Every year there are more and more reasons for migrants to move to Mexico. This country is known not only for its beautiful nature and warm climate but also for its good quality of life at very reasonable prices (both for food and housing).
So the idea of getting an education in Mexico is not a bad one. Perhaps a diploma issued by a university in this country is unlikely to open the doors of the largest international companies to you. However, with some effort, you can become a true professional in your chosen field.
Secondary and Higher Education in Mexico
Colleges and universities in Mexico are open to locals as well as to migrants who have completed general secondary, specialized secondary, or higher education in their home countries. There are more than 1,200 institutions of higher education in the country, most of them located in large cities. At the same time, half of all Mexican students study at the largest National Autonomous University, which is located in Mexico City.
In the universities of Mexico, not all students have the opportunity to study at the expense of the state budget. Even the most successful of them need to pay a fee – from $150 per year. Moreover, the cost of a year of study in various educational institutions may differ significantly. For example, tuition fees at Mexican medical schools are higher than at other institutions, and prospective doctors take longer to complete.
Much also depends on the prestige of the university. Fortunately, some of your educational expenses may be covered by scholarships and grants. It’s worth thinking ahead about how to write a scholarship essay that will guarantee you a coveted scholarship.
After receiving a specialist’s diploma, a graduate can enroll in a master’s or postgraduate program.
By the way, if you are a man and you are applying for citizenship, keep in mind that it is better not to delay admission here. After receiving a passport, you risk immediately going to serve in the army, so if you want to complete your studies first, a master’s degree in Mexico is a great option.
Language Courses
Although many Mexican universities and colleges have instructors who speak English, you’ll need to speak Spanish (which is the national language in Mexico). If you’re not fluent in English, enrolling in a language course makes sense. And it is better to enroll in a Spanish school for incoming students at a particular institution – of course, if you have already decided on the future institution.
No place left in the school at the university? Then you can contact the firms that organize not only language courses, but also excursions and even a beach holiday during training. Don’t be afraid to mix business with pleasure. Spanish is a breeze to learn, especially if you already speak English.
List of the best educational institutions in Mexico
Choosing from more than 1,200 universities, especially in another country, is not easy. That’s why the experts of essaysadvisor.com compiled a ranking of Mexican institutions of higher education where you should apply first. Currently, the most famous universities in Mexico are:
- National Autonomous University of Mexico – founded in 1910. Alumni of this university are three Nobel Prize winners.
- There are now nearly 270,000 students enrolled in 24 faculties in fields ranging from obstetrics and veterinary medicine to architecture and aesthetic studies. Future professionals have access to a huge library, museum, observatory, and even a local nature preserve.
- Mexico City’s National Polytechnic Institute. The largest university in the country trains students in technical fields and produces leading urban planners and engineers.
- The University of Aguascalientes – graduates future engineers and doctors, sociologists and art historians, managers and specialists in agriculture (a total of 9 faculties).
- The University of Guanajuato – another option where you can get a good economics or humanities education, win a scholarship or grant, participate in a sports tournament, and at the same time enjoy the chamber environment: the university of Guanajuato is several times smaller than the same university in Mexico City.
Advantages and disadvantages of studying in Mexico
The idea of getting an education in Mexico has more pros than cons. The latter includes the fact that a graduate degree from a Mexican university, whether it be a specialist or doctoral degree in most countries outside of Latin America, is unlikely to be in demand. But some advantages are evident, such as:
- the state’s interest in attracting foreign professionals;
- favorable tuition rates, even at major universities;
- the opportunity to receive a scholarship or grant;
- rather high quality of education.
Accommodation students: dormitory or rental housing
Almost every university in Mexico offers students coming to the country the option of living in a dormitory. Take this option, as it saves money and you will interact with native Spanish speakers every day. However, you can also rent an apartment, and for a very modest price (up to $ 500-600 per month with all amenities). You can also save money on cheap writing services if a student needs such help.
If you have enough money, nothing prevents you from buying a room or apartment near the chosen college. For example, an “economy” one-bedroom apartment can be purchased for only $100,000, and discounts on secondary real estate can reach 10%. However, the purchase of apartments and houses for foreigners is not available in all areas.
Travel to Mexico on a “Work and Travel” program
If you are not yet ready to radically change your life, you can try to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Mexico for a while by visiting it on the “Work and Travel” program. Turning to any firm engaged in the organization of such tours, you will get the opportunity to undergo student internships in the country. In your home country, you will need to gather the documents, go for an interview, and pay the organizer’s fee, health insurance, visa, and ticket.
Such programs are usually designed for three to six months. It’s easy to guess that you don’t need them to earn money but to get to know the country. If you are lucky, you may be able to get the support of Mexican employers, and already independently, without the help of intermediaries, return to the country as an intern.
