Cuernavaca VS Mexico City for study abroad?

Question

I want to study abroad next summer in Mexico, and I'm trying to figure out the city with the most stuff to do, but also one that is full of culture and history; one that does not just look like an American city. Which of these is best? Has anyone been to either?

Answer 1

more stuff to do and culture & history Mexico City, Cuernavaca is nice but small. Guanajuato is other choice and San Miguel de Allende.

Answer 2

None of the above, if you look for culture, history and originality go for Guanajuato.

If we compare your candidates, I should say that Mexico City is much larger and you will find tons of things to do, it is also one of the oldest cities in America since its foundation goes back to 1300 AD when it was called Tenochtitlan. Mexico City has been witness to every major historical change of the country, allocating emperors (Aztec and Austrian) presidents, invasions, revolutions, etc. It is one of the cities with more museums in the whole world and has a huge repertoire of clubs, restaurants and bars.

Cuernavaca is known as the city of eternal spring, and has become some kind of resting place for Mexicans from Mexico City, meaning that many accomodated families own a house over there to spend weekends and holidays. Due to the above, you could imagine weather is nice and night life is lively, not much history and culture to find there though.

Something else, Mexico City is not an easy place to move around, crime is bad and you should really know how to take care of yourself if you want to move around alone in public transportation, that is why many turists find it frustrating since they usually don't know the spots to visit and end up getting scared to do several things, definitely not for the unexperienced traveler. Cuernavaca is far more easy to get to know and move around, much safer but less exciting in terms of intellectual stimulation.

A much better choice would be Guanajuato, which is a beatiful colonial town, full of foreign students learning Spanish since it is a Cervantino Capital, and where you may find much more of what you are looking for, not to mention that San Miguel de Allende is just 40 minutes away and is also a beautiful town full of american expats. You can see more of Guanajuato in the following website:

http://www.donquijote.org/guanajuato/

Answer 3

If you're only studying Spanish or Mexican history/culture related stuff make sure where you are studying is affiliated with and accredited by a university in your home country so your work will transfer. If you wish to take any and all courses you wish and have everything transfer to the USA, the choice is quite simple: Universidad de Las Americas in Cholula, a Puebla sister city.

Answer 4

Mexico City is where the action is. Disco, Museums, theater, sports, shopping, restaurants everything. School and accommodation is about $ 360.00 per week. I provide accommodation for foreign students in Mexico City. Room independent bathroom, cable tv. Internet access, and Breakfast. You can write to me at gigimx yahoo dot com.

Answer 5

Trust me, Mexico City does not look like an American city. It is a city but on its surroundings, it is very cultural. So much to do and learn from.

I say Mexico city, only because I've been there. But I've heard that Cuernavaca is a dangerous place. When we drove to Mexico City from the North, we were passing Cuernavaca, and some family members told us not to stop there no matter what, not even if we wanted to go to the rest room or if we needed gas. They said "what ever you do, don't STOP at Cuernavaca, it's so corrupted." No mean to scare you but I don't know, maybe it's safe at the schools there.

But Mexico definitely has a lot more.

Answer 6

I have lived in both cities as an exchange student and it really depends on your likes and dislikes.  For me, Mexico City was just too overwhelming-- and a little depressing to see such poverty and such urbanization (imagine entire neighborhoods with no trees!).  Cuernavaca was better because it is a good sized city, but has many different traditional towns close.  It will allow you to see many different things and you'll feel a lot safer.  Plus, if you decide you want to go see Mex City it is only 1hour and a half busride away... so you are not missing anything.  Trust me, choose Cuernavaca-- you'll love it!

Answer 7

jayjay is correct.

Cuernavaca has everything you need, plus it is so close to Mexico City you can go there anytime you want.

Also, there are a lot of foreigners, a nice cultural scene, and the State University offers interesting courses for foreign students.

And sorry ricmon, but if you drive to Mexico City from the North of the country, you never pass Cuernavaca, because it is South of Mexico City. Maybe it was another city those people told you about.