To those that are here studying in UDLAP with the school’s brilliant exchange program, welcome on behalf of the staff of La Catarina. The decision to leave the comfort of a familiar university, close friends, and food is as daunting a choice as any, but isn’t without its –sweet – gratifiations. The program is hosting some 165 foreign students this semester (not including those who’ve named UDLAP their permanent institution of higher learning) and boasts a wide range of home countries, though the majority is from France. To those who have made the journey here are some helpful tips that might be of some use:
Authentic Cholula
Cholula is an amazingly diverse and colorful town and should not be dumbed down to just “La Catorce” (or the street with all the clubs on it). Taking a walk past the pyramid, visiting San Pedro’s main square, and even going to the farmer’s market are all rewarding experiences that will defnitely help any student that is interested familiar with the “real” Cholula.
Bonus Tip: The farmer’s market of San Pedro (located one block north of the square) has an amazing assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables year round with prices that are basically unbeatable.
Spanish Help
Coming and studying in UDLAP implies the use of Spanish, and though not without its challenges, Spanish can prove to be very rewarding once mastered (or at least once conversational). The humanities department host daily helpful writing workshops with professors that can come in handy especially when it’s time to write using tricky ortografía and acentuación. The writing center can be found in room 104 of the humanities building.
Counseling / Resources
According to Giovannia Poala Howden, director of the Department of Student Mobility; “the same rights that full time students of UDLAP have, apply fully to foreign exchange students.” in other words, feel free to visit with your department’s counselor with and doubts, worries or concerns.
UDLAP has so many things to offer any foreign student both academically and socially. Time here (if spent wisely) can prove to be some of the most rewarding time in college life. And to all those French foreign exchange that make up the majority, a resource for exchange student column in French may be in the works.
NAOMI SPENCE G. • naomi.spencegz@udlap.mx