Xhara, a Queen Mary University of London BSc Mathematical Sciences student, spent an unforgettable four weeks in Mexico travelling across the country with Tec de Monterrey through our GO Summer! programme.

How do you sum up four weeks in Mexico that spanned four cities, countless day trips, new friendships from five continents, and more tacos than I can count? The GO Summer! Programme wasn’t just an academic experience — it was a whirlwind of colour, culture, and connection. 

This year’s programme took me to Mexico City, Puebla, Guadalajara, and Querétaro, with a packed itinerary that balanced engaging lectures with immersive cultural outings. There were four programme tracks to choose from — Global Business, Developing Economics in Motion, Beyond Borders, and my own favourite title: Mexican Cultural Heritage and Social Justice. 

Life on the Go 

Our weekly rhythm was simple but exciting: two full days of activities and day trips, followed by three days of lectures. The lecture days usually ended in the afternoon, giving us free time to explore, relax, or — in my case — hunt down the best churros in town. 

Day trips were where the classroom learning came to life. Whether wandering through historic centres, tasting traditional dishes, or listening to live music in bustling plazas, every outing added a new layer to what we’d learnt in lectures. 

A Highlight: Floating Through Xochimilco 

One of my absolute favourite days was our visit to the Trajinera boats in Xochimilco. We climbed aboard these brightly painted, flower-covered boats and drifted along the canals, snacking, dancing, and blasting music. Midway through, a mariachi band pulled up alongside us and treated us to an impromptu performance. It was pure joy — the kind of bonding moment with my group that I’ll never forget. 

Where We Stayed 

Accommodation was provided on-campus in three of the four cities, and it exceeded my expectations — clean, comfortable, and a short walk from student hotspots. 

Puebla was my favourite for accommodation. The campus was beautiful, our housing was modern and spacious, and by this point in the trip, our group had really clicked. We were making spontaneous evening plans, exploring colourful streets, and even meeting students from other programmes who quickly became part of our social circle. 

Querétaro was a very close second. The campus was enormous — so big, in fact, that it had multiple free bike stations to get around, as well as a campus bus to take you from one end to the other. Some of my fondest memories are from late-night bike rides with friends, or the mornings when we were racing through the campus to make it to breakfast on time. 

Flavours of Mexico 

It’s impossible to talk about Mexico without talking about the food. 

Mexico City wins the crown for variety and flavour. From tacos and quesadillas to melt-in-your-mouth tamales and bowls of pozole (my personal favourite), every day felt like a new culinary adventure. And then there were the churros — warm, crispy, and dangerously addictive. Guadalajara also came close to stealing the food crown, surprising me with one incredible meal after another. 

If you have dietary requirements — halal, vegan, vegetarian — plan ahead. There are options in most cities, but they’re not always close by. Some halal restaurants required tips from local mosques, and others were simply too far from our accommodation. A little research will make dining much easier. 

People and Perspectives 

The programme was truly international, with students from five continents bringing a mix of cultures, accents, and experiences. Ironically, I ended up picking up more Deutsch than Spanish along the way! 

The interns were close to our age, which made them approachable, friendly, and full of insider tips — from hidden cafés to street snacks worth trying. Their recommendations helped us experience the cities like locals, not just visitors. 

Souvenirs and Suitcases 

A practical tip: leave extra luggage space. Although there are four main cities in the programme, the day trips take you to countless smaller towns and markets. Between handicrafts, textiles, and irresistible snacks, my suitcase got heavier (and more colourful) by the week. 

Lessons Beyond the Classroom 

Yes, I learnt about cultural heritage and social justice, but I also learnt how to adapt to new places, connect with people from different backgrounds, and dive head-first into experiences outside my comfort zone. 

No two days were the same. One morning I might be sitting in a lecture hall, the next I’d be standing in front of a centuries-old cathedral or listening to a street musician play under the setting sun. This constant variety — paired with genuine cultural immersion — is what made the programme unforgettable. 

If you’re thinking about joining the GO Summer! Programme, I’d say go for it — but go prepared. Bring your curiosity, flexibility, a decent camera, and maybe a small list of restaurants that cater to your needs.  Mexico is a country of vibrant colours, layered histories, and warm hospitality. The GO Summer! Programme lets you experience all of that while learning in an engaging, hands-on way.  I came home with a notebook full of lecture notes, a phone full of photos, a suitcase full of souvenirs, and a heart full of memories — and I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it.