WHERE YOU'LL LIVE
José Ramos
The historic municipality of Guanajuato is the capital of the state of Guanajuato and located in the geographical center of Mexico. The city – served by nearby Del Bajio International Airport – has a population of 171,000 and was named Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1988.
Guanajuato is famous for its unique mountain/valley topography, colorful homes and cobblestoned streets, and rich cultural history. During the 16th and 17th century Spanish Colonial period, the region was one of the most important exporters of gold and silver in the world. Spain used this great wealth to build beautiful theaters, churches, government buildings and public plazas throughout the city, many of which are still enjoyed today. In 1821, the first victorious battle in The Mexican War For Independence was fought on the steps of the Alhóndiga de Granaditas granary, which is today the Museo Regional de Guanajuato. The city is also the birthplace of muralist Diego Rivera and legendary singer-songwriter Jose Alfredo Jimenez, as well as the home of the world-renowned Festival Internacional Cervantino that celebrates the works of Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes.
"love all the different colors of the city center"
View from the Pipila monument
Murals around the city
The estudiantina playing traditional songs and legends
Baroque style church
Hiking in the hills that surround Guanajuato
"The most colorful place I've ever seen"
Breakfast at our favorite vegan restaurant
flower mats decorate the city center on day of the dead
WHERE YOU'LL STUDY
The University Of Guanajuato was founded in 1744 by the Spanish Crown. Today, the non-profit University represents a fundamental part of life for the people of Guanajuato, offering more than 150 academic programs including 13 doctorates, 39 masters programs and 65 bachelor's degrees. Its intensive language school programs are oriented to American pre-college university & post-grad students, making it a popular all-ages destination for studying abroad.
More than 20,000 students enjoy free and discounted admission to the city’s many art, culture and music festivals, while local restaurants, bars and stores are required to maintain low prices to fit student budgets.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
It’s no secret that concerns for safety and security in Mexico have risen over the last decade. But is also worth noting that the vast majority of Mexico is perfectly safe for living and traveling. In fact, the U.S. State Department named Guanajuato as one of the safest destinations in Mexico in 2016.
CLA takes the safety and security of its students very seriously, which is why our organized trips and excursions are only to areas approved by the State Department.
During orientation, we discuss regular safety and security measures around the city as well as what states students are not allowed to travel to independently.
Around 19 million tourists – both nationals and foreigners – visit Guanajuato every year, making it one of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico. (To read more about safety and security in Mexico, click here)
WHAT GUANAJUATO HAS TO OFFER
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グアナファト国際映画祭GIFF毎年7月の2週目と3週目に行われる国際映画祭は、グアナファトの街全体を使って開催されます。広場やグアナファト大学の有名な長階段、また地下道や墓地を使用して様々な映画が無料で鑑賞できます。 グアナファト国際映画祭は、中南米の中でも非常に重要な映画祭として認識されており、若い映画監督やアーティストの活躍の場としても知られています。街全体が観光客と地元の人たちの活気で溢れるこの映画祭についての詳細はこちら。
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セルバンティーノ国際フェスティバルFIC10月のグアナファトは、普段の学生都市としての顔から一変、世界都市として大変身します。セルバンティーノ国際フェスティバルは、メキシコだけではなく中南米の中でももっとも重要な文化と芸術の祭典です。街中のありとあらゆる所が劇場やコンサートホールに変わり、様々な音楽、オペラ、劇、ダンスなどの異文化体験が出来ます。そのほとんどが無料または500円以下で鑑賞可能！ セルバンティーノ国際フェスティバルについて詳しくはここから。
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死者の日11月1日は”死者の日”として知られる、メキシコ人にとってはとても大切な日。祖先を悼むためだけではなく、死後の人生を祝福するための特別な日でもあり、親戚中が集まります。またその日は、祖先が家族を訪れる日としても考えられています。そのため、この時期は多くの人が墓地に訪れ、お墓を掃除し、亡くなった祖先や家族、そして大切な友人の写真を飾るためのおフレンダが用意されます。花やカラフルな切り紙、そして生前に本人が好きだった食べ物や飲み物で飾り付けます。メキシコならではのマリアチが音楽を奏で、亡くなった家族の追悼をします。
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イースター・春休み（2週間）グアナファト大学では、イースターの時期に2週間、春休みになります。その期間にメキシコ国内外への旅行を楽しんでもらえるよう、トラベルチップを提供します。 例としては、春休み期間の特別格安航空券のブッキング方法の紹介など。