The history of Mexico is far too often overlooked because of the physical beauty of the country and its reputation as a party-haven for vacationing college students spending their spring break in places like Cancun. But considered in its entirety, Mexico is home to one of the most fascinating cultural and political histories in the Western hemisphere. And studying abroad there will afford you the opportunity to make the most of this amazing opportunity.

Mexico has been inhabited for more than 25,000 years: "Hunter-Gatherer people are thought to have discovered and habitated its territory more than 28,000 years ago. Ancient Mexicans began to selectively breed corn plants around 8,000 B.C. Evidence shows the explosion of pottery works by 2300 B.C. and the beginning of intensive farming between 1800 and 1500 [B.C.E.]...[Before the discovery of the New World by Columbus], civilizations such as the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Huaxtec, Purepecha, Toltec and Mexica (a.k.a. "Aztecs")" flourished (www.en.wikipedia.org). Many of the ruins of these civilizations can still be seen today.

One of the most riveting sites is Teotihuacan, or "city of the gods," which is located in the northeast of the country. It "was built about 2000 years ago [and] was the largest pre-Hispanic city in Mexico and, at the height of its power, controlled most of Mexico. Visitors to the site can see the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Citadel with the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the plumed serpent), and the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl (the plumed butterfly), all found in a mile-long stretch called the Calle de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead)" (www.iexplore.com). Archaeological sites like this, as well as the ones at Tula and Oaxaca, are necessary destinations for both the casual tourist and the student majoring in history.

But Mexico is about much more than its past. Today, it is an increasingly important country on the world stage. This is a result of its proximity to the Unites States and the ways in which the two countries interact, as well as of its own volition: The government of President Vincente Fox has made it a point to raise the profile of this exciting and important country. When it comes to urban areas, few in the world are richer with diversity than Mexico City. With a population of more than 20 million, it is the largest city in the world. And as befits a city this expansive, the range of experiences and potential adventures students and tourists may have is virtually limitless. "Monuments, parks, fountains, and great tree lined avenues are everywhere you are likely to visit within the city. Skyscrapers sit beside splendid examples of colonial architecture, archeological sites share space with modern day structures and freeways lead to charming neighborhoods of colonial buildings and peaceful plazas. Museums are around just about every corner and the rich heritage of Mexico's colonial past is evident almost everywhere. There are many places within Mexico City to escape the fast pace of the city and where you will feel like you are in a different world within a few minutes' time" (www.allaboutmexicocity.com).

As far as educational institutions, your choices are limited only by the size of school that appeals most to you and the area of study on which you would like to focus. Schools like the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the National Polytechnic Institute, and the Technological and Higher Education Institute are all excellent choices for study abroad students. And there are, of course, many others from which to choose. Whichever one you end up attending, the rewards are sure to be far greater than you ever imagined. And your life will be richer than you had ever hoped. Mexico is more than just a beautiful country and spring break party destination, it is a location that will truly enrich your life.