Skip to main content

Site navigation

  • University of Technology Sydney home
  • Home

    Home
  • For students

  • For industry

  • Research

Explore

  • Courses
  • Events
  • News
  • Stories
  • People

For you

  • Libraryarrow_right_alt
  • Staffarrow_right_alt
  • Alumniarrow_right_alt
  • Current studentsarrow_right_alt
  • Study at UTS

    • arrow_right_alt Find a course
    • arrow_right_alt Course areas
    • arrow_right_alt Undergraduate students
    • arrow_right_alt Postgraduate students
    • arrow_right_alt Research Masters and PhD
    • arrow_right_alt Online study and short courses
  • Student information

    • arrow_right_alt Current students
    • arrow_right_alt New UTS students
    • arrow_right_alt Graduates (Alumni)
    • arrow_right_alt High school students
    • arrow_right_alt Indigenous students
    • arrow_right_alt International students
  • Admissions

    • arrow_right_alt How to apply
    • arrow_right_alt Entry pathways
    • arrow_right_alt Eligibility
arrow_right_altVisit our hub for students

For you

  • Libraryarrow_right_alt
  • Staffarrow_right_alt
  • Alumniarrow_right_alt
  • Current studentsarrow_right_alt

POPULAR LINKS

  • Apply for a coursearrow_right_alt
  • Current studentsarrow_right_alt
  • Scholarshipsarrow_right_alt
  • Featured industries

    • arrow_right_alt Agriculture and food
    • arrow_right_alt Defence and space
    • arrow_right_alt Energy and transport
    • arrow_right_alt Government and policy
    • arrow_right_alt Health and medical
    • arrow_right_alt Corporate training
  • Explore

    • arrow_right_alt Tech Central
    • arrow_right_alt Case studies
    • arrow_right_alt Research
arrow_right_altVisit our hub for industry

For you

  • Libraryarrow_right_alt
  • Staffarrow_right_alt
  • Alumniarrow_right_alt
  • Current studentsarrow_right_alt

POPULAR LINKS

  • Find a UTS expertarrow_right_alt
  • Partner with usarrow_right_alt
  • Explore

    • arrow_right_alt Explore our research
    • arrow_right_alt Research centres and institutes
    • arrow_right_alt Graduate research
    • arrow_right_alt Research partnerships
arrow_right_altVisit our hub for research

For you

  • Libraryarrow_right_alt
  • Staffarrow_right_alt
  • Alumniarrow_right_alt
  • Current studentsarrow_right_alt

POPULAR LINKS

  • Find a UTS expertarrow_right_alt
  • Research centres and institutesarrow_right_alt
  • University of Technology Sydney home
University of Technology Sydney home University of Technology Sydney home
  1. home
  2. arrow_forward_ios ... For students
  3. arrow_forward_ios ... Experience UTS
  4. arrow_forward_ios Global opportunities
  5. arrow_forward_ios ICS Mexico

ICS Mexico

explore
  • Experience UTS
    • Business experience
      • arrow_forward What do I need to know? Tips for new UTS Business School students
      • arrow_forward Arya Lohar
      • arrow_forward Balancing work and study
      • arrow_forward Darcy Davies
      • arrow_forward Raghav Motani
      • arrow_forward Raymond Ingrey
      • arrow_forward Shannon Allwright
      • arrow_forward Sharyn Close
      • arrow_forward Start in a Summer Session
      • arrow_forward Embracing innovation and global perspectives at UTS
      • arrow_forward How Sophie chose the perfect program blending innovation, tradition, and gender equality
      • arrow_forward Rianna Darby’s global journey: enriched by insights gained from a UTS internship in Indonesia
      • arrow_forward Sam Lightfoot: embracing lifelong learning at UTS
      • arrow_forward Empowering change: Judith’s journey from PNG to UTS
      • arrow_forward Hannah’s journey: mastering the language of business at UTS
      • arrow_forward Clarence Slockee: empowering indigenous leadership
      • arrow_forward Julian Peterson: from Advertising Executive to Behavioural Economist
      • arrow_forward Anastasia Ivanova: enhancing skills for career progression in data analytics
      • arrow_forward Alex Foster: From EMBA to Managing Director at Aldi Stores Australia
      • arrow_forward Hang’s academic journey: from UTS College to financial expertise
      • arrow_forward Graciel’s journey: from psychology to event management
      • arrow_forward Empowering futures: Bianca’s HRM path at UTS
      • arrow_forward Adam Graham: a transformative journey through business and culture at UTS
      • arrow_forward A holistic approach to business education at UTS
      • arrow_forward Bridging the gap: how Gemma Altinger is transforming public policy
      • arrow_forward Navigating the business world via a UTS pathway of integration and innovation
      • arrow_forward Nihad Aliyev: navigating new horizons through business and entrepreneurship at UTS
      • arrow_forward Where business meets humanity
      • arrow_forward Absorbed in Sydney’s business hub: Axel Thunhorst’s international journey at UTS
    • Communication experience
      • arrow_forward Zara Horton: UNITE 2030
      • arrow_forward Career advice
      • arrow_forward The parents' guide to ATAR results
      • arrow_forward The parents' guide to university
      • arrow_forward Internships & placements
      • arrow_forward Life on campus
      • arrow_forward Student life
      • arrow_forward From UTS to global marketing leader
      • arrow_forward A journey of perseverance from UTS to CNN
      • arrow_forward Seref Isler: from UTS Housing to global newsrooms
      • arrow_forward Emma Watkins: singing and dancing her way to inclusion and a PhD
      • arrow_forward Championing disability rights and inclusion
      • arrow_forward Jamie Lipsham: from UTS to VFX trailblazer
      • arrow_forward Brooke Boney: breaking barriers on breakfast TV
      • arrow_forward Rebecca Hatch: harmonising cultures through music
      • arrow_forward Polina Pashkov: stitching together a unique career path
      • arrow_forward Phillipa McDermott: paving the way for Indigenous representation
      • arrow_forward Han’s vision: turning passion into a career at 10 News First
      • arrow_forward Amani Haydar: transforming trauma into advocacy and art
      • arrow_forward Empowering First Nations voices through media and business
      • arrow_forward Alice Rummery on innovating for a better future in government
      • arrow_forward Alana Valentine: illuminating the human experience through theatre
      • arrow_forward Maya Newell: capturing children’s voices through film
      • arrow_forward Julia Holman: the thrill of the chase in journalism
      • arrow_forward Pioneering reconciliation through social justice and community leadership
    • Design, Architecture and Building experience
      • arrow_forward Alix Higgins: redefining fashion
      • arrow_forward From collective design to designing with Country, Tyler Smith is transforming contemporary architecture
      • arrow_forward Rachel Mah is putting the user at the centre of AI
      • arrow_forward How to become an architect in Australia
      • arrow_forward From remote study to the fashion runways
      • arrow_forward Innovating fashion with AI
      • arrow_forward For the love of nature
      • arrow_forward Dessy Hairis on building Bydee
      • arrow_forward Pioneering tech and diversity in construction
      • arrow_forward One woman, 80,000 years of Indigenous architectural tradition
      • arrow_forward Crafting transformative spaces: Monique Mifsud's journey in Interior Architecture
      • arrow_forward Reclaiming identity through fashion
      • arrow_forward Fungal Fusion: Stella Li's unique approach to design
      • arrow_forward Ellen Slaven: from Property Economics student to industry mentor
      • arrow_forward Designing the future of tech
      • arrow_forward Gabriella Annetta: breathing life into everyday objects
      • arrow_forward Combatting racism and supporting mental health with design
      • arrow_forward Drawing a global career
      • arrow_forward Cameron Hill: weaving her way to Fashion Week
      • arrow_forward Reimagining healthcare spaces through architecture
      • arrow_forward Katherine Turk is ready to take on the world
      • arrow_forward Bringing Indigenous stories to Breville
      • arrow_forward Shruti Gurung: from UTS graduate to co-founder of Curio Homes
      • arrow_forward Thomas Cole can fix your feet, one 3D-printed shoe at a time
      • arrow_forward Supporting tomorrow’s construction project managers
      • arrow_forward Crafting couture: Vanessa’s fashion revolution
      • arrow_forward Dr Lin Wei: from international student to support advocate
      • arrow_forward Luisa Skyring: designing for inclusion
      • arrow_forward FAQs: Studying Project Management at UTS
      • arrow_forward FAQs: Studying Architecture at UTS
      • arrow_forward 5 Reasons to Study Project Management
      • arrow_forward 5 reasons to study Architecture
      • arrow_forward 5 reasons to study Urban Planning
      • arrow_forward FAQs: Studying Urban Planning at UTS
    • Education experience
      • arrow_forward Alex Foster
      • arrow_forward Top tips to manage your study load
      • arrow_forward Geoffrey McNamara AM, a champion for science
      • arrow_forward Professor Jack Beetson’s lifelong crusade for literacy and rights
      • arrow_forward From Tasmania to LA: Kim’s inspiring adventure in education
      • arrow_forward Hamish Gardner, teaching with passion and dedication
      • arrow_forward Jim White
      • arrow_forward Adrian Appo OAM: a journey of self-determination and empowerment
    • Engineering experience
      • arrow_forward Studying Engineering at UTS
      • arrow_forward Sparked to study technology’s essential element
      • arrow_forward Don’t stress – get across the mechanics of early entry
      • arrow_forward Building a bridge to gender equality in engineering
      • arrow_forward It’s all in the data, from internships to mentoring
      • arrow_forward Motorway trip with industry connections and career support
      • arrow_forward Stress-free way to explore sustainability solutions
    • Health experience
      • arrow_forward How AI is changing the way healthcare professionals practice and learn
      • arrow_forward FAQ
      • arrow_forward Allison Cummins
      • arrow_forward Amanda Rehayem
      • arrow_forward Athena Hammond
      • arrow_forward The future of health? It’s here
      • arrow_forward Louise Everitt
      • arrow_forward Lynne Roberts
      • arrow_forward Wareerat Jittitaworn
      • arrow_forward On the fast track to a registered nursing career
      • arrow_forward Back to the drawing board
      • arrow_forward For the love of the game
    • Graduate research experience
      • arrow_forward Repurposing an engineering career to pursue a passion for fashion
      • arrow_forward Growing women’s football through research
      • arrow_forward Elevating the game for women in sport
      • arrow_forward 5 types of free support to help you succeed
      • arrow_forward 5 reasons to do a PhD (according to our students)
    • Graduate School of Health experience
      • arrow_forward 5 tips to get organised and stay organised
      • arrow_forward Making the most of 'me time' on campus
      • arrow_forward Mastering a Masters degree
      • arrow_forward Tye Sieger
    • Information Technology experience
      • arrow_forward IT clubs and societies
      • arrow_forward Guide to applying for a BIT Co-operative Scholarship
      • arrow_forward IT Honours program
      • arrow_forward IT internships
      • arrow_forward IT Student support
      • arrow_forward Meet Chloe – Computing Science IDeA Cadetship Student
      • arrow_forward BIT Co-operative Scholarship interview advice
      • arrow_forward IT careers and employment
      • arrow_forward Learning inside and outside the classroom
      • arrow_forward Nurturing a love of coding, sharing the STEM dream
      • arrow_forward How the Galuwa program unlocked a gamer’s passion
      • arrow_forward Industry-ready, with a uni friendship group to boot
      • arrow_forward Be authentic: a scholarship holder's advice to applicants
      • arrow_forward Work experience opens door to wider IT possibilities
      • arrow_forward Meet Jack – Computer Science IDeA Cadetship Student
    • Law experience
      • arrow_forward 5 ways our Migration Law course will set you up for an exciting career | UTS Law
      • arrow_forward 6 tips to become a top performing Law student
      • arrow_forward 7 tips to manage postgraduate studies
      • arrow_forward Benefits of combining your Law degree
      • arrow_forward Five career options for law graduates | UTS Law
      • arrow_forward How to become a lawyer in four steps | UTS Law
      • arrow_forward Technology and innovation: the future of law
      • arrow_forward Think you’re ‘too old’ to study law? Think again | UTS Law
      • arrow_forward A career in social justice
      • arrow_forward From business manager to banking lawyer
      • arrow_forward It's never too late for a law degree
      • arrow_forward Sailor lawyer teacher mentor meet Stuart Lowe
      • arrow_forward Postgraduate law can lead to more than just a legal career
    • Science experience
      • arrow_forward Acacia Kutay
      • arrow_forward Bernice Datu
      • arrow_forward Daniel Totonjian
      • arrow_forward Darren Mario Fernandez
      • arrow_forward Emily Hazell
      • arrow_forward Emily Quinn Smyth
      • arrow_forward George Elturk
      • arrow_forward Hugh Mackay
      • arrow_forward Johanes Bijosono Oei
      • arrow_forward Leonard Cheung
      • arrow_forward Majca Tongacan
      • arrow_forward Michael Haughey
      • arrow_forward Nicholas James
      • arrow_forward Phoebe Pham
      • arrow_forward Stephanie Town
      • arrow_forward Cultivating a passion for environmental science at UTS
      • arrow_forward Bridging science and medicine: the journey of Jeff Barber, clinical physicist
    • arrow_forward Campus
    • Career planning
      • arrow_forward Engineering and IT industry connections
      • arrow_forward Health clinical simulation
      • arrow_forward Science student internships
      • arrow_forward Law practical experience
      • arrow_forward Upskill or retrain in Law
    • Community and leadership
      • arrow_forward Arts and social sciences clubs and societies
      • arrow_forward AusLEAP: volunteering opportunities for international students
    • Global study
      • arrow_forward Design, architecture and building global study experience
      • arrow_forward ICS Argentina
      • arrow_forward ICS Canada (Québec)
      • arrow_forward ICS Chile
      • arrow_forward ICS China
      • arrow_forward ICS Colombia
      • arrow_forward ICS Costa Rica
      • arrow_forward ICS France
      • arrow_forward ICS Germany
      • arrow_forward ICS Italy
      • arrow_forward ICS Japan
      • arrow_forward ICS Latino USA
      • arrow_forward ICS Mexico
      • arrow_forward ICS Spain
      • arrow_forward ICS Switzerland
    • Undergraduate experience
      • arrow_forward From dreaming of space to engineering underwater tech
      • arrow_forward A spark of science added to the roar of premiership victory
      • arrow_forward A spark of determination leads to a passion for innovation
      • arrow_forward Living a childhood dream from the classroom to open water
      • arrow_forward 6 ways students are promoting gender equity on campus
      • arrow_forward FAQ videos for new undergraduate students
    • Postgraduate experience
      • arrow_forward Learning to lead through community
      • arrow_forward Alumni advantage
      • arrow_forward Big challenges, bold solutions from health and science
      • arrow_forward Debunking postgrad myths
      • arrow_forward Postgraduate pathways into health and science
      • arrow_forward Thinking about a career in health?
    • arrow_forward International Studies and Social Sciences experience
    • arrow_forward All student stories
    • Transdisciplinary Innovation experience
      • arrow_forward After a mid-career change, Stefan Hall is harnessing the power of big data
      • arrow_forward From a life of Lego to an innovation-led career
male and female student walking through a large marketplace
Mitch in Mexico

Mitchell Orme (Muñga)

Degree: Bachelor of Communication (Public Communication) / Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
ICS University: Centro Universitario de la Costa, Puerto Vallarta, México

Other than a steady diet of burritos, my ICS year is about adventure and challenging myself to go outside of my comfort zone.

Mitchell completed his ICS in Mexico in 2018

Q&A with Mitchell

What was the highlight of your ICS in Mexico?

A surfing trip to Baja California with two friends I made at my ICS University, a Spaniard and Argentine. We hired a ute and drove along to coast and surfed at a few different spots. It was the exact exploration that I imagined ICS would bring me. Surfing as the sunset, only speaking Spanish and meeting people I would never have met without this program. We also got to see seals, dolphins, orcas and whales. 

Mitchell posing in a Mexican restuarant

How did your language and intercultural skills improve?

I was very lucky to have Proulex lessons for my first three months in Mexico, this accelerated my learning a lot. When I built up more and more confidence with conversation I also felt my Spanish improve. Intercultural skills were definitely something I felt improve as I tried more and more to immerse myself within the Mexican culture.

What skills have you learned in the past year that will benefit your personal life and/or future career?

I’m not sure I can pinpoint any one skill that will benefit me, I think that the ICS year has just fine-tuned skills that I previously had. These skills mostly revolved around independence, confidence and discipline. 

How did university life in Mexico differ to Australia? How did you adjust, if needed?

The university lifestyle in Mexico is far more relaxed, there isn’t as much stress over attendance, behaviour in class, deadlines or schedules. There are instances of professors not showing up or assignments not being graded. So it was certainly a change from back home.

A panorama of the ocean at sunset

How did you finance your ICS (e.g. scholarships, loans, budgeting)? Any advice?

I had been aware of the ICS trip for a while and had been saving part of my earnings for over 2 years. I was lucky that the cost of living in Mexico is significantly lower than many other ICS locations. I finished the year with a considerable surplus, thanks to good budgeting and research. I would recommend using the HELP Loan as well.

What’s an assumption about your country that you found to be untrue? 

One of the biggest assumptions about Mexico I had been aware of was the danger. I had that assumption completely dispelled in most of places that I visited. The people are kind hearted, happy to help and very welcoming, like anywhere in the world, if you want to search for trouble, you can find it. 

What was your research project and why did you choose it? What were the findings? 

I chose to study the open and inclusive nature of my city and its inhabitants on a racial, sexual and cultural level. The people of Vallarta have a great sense of community and it was something that resonated with me, especially in the fallout of Australia’s plebiscite for same sex marriage. They celebrate all cultures instead of having a dominant culture reigning over others that exist.

A group of men walking past a colourful wall

If you were going through a tough time, what support did you receive or access? 

Whenever I was presented with a problem or a period where I wasn’t feeling myself, I first tried to solve it myself. When I wasn’t up to the task, I reached out to my friends on ICS as well, they were perfectly able to empathise with me, and if that didn’t work, my family would come in the mix as well. 

If you could redo your ICS, what are some things you would do differently? 

If I could redo ICS, I would’ve spent more and more time travelling Mexico and other parts of Central America. I wish I could have spent more time surfing and more time at the beach, which has meant that I have stayed on in Mexico and volunteering at a beachside hostel where I can surf everyday. 

Why should International Studies students choose Mexico as their major?

I would happily recommend Mexico over every other Spanish speaking option. The people are incredible and will make your entire year fantastic. You’ll learn Spanish in a relaxed and easy environment. The natural beauty and diversity that the country holds is mystifying, you can travel across the country and see so many different sites and cultures. You have Central America on your doorstep for more Spanish practice and a pretty safe trail to follow through. The food, well I can’t describe how magical all the food is, but it's beyond anything I could ever have imagined prior. The cost of living makes it considerably easier as well, with rent, food, travel and most other costs significantly less than what you’re used to, which for a travelling student, is perfect. 

A plate of tacos

Blog #1 - Moving to Mexico

Photo of Mitchell in Mexico

If you were to take a geez at my journey from first thought about International Studies to where I sit now, you’d have plenty to sift through.

Photo of Mitchell in Mexico

The plan I first had with BAIS was to study French, it was a smooth language and both my brothers had reasonable proficiency. After growing up with The Mighty Ducks, I was desperate to play Ice Hockey. The Canadian stereotype possesses many similarities with Australia’s except their kindness is unmatched. Prêt, non?

I picked up International Studies in my second year at UTS, in the time between finishing high school and applying for the second degree, my mind had changed. I wanted to learn Spanish like my sister had done in Chile. My destination in mind? Miami, with South Beach and thoughts of the American college experience. I would listen to Miami by Will Smith as the plane touched down.

Photo of a Mexican festival

Coming back from the long summer break, courtesy of the Communication degree’s lack of exams, my mind had changed yet again. I had a genuine think about Miami and I realised, despite the strong Latino population, if I was in Miami for a year, my Spanish would hardly improve. It would be far too easy to just revert to English, in a country where English is the main language.

What to do? Spain’s popularity meant I’d be gambling with preferences for a good city, Colombia seemed a little too dangerous and Argentina too cold. Chile was my sister’s ICS country and Costa Rica seemed a little too developing, where was my third bowl of porridge? It was directly under the United States.

The more I explored and researched Mexico the more I fell in love.

Photo of Mitchell pretending to shoot a toy gun

I had looked over the available cities, and for me, it was a toss-up between Monterrey and Guadalajara. Monterrey was close to the States, I could pop up for concerts and events. Guadalajara, on the other hand, was the closest city to the coast, I could have beach weekends.

Fast forward to the first information session about our destinations and a name I hadn’t heard popped up, Puerto Vallarta. I instantly googled it, my jaw dropped and my eyes shot open in interest. I was lucky, I nabbed it without competition. My life currently consists of beach days and burritos.

Don’t fear uncertainty and change with this degree, it may lead you down a path to paradise.

Blog #2 - Becoming a local 

Photo of a beach in Mexico at sunset

From the moment you arrive in your ICS city, you will be bombarded with novelty. This feeling will last a while, but it is something to be enjoyed. Getting to know ‘your’ city will be an experience you won’t forget. Mistakes will be made, sometimes you’ll feel lost and there will be days you crave the normalcy of home. Getting the feel of your new Ciudad will involve a fair amount of action. You’ve got to be asking questions, starting conversations and pushing past the nagging fear and worry. Most people will happily give you the time of day, especially if you’re making an effort to speak their language.

Although not every day will be perfect, sometimes you’ll be overloaded, sometimes stressed or tired and that’s ok. There are moments that you may fall back on the things you know. Maybe instead of searching around for an authentic place to eat, you succumb to the Golden Arches where you know the menu, enjoy the air conditioning and free wifi. Don’t beat yourself up about it, just don’t make it a habit. One piece of advice that has helped me a lot is remembering that it is ‘my’ year. You do have expectations in regards to Uni both in your city and UTS, that’ll provide some structure to your year, but otherwise do your own thing. Explore the cities and places you want to go. Venture out and learn, who knows when you’ll ever have an opportunity like this again?

A mariachi band performing at night

Blog #3 - I would happily encourage travel

Your city and your country will always offer new and fun experiences, but don’t feel as though you’re confined by either. I would happily encourage travel. Preferably somewhere that speaks the language you’ve been learning, but also treat yourself. I’ve been very lucky to have the rest of Central America at my doorstep. As soon as my first semester was over I was desperate the explore.

The travelling will be exciting. You’ll meet all sorts of people, you’ll see plenty of sites and natural beauties and start to miss home, which by the end of semester 1 will be your ICS city. It is a strange thing that this new city will become your ‘home’, but it will. You’ll have regular spots, whether it be cafes, bars, or just your favourite spot to watch the sunset. You’ll also miss the friends you made in that semester, whether they’re other international students or just locals.

FASS Mexico ICS study tour selfie of man smiling in front of a mountain

Travelling will also just give you a chance to have a breather from the ICS, if you’re travelling you can just worry about your day to day activities. There are no assignments, no tests, no tutorials or lectures. Likely it’ll be you, a backpack, your passport and plenty of possibilities.

I actually ran into a previous UTS ICS student at a hostel in Flores, Guatemala. The best piece of advice she gave me, was to take and enjoy every opportunity you’re given, especially when it comes to travel.    

FASS Mexico ICS study tour beach area in Mexico

Blog #4 - Problem-solving empowers you

FASS ICS Mexico study tour Mitchell in a beach guard tower

If you are to live and study in another country for an entire year, you will inevitably run into a problem. Maybe one, maybe some, maybe many. The problems will be opportunities for you to grow your independence and maturity. Solving these problems empowers you.

Within my second week of living in Mexico, I was going to the Immigration Office to obtain my Visa Card. Sadly, my entrance into Mexico hadn’t been completed in the exact manner necessary. I was here as a tourist, not as a student. The office happily notified me that I needed to exit and re-enter the country in order to acquire the card. Yay!

FASS ICS Mexico study tour  sloths hugging a bamboo tree

I went immediately on the front foot, researching the flights out of Mexico. After a solid hour of stress eating Pringles and googling on my phone I had booked a flight to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Somehow it was cheaper to fly from PV to Minnesota, Minnesota to LAX and then back to PV. $300 I would never see again. Minnesota was freezing. Then a dreadfully slow layover in Los Angeles. I should’ve brought a jacket. I returned to Mexico, tired yet determined. I would immigrate into this country perfectly. I am glad to report I did.
 

Mistakes and problems will pop up during your ICS. Your attitude toward them will guide your year. No matter the issue, this year, the onus is on your to tackle the problems that will surely come running at you. Brace for impact, then get started on fixing them.

A sign painted in traditional Mexican art

Blog #5 - Returning to university

The time has come to return for your second semester at your host university. You may have gotten used to travelling and seeing new sights on a daily basis. You may miss the freedom, the exploring, everything that a good semester break brings. Although, as you pack your bag to head to your uni again, don’t fret, don’t be sad, don’t hesitate for a second.

FASS ICS Mexico study tour  Mexican signage on a beach walkway

The return to your host Uni will be lots and lots of fun, for some it’ll be a return to the many friends you’ve made. For some, it’ll be the beauty of some structure in your life. For some, just not living out of a suitcase and having your own bed will be joyous enough.

There will be new classes, new students to meet and socialise with, and there are less UTS assignments to worry about this time around. The second phase of the year, you’re entering the University with a lot more confidence and know-how. You’ll be able to walk around with a stronger lingual ability, a knowledge of the campus like UTS back in Sydney and you’ll feel like you’re back home. Your ICS city. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to explore some different and exciting subjects. I’ve been very lucky this second semester, bending over backwards with Yoga, ascending higher in Rock Climbing and exploring one of my biggest passions with Film Analysis. So embrace this semester, it is your last one!

FASS ICS Mexico study tour Mitchell walking in front of an Aztec templo mayor

Blog #6 - Keeping track of memories

As an ICS student you will be at the receiving end of some of the coolest and memorable experiences of your life. The sheer expanse of the year will lend itself to one thing that will help you considerably, keeping a journal. Most travellers do tend to chronical down their thoughts and experiences for later reflection. With all that happens during your year, you don’t want to start forgetting things. Keeping track of these memories will provide you with an arsenal of answers to the multitude of questions you will be asked on your return to Aus!

FASS ICS Mexico study tour Mitchell and in instructor skydiving

The great thing about this is there is no one way to do it, you can write in a journal, you can take 20 photos a day, video everything or just record voice memos before you go to sleep. It’s completely up to you. This record will provide you with so many wonderful feelings. For one, it gives you a little structure, something to add to a different routine than you’re used to. Secondly, it allows you to reflect and analyse yourself as you pass through the year. Even after a month, you can look back and see all the fun memories you’ve made, how your mentality has shifted, or even a motivator to own your ICS year. This journal is for you, it's for your to be honest with yourself, don’t let your memories fade, they’re far too special to leave behind!

FASS ICS Mexico study tour Guadalajara welcome sign

Blog # 7 - Get amongst it

To immerse yourself into the culture of another country requires you to join them in their celebrations. The beginning of November in Mexico offers one of the country’s most unique celebrations, The Day of The Dead. Living in Puerto Vallarta I could have stayed there, but when you have to chance to experience a cultural event like this, you need to go for the source.

FASS ICS Mexico study tour Mitchell and a friend dressed up for Day of the Dead

Preloaded with the Mexico City scene from the James Bond film Spectre I was more than excited. Sadly though, this was all Hollywood. The real and genuine celebrations of this festival happened in smaller towns. It offers people the chance to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us. Instead of mourning, pain and an absence of colour, the city of San Miguel Allende was bursting with life. People created altars, offered their departed gifts and kept them in mind. Graveyards were open, bright and people are proud to honour those they have lost. I was also lucky enough to be joined by three ICS friends, two studying in Costa Rica and one in Colombia. This was my chance to be the guide, to give them the proper introduction to Mexico.

It is a truly magnificent feeling to proudly show people the slice of heaven you’ve found in the world.

FASS ICS Mexico study tour Mitchell jumping on a beach in Mexico

Blog # 8 - Managing your money

There is no set formula or correct method when it comes to money preparation and management. The countries, currencies and cost of living are all going to be different. The 2 years you have to save won’t also be a breeze. You may have to skip some fun and work longer and more consistently with the knowledge that it’s for your ICS year.

How you spend your money is also completely your decision. My recommendation would be to research, find out the costs of living in your chosen destination. Having an idea of rent prices can be a big help when you first arrive. The ICS year may also be a big first step away from home - it will be a good chance to test your independence. You may even catch a glimpse into how lucky you are to have your parents.

FASS ICS Mexico study tour a plate of Mexican street food

The year will likely unfold with a frugal beginning, thinking you have to budget really tight if you’re going to last a whole year. By the end of the first semester your thinking will have relaxed and you’ll be prepping for travel, whether it be your own country or surrounding ones. That’ll be a bit of a hit to the funds, but when you come back, you’ll be headed into the second half of your year with a better ability to manage your money. You may even splash some more cash in the final months. You can be smart with your money and still have a lot of fun, it’s your saved money, make the most of it!

More information about ICS

  • Read about the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
  • Read about In-country study in the UTS Handbook

Related Links

ICS Argentina

ICS Colombia

ICS Chile

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation and the Boorooberongal People of the Dharug Nation upon whose ancestral lands our campuses now stand. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands. 

University of Technology Sydney

City Campus

15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007

Get in touch with UTS

Follow us

  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Facebook

A member of

  • Australian Technology Network
Use arrow keys to navigate within each column of links. Press Tab to move between columns.

Study

  • Find a course
  • Undergraduate
  • Postgraduate
  • How to apply
  • Scholarships and prizes
  • International students
  • Campus maps
  • Accommodation

Engage

  • Find an expert
  • Industry
  • News
  • Events
  • Experience UTS
  • Research
  • Stories
  • Alumni

About

  • Who we are
  • Faculties
  • Learning and teaching
  • Sustainability
  • Initiatives
  • Equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Campus and locations
  • Awards and rankings
  • UTS governance

Staff and students

  • Current students
  • Help and support
  • Library
  • Policies
  • StaffConnect
  • Working at UTS
  • UTS Handbook
  • Contact us
  • Copyright © 2025
  • ABN: 77 257 686 961
  • CRICOS provider number: 00099F
  • TEQSA provider number: PRV12060
  • TEQSA category: Australian University
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility