OSU Graduate Students in Mexico
"My name is Paola Martínez Romero and I'm a graduate student doing my master's degree in merchandising at the Department of Design and Merchandising at OSU as part of the Bridge Program. What I have liked the most about my time here at OSU is the sense of community and belonging. OSU for me represents a safe space where I can develop myself academically, professionally, and as a human being."
Resources
- Where would I live?
UPAEP Residence Halls
UPAEP Residence Hall are very much like OSU traditional Residence Halls. They are a safe place to stay located less than half a mile from UPAEP main campus, around 7 minutes walking distance.
Services included in the fee are:- Shared or single furnished bedrooms
- Shared bathroom and showers
- Shared kitchenette
- Wi-Fi
- Common study areas
Services not included in the fee:- Bed linen
- Laundry services
- Meals
- How would I get to Mexico?If OSU policy allows you, we recommend that you flight to Mexico City International Airport AICM. You can find alternatives from Stillwater to Dallas/Houston with Mexico City as your final destination.
- How would I arrive to Puebla?
Arrival instructions to Puebla when traveling to Mexico City International Airport AICM
Shuttle
When arriving to Mexico City International Airport (AICM) you need to take a shuttle bus to Puebla City. There are various shuttle bus services available at Mexico City International Airport, two of them are Autobuses Estrella Roja (ER) and Autobuses de Oriente (ADO). Both offer regular departures from both airport terminals to Puebla City's Paseo Destino Terrapuerto, the terminal we suggest you to arrive in.
To identify where in the airport are the shuttle terminals just follow the buses brands signals. You will be able to identify them once you exit the arrivals door.
Terminal 1
AICM's Terminal 1 is located on the top floor, in front of the vehicle ramp of the international arrivals, at the beginning of the fast food area.
Terminal 2
AICM's Terminal 2 is located in hall D, between gate 4 and the exit for domestic arrivals passengers.
The trip from Mexico City's airport to Puebla City is approximately 2 to 3 hours (depending on traffic conditions, the time and day you take the shuttle, etc). The fare is around $380 Mexican pesos depending on when and how (online/onsite) the ticket is bought.
Once in Paseo Destino Terrapuerto you can either take an official cab or an Uber to your final destination in Puebla.
Arrival instructions to Puebla when traveling to Aeropuerto International Hermanos Serdán PBC
Puebla State has its airport located in Huejotzingo, at around 23 miles (37 km) from Puebla. If you decide to arrive in this airport you need to schedule an Uber or use the private driver service OSU Mexico knows.
Even when PBC is closer to Puebla, the availability of incoming flights from Dallas is scarce and highly demanded. Also, its operations compromise very often when the volcano Popocatéptl activity increases. - What is the transportation like in Mexico?
When visiting or living in Mexico and Puebla, finding yourself your way around mobility can offer you the following alternatives:
- Using transportation mobility services such as Uber
- Using public transportation
As it all comes to your budget, the recommended approach will be to learn to use public transportation in your host city. When it comes to Puebla, OSU Mexico will be able to provide guidance on the best neighborhoods to live and the public transportation that is safest and available.
Suggested tools: Moovit is an app that will guide you around the different routes available to a given destination in various cities in Mexico. Please note that routes may have variants, so make sure to identify the right one!
When it comes to taxi cabs in Mexico it is highly recommended to use official cabs. For example, those whose central is linked to a given institution or company because they can be identified. UPAEP has a taxi cab central where all drivers can be identified and often provide services to the university community. It is not a business owned by UPAEP, rather it is a service that is allowed to be provided by a group of well-known drivers that helps UPAEP community feel and keep safe.
When it comes to transportation mobility services it is recommended that you use the apps safety tools like using a verification code, sharing the details of your trips, etc. - Will I have access to Wi-Fi? Will my cell phone work?Internet access
Wi-fi is widely available in various public spaces, in hotels and your host facilities. When it comes to stays longer than a couple of weeks the housing services you decide to take will most certainly include wi-fi services in their fee.
If you want to connect directly to an ethernet connection be prepared to bring or buy an USB-Ethernet adapter.
Cellphone communication services
When traveling to Mexico verify with your mobile communications provider what is included in the monthly plan you have in terms of Roaming services. As the commercial ties between Mexico and the USA are very dynamic, it may be that you have Roaming services to Mexico included.
If not, the best financial-wise approach -mostly for long stays- is that you buy a prepaid chip and activate it monthly by buying packages that include messages and calls according to your needs. The most popular providers are: Telcel, Movistar and AT&T.
You can buy chips almost anywhere, like Oxxo, 7-11, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. Pre-paid packages go from $10 MXP (Less than 1 USD) to $500 MXP (30 USD app) - How would I use my health insurance while in Mexico?
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- How would I get Mexican Pesos?The official Mexican exchange rate you will find it here for reference. Look for Fix Exchange Rate to learn the estimate price of USD exchange you will find. We recommend to use this source as it is the official information (Banco de Mexico), as well as the one banks and financial services providers use to fix their own selling and buying rates.
In the airports you will find plenty of places to sell your dollars (or buy Mexican pesos). Exchange rate may vary. You can also find a couple of places nearby UPAEP main campus: Asecorp and Eurodolar.
Using ATM's is another alternative. We suggest that you ask your financial services provider to know what are the charges/surcharges so you know how to go about your budget. There are financial services providers that belong to networks where there are no fees related to withdrawals.
At UPAEP main campus, and some UPAEP buildings, there are Santander Bank ATM's available. You can ask your financial service provider if you will be paying fees for using Santander ATM's or which would be the provider in the network to avoid them.
Please know that you will be able to use USD cash in very few places like the airport and your hotel. - Do I need a visa?When you come to Mexico for less than 180 days you won't need a visa. You will be instructed to fill the FMM, Forma Migratoria Múltiple. This will be accessible through a QR link. So, be prepared to have internet and battery in your mobile phone.
For Dual Degree students, as for the length of your stay you will be asked to have a student visa. Find more info here. - Who can advise me?Please contact OSU Study Abroad team as well as your college international coordinator.
International coordinators by college:
CEHS
Ashley Haseley
ashley.haseley@okstate.edu
405-744-9558
College of Education & Human Sciences, 210 Nancy Randolph Davis
Spears School of Business
Jalyssa Brummer
jalyssa.brummer@okstate.edu
405-744-5210
Spears School of Business CAGLE Office, 104E Business
Ferguson
Arakssi Arshakian
arakssi@okstate.edu
405-744-4572
Ferguson College of Agriculture, 417 Ag Hall
CEAT
Anne Mahoney
anne.mahoney@okstate.edu
405-744-7017
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, ATRC 109AD
CAS
Shane O'Mealey
shane.omealey@okstate.edu
405-744-5647
College of Arts and Sciences, 213 Life Sciences East - How can I stay safe in Mexico?
When you travel to Mexico, according to your type of program, you will receive detailed information on how it works and what's included. You will find more info in the following links:
Health and Safety Programs - What about Volcano Popocatépetl?
As you probably know, the volcano's activity is part of everyday life in Puebla and it is a good idea to track its activity when making your traveling plans, as well as during your stay. Here you will find some useful official sources for you to try and become well informed on what's happening with Don Goyo.
- https://proteccioncivil.puebla.gob.mx/
- https://www.gob.mx/cenapred
- Official sources of info about the state of the volcano @AICM_mx (Intnal MX Airport Twitter account)
- @AeropuertosASA (Twitter account to monitor Puebla's Airport operations)
- @PC_Estatal (Twitter) Protección Civil Puebla is in charge of executing safety and security protocols
Depending on how intense the ashes during the day, it is suggest to carry a simple mask.
- Who is my emergency contact while im in Mexico?
For more information on insurance, please contact:
OSU Center for Global Learning Safety Team
+1 405 744 8569