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A Parting Gift
Scarlett Gilligan, UDLAP, Mexico When we think about sustainability, we often think green, recycling, taking public transport, but often it can be so much more than that. Being on this year abroad, I feel like I have been given so much and after speaking to some of my friends, we decided we needed to give something back to the community that welcomed us so kindly. After spending a year in Cholula, with street markets calling my name, I don’t dare to think of the amount of clothes I have accumulated. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see my wardrobe beaming with colour, but my suitcase to go home isn’t so…
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More than the headlines
by Scarlett Gilligan, la Universidad de las Americas Puebla, Mexico N.B. In late February 2026 there were reports of cartel-related unrest and violence in Mexico. This was primarily in western Mexico, but some other cities, including Puebla City, experienced some spillover disruption. This blog is a little more serious. As important as it is to focus on the amazing things that a year abroad can provide, nothing is ever perfect. Just like anywhere in the world, things can change overnight. This week in Mexico, a large figure in the cartel realm was killed, sparking violence across parts of the country. We found out on the way back from our Malinche…
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Choose your timings
Scarlett Gilligan, Universidad de las americas Puebla, Mexico One thing to consider about your year abroad is how you choose to divide it. For me personally, I believed the most suitable thing for me was to stay for the entire year, something I don’t regret at all. However, I have friends that have moved to South America for semester 2, friends that have moved to work in CDMX for semester two, and some who are spending their first semester in Mexico after Christmas. I have loved both semesters dearly but without a doubt, they are starkly different, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Here I will try to stay as…
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The UDLAP Handbook They Don’t Give You
by Scarlett Gilligan, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Mexico I have the world’s best privilege of spending semester two in Cholula; however, for most of my friends, they have moved on to other places, jobs, continents — you name it. This got me thinking that despite being here for a semester, I am still learning about my university. Don’t get me wrong, I do love this place, but UDLAP can be very confusing — it is wonderfully random. So, here I will provide future generations with little tips and tricks I have learned whilst being a student at UDLAP, which will hopefully give you the prime experience! The Gym First…
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Environmental sponging
Scarlett Gilligan, la Universidad de las Américas Puebla, México I am penning a new term right now, hear me out. Being on your year abroad is about learning — obviously — everything you can’t in a classroom. I can say where I have learned the most about myself and about everything is my house. You are going to come across so many different things on your year abroad within an international community and your general environment. Be a sponge. I want you to absorb it. You are going to spend so, so, so much time here, and you don’t want to waste any time constantly asking why things are the…
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Learning to Learn
Scarlett Gilligan, Universidad de las Américas Puebla. At our age, we’re more than used to adapting to new ways of learning and our education systems constantly changing — one of the few good things to maybe have come out of COVID. Use this to your advantage because, at least for me, moving universities was such a strange experience. Thanks to our historical turmoil with education systems, we can use this adaptability to help us prepare and transition to new little flips. Keep in mind your experience may be totally different, this is just a bit of food for thought if you are preparing to leave! One big thing I had…
A study abroad journal by students, for students.
