Hear from those who have already traveled to Puebla on this immersion! Anyone and everyone who wishes to better their Spanish and learn more about other cultures is welcome in the program.

Meet Matt Witkowski!

Traveled as a rising Senior. Majors in Biology with a focus in Pre-Med. Had no prior Spanish education and participated in IBERO’s introductory class.

“I definitely had a positive experience on the Puebla Study Abroad trip, despite my lack of prior understanding of Spanish. It was a difficult learning curve, but even when entering with knowing no Spanish, I still felt welcome and experienced a good learning environment. My favorite part of the trip, other than attending IBERO, had to be climbing the Pyramid of the Sun, something that I would consider a once in a lifetime experience. The views were amazing and learning about the ancient civilizations that once resided there was a fascinating experience. The trip definitely aided my understanding of Spanish, as in my opinion, there is no better way to learn Spanish than to be taking a class, staying with a Spanish speaking family, and experiencing the culture all at the same time. Since arriving home from the trip, much of the language has stayed with me, and I hope to take further classes at Canisius at some point in the future. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone considering going, for the educational and cultural experiences, not to mention the company. ”

Meet Rachel Joachimi!

Traveled as a rising Senior. Majors in Spanish with a minor in Biology and a focus in Pre-PA. Had prior Spanish education through Canisius and participated in IBERO’s advanced class.

“A huge academic and personal goal of mine is to one day become fluent in Spanish. I also love to travel, especially in Latin America, and enjoy learning about the cultures in the places I’m lucky enough to visit. This study abroad was the perfect opportunity to practice all of those aspirations. It became clear to me quickly that the Puebla program was the perfect way to practice my Spanish in every way (classroom at IBERO, with my host family, just listening to people speak around me)! Beyond that, it was the definition of a full immersion in the rich culture and beautiful sites of Mexico, from Oaxaca to Mexico City. My favorite memory is watching the Voladores perform acrobatics way up in the air, it was so cool and an experience one can only have in Mexico. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is even slightly interested, and I definitely want to return to Puebla one day!”

Email me at joachim@my.canisius.edu with any questions!

Meet Nicole Newton!

Traveled as a rising Junior. Majors in Spanish and Adolescence Education with a concentration in English. Had prior Spanish education through Canisius and participated in IBERO’s intermediate class.

“Living in Puebla was an experience that changed me as a person, and as a Spanish speaker. Since the trip, I have gained a tremendous amount of confidence when speaking Spanish. Before Puebla, I would go into every Spanish class with a sense of dread in my stomach, because I knew I wouldn’t know how to say anything that I wanted to say. All the intelligent thoughts in my head just never quite came out right. I am still not the best that I can be, and I have a lot more learning to do, but Puebla was the step that I didn’t even know I needed for my own progress. My Spanish skills have greatly improved, and my perspective on Mexico itself has completely changed for the better. I fell in love with the people, the culture and the language, and I would go back if given the chance. Shout out to the wonderful friends and professors that made the trip so unforgettable.”

Meet Hannah Kim!

Traveled as a rising Junior. Majors in International Relations and Spanish. Had prior Spanish education through Canisius and participated in IBERO’s intermediate class.

” Visiting Puebla was my first long term study abroad experience. I am very happy in my decision to take a chance and immerse in a different culture. I think that all students should take the chances provided by Canisius to travel abroad. The new experiences and lessons gained from doing so cannot be taught in the classroom. Traveling with a small group of students really is a good way to make new friends as well. I will definitely travel again like this if I get the chance. It really is worth it to take a chance. get out of your comfort zone, and try something new.”

Meet Edmundo Villa-Pérez!

Traveled as a rising Junior. Majors in History and Latin American Studies. He is a fluent Spanish speaker and participated in IBERO’s advanced class.

“This trip to Puebla was, in my mind, the greatest experience in my time here at Canisius. I was able to both maintain and improve my native Spanish in an academic setting at IBERO, something I’d never done before! It was an opportunity for which I am very grateful to have experienced. Best of all, this trip allowed to visit parts of México I had never been to before, and be at sites I thought I would only be able to see in my sweetest of dreams! Visiting the stunning murals at the Palacio Nacional in México City, representing all of Mexican history, had always been a lifelong dream of mine, and climbing the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon was truly a surreal experience! Not to mention, these experiences were made all the more unforgettable by the fantastic friends!”