Welcome to Mexico!     A country full of wonders is waiting for you.     Situated in the southern part of North America and bordering with Central America, Mexico is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea on the east. Mexico is home to one of the richest areas in the world in Biodiversity. It houses 12% of the world’s biodiversity.     It is the 15th country in the world by its size so traveling around the country usually involves long trips. It is 2 million sq. Kms     Its official language is Spanish along 63 other indigenous languages.     Mexico has a history of over 30 000 years of continuous human presence. That has left around the country wonderful sites testimony of its rich history. Archeological sites, colonial towns and palaces, or even its food have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Mexico has 31 of such designations.     We even have one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza, an ancient Maya city.     Mexico is one of the 10 most visited countries in the world but as an exchange student you have the opportunity to see Mexico from the inside as a local from the home of the many Host Families that each year open their homes and their hearts to the YFU students.     Mexico has 32 states and we place students in many of them to give them the opportunity to experience the many sides of Mexico. The YFU trips are also designed to take the students to new areas of Mexico. Students are placed in areas like Oaxaca, Puebla, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Guanajuato and many others. There is something wonderful about each state so all have their own taste of Mexico.     In Mexico you will have the chance to explore ancient indigenous markets as well as the modern cities. Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world with 22 million people but there are more than ten cities of over 1 million people. Cities like Puebla, Moterrey, Merida, Guadalajara or Leon are just a few examples. But most students are placed in small towns were the relaxed lifestyle allows students to get to know a lot of people in town and make new friends easily.     Come to Mexico and experience one of the most exciting countries in the world!