ever I want and am constantly greeted with smiles and warmth.
I highly recommend visiting this wonderful and safe country.