Culture, campus, adventure: Magdalena's semester in Mexico
- 23.10.2025
- International
Magdalena (third from left) quickly made new friends at the Universidad Popular Autonoma Del Estado De Puebla (UPAEP) and thoroughly enjoyed her semester abroad.
Magdalena packed her bags and moved to Mexico for almost a year to spend her semester abroad as part of her bachelor's degree in International Business Management at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. From her first steps in a foreign city to unforgettable evenings – this was her life in Latin America.
From August 2024 to May 2025, Magdalena studied at the partner university Universidad Popular Autonoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP). Her decision to go to Puebla was no coincidence – thanks to a friend of her father's who lived there, she was already familiar with the culture, which made her all the more excited to experience it for herself. In Puebla, the student wanted to improve her Spanish, discover the city, and get to know everyday life there. Between lectures, markets, and encounters, Magdalena quickly found a second home.
PRACTICAL AND INTERCULTURAL: A LOOK AT MAGDALENA'S DAILY STUDY LIFE
Right from the start, she felt well looked after at UPAEP. Contact with her advisors was straightforward, allowing her to concentrate fully on her studies. Lectures usually took place from 10 :00 to 14:00, and many courses were also offered in English. This left her plenty of time to make new friends, stroll through the streets of Puebla, and take part in exciting cultural programs.
Practical and intercultural - that's how Magdalena describes her study life on campus. Group work and constant interaction with fellow students made learning interactive and reflected the unique campus culture.
Looking back, her semester abroad showed her how valuable it is to be open to new things and to embrace different perspectives. The young woman also realized how helpful this attitude can be for her professional work.
The semester abroad extended my horizons and strengthened my capacity to adapt.
Magdalena Rothärmel
Student
For students who are about to spend a semester abroad, she recommends finding out about the course content, classes, language, and culture well in advance. She also advises them to pack light, be open to new experiences, and make friends as soon as possible - above all, to enjoy their time and let themselves be surprised.
LIFE IN PUEBLA
During her semester abroad, Magdalena lived in a small apartment that was centrally located and only a 15-minute walk from the university. Most of her neighbors were also students, and there were shopping facilities just around the corner.
It feels impossible to summarize all the experiences.
Magdalena Rothärmel
Student
From the very beginning, her father's friend was there to support her and help her settle into her new home. He showed her the ropes, helped her run her first errands, took her out for her first taco meal, and made sure she felt welcome right away. This not only gave Magdalena a great start, but also allowed her to experience the warmth and openness of Mexican culture firsthand. It is precisely this relaxed way of life that makes Mexico particularly attractive to students: family, traditions, and solidarity are highly valued, people take their time, and everything is much easier than expected.
Some of her highlights included colorful celebrations such as Día de los Muertos and Día de la Independencia, exciting trips to the coast and cities, and the delicious food. Puebla had a lot to offer Magdalena, which is why she recommends the city to other students: “Traveling is easy and affordable, Puebla is a lively student city with good transport connections, and it offers a unique mix of studying, culture, and everyday experiences.”
Links:
- International Business Management | ft
- Universidad Popular Autonoma del Estado de Puebla | Partner University
