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Does Mexico have a high crime rate? Mexico’s crime rate, in comparison to other countries in the world is slightly higher than the average. These statistics do not indicate if the crimes were committed against citizens or tourist. Why is there so much talk about violence in the media? The media (television, newspapers, magazines, etc.) are now focusing on the conditions near the USA – Mexico border or the rare assaults on its citizens visiting Mexico. People may tend to think the situation applies to all Mexico. The border areas are now experiencing an increase of violent crimes directly related to the drug cartels and drug trafficking. Drug trafficking is a problem common on both sides of the border as well as other countries. The Mexican government is committed to reducing organized crime in Mexico and especially drug trafficking. This has lead to clashes with organized crime members especially in the border areas where drug trafficking is concentrated. What is the situation at the US border? There have been armed clashes amongst the various drug cartels and with the police in some cities next to the border such as Juarez, Nogales and Tijuana. The violence at the borders has not spread to other areas of the country such as central and south Mexico. The Mexican government has greatly increased the police presence in the border areas to provide greater security to its citizens and visitors. US and Canadian government travel warnings specifically mention the border areas and advised increased vigilance when traveling near the border. They have not changed their warning levels for the rest of Mexico for many years. The official government travel warnings do not advise against visiting Mexico. What are my chances of becoming a victim of crime during my visit to Mexico? In 2008, there were over 9.8 million visitors to Mexico and only a handful had bad experiences. More are coming every year and most return to Mexico many times. Much of Mexico’s violent crime is the result of in-fighting amongst organized crime. A similar situation exists in Vancouver, Canada, where recent organized crime violence has escalated. Vancouver remains an extremely safe city to visit and so is the majority of Mexico. Your risk of personally experiencing crime in central Mexico or at the beaches is similar or less than what you might experience in your home country. All travelers should be cautious and aware of their situations just as they would in New York, Toronto or Houston. Is Guanajuato safe to visit or reside in? Guanajuato is a safe city to visit and to live in. Guanajuato’s crime rate is very low and is much safer than cities in North America or Europe. The city is a favorite place to visit for both foreign and Mexican tourist. As a World Heritage Site, Guanajuato has kept strict standards for building codes, cleanliness and security. Guanajuato provides a quality of life and experience that is unique in the world Where can I go for more information? Feel free to check with past Escuela Mexicana students for their impressions and opinions on Guanajuato and safety in México The CIA Report in México: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html The US State Department Advisory on Mexico: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html SOURCES: The Eighth United Nations Survey on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2002) (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Centre for International Crime Prevention); The Eighth United Nations Survey on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2002) (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Centre for International Crime Prevention); Wikipedia: Gun violence ; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008; The Eighth United Nations Survey on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2002) (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Centre for International Crime Prevention); World Health Organization: World report on violence and health, 2002; International Centre for Prison Studies - World Prison Brief; Fifth Annual BSA and IDC Global Software Piracy Study Testimonials  | Wednesday March 11, 2009, United States of America. My wife and I arrived in Guanajuato, Mexico on the last day of January and we have been here for over a month attending Spanish classes at Escuela Mexicana. During the time we have been here we have received numerous communications from friends and family concerning our safety. We wish to communicate to all concerned that this most beautiful city has proved to be extremely safe. We have traveled throughout the city and to nearby cities and have never felt the least bit uncomfortable. In this city and especially around Escuela Mexicana it seems that everyone has gone out of their way to make sure we are safe and secure. For our first two weeks here Escuela Mexicana arranged for us to stay in the home of a wonderful local family. Since then we have rented a small casita here and we have utilized public transportation. Every bus driver or taxi cab driver we have met has assured us that all of the problems of violence in Mexico are concentrated along their borders to the US or in very specific locations inside Mexico - none of which are here. Stanley Winborne |
 | Thursday March 20, 2009, United States of America My family (myself, my wife and our two children) have lived in Guanajuato for the past two months and I can honestly say that it is about the most comfortable city I have ever called home (and I have lived in quite a few cities in both the US and Europe). Not only is it charming and sophisticated in an entirely authentic way but it seems to be about as safe a city be. We walk around the town at all hours of the night without a thought; the streets are always full of families and friends out for a stroll. Small frail older women walk through dark alleyways with no apparent concern. We even have started allowing our kids to go out alone at night (something we would never do back home) just like all their Mexican friends. I know that there are parts of Mexico struggling with terrible crime but those places sure aren’t here. My family is studying Spanish at La Escuela Mexicana and now, after just a few weeks, our ability to speak, understand, read and write has improved more than I ever would have expected. But for us, the school is more than just an excellent place to study a language, it is the community which first welcomed us to Guanajuato and which continues to help us begin our life in Mexico. The director Hayde, the teachers and staff are so friendly, so flexible, so knowledgeable that whatever the issue or question, they will make sure that we find the answer and help that we need. Stadler Family |
 | Thursday March 19, 2009, United States of America My stay in Guanajuato has been great. I love walking up to the sunshine and being able to walk to the school through beautiful downtown. The locals are friendly and very helpful. I was nervous to travel by myself but everybody is very warm and inviting at Escuela Mexicana. The teachers at Escuela Mexicana are helpful and very responsive to any questions you might have. They honestly seem to enjoy teaching because in the end we are all learning from one another. Ashley Rowe |
 | Wednesday March 18, 2009, Australia I found the experience of studying Spanish at Escuela Mexicana in Guanajuato both academically rewarding and lots of fun. The teachers at Escuela Mexicana are highly qualified and the classes professionally run facilitating rapid progress with the language. The atmosphere is a friendly and relaxed one in which I immediately felt comfortable. The city of Guanajuato itself is incredibly beautiful and has a vibrant cultural life, free of the dangers in some others parts of Mexico. It is small and very safe and secure. Guanajuato is a lovely place to spend time and a great environment in which to learn Spanish. Zöe Anderson |
Swine Flu Several people have asked us about the swine flu and the situation in Mexico and, especially, in and around Guanajuato.There have not been any reported cases of swine flu in Guanajuato or Guanajuato State. People are calm and life here does not appear to have changed other than a few people wearing face masks. The Federal Government closure of public places for seven days in all of Mexico is now over. People have returned to school, restaurants, public gatherings and their daily schedules without overwhelming concern. According to Mexican government reports today (May18, 2009), the rate of infection in Mexico has dropped considerably in Mexico City and other areas. Government health officials state they are gaining control of the situation. In these links you can check more real information: http://www.pandemicflu.gov http://www.un.org/en/ http://new.paho.org Testimonials 
| We arrived in Guanajuato on Thursday 14th May from Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast, via Guadalajara. Guanajuato was high on our list of places to visit because of it’s World heritage listing & renown as a centre for the arts & learning. We enrolled for a week of language & also cooking classes at the Escuela Mexicana. Spanish Grammar is a real challenge but our teachers have introduced us to useful exercises to help use our existing vocabulary to converse and construct meaningful sentences. The food we make in class is great & is also a very economical way to provide lunch & dinner, as there is normally leftovers. The staff, both teaching and others, is all friendly, helpful & fond of their beautiful town. We have been travelling in the middle of the Swine Flu hysteria and haven’t been inconvenienced, aside from some very un- intrusive screening at bus terminals.The architecture is unique, and most of the attractions are easy to find if you are prepared to do a little walking. Come & enjoy! Paul & Rochelle I’Anson, Christmas Island, Australia. | |  | I am a student at Escuela Mexicana here in Guanajuato Mexico since the first week of April 2009, and I am still here. I will be here for at least another month or more. The recent influenza has not affected Guanajuato and the government here is taking precautions. The staff here at Escuela Mexicana is very helpful in all aspects of my stay here in Guanajuato, and most important of all, my Spanish is improving tremendously. I am enjoying my time here in Guanajuato. Jim Wuu, Los Angeles, United States. | |  | I have lived in Guanajuato with my 15 year old son and 11 years old for almost one year.Call it a social experiment. I wanted my children to learn another language and experience a culture different than our own. I wanted them to realice that there is a wole World out there and not everyone has access to the material privilege that we after take for granted in the United States.When I first started planning the trip often ugly stereotypes World rear their heads. Aren`t you worried for your safety? What about the drug cartels? And now, what about the swine flu virus? Always something negative.I have found the city and its people to be over whelming hospitable.I feel saber having my kids roaming around on their own in Guanajuato than in our home town of fort worth Texas alter only 9 months of immersion both kids speak Spanish very well. We love it here so much we are planning on making i tour home .As I speak with other foreigners it seems to be the same . People are people . Treta others with dignity and respect, be a goog visitor. Rarely is there much to fear . The people of Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico are. Kathleen Duggan-Friendshuh, Texas, United States. | |
We Are Open We would like to inform all who are interested in coming to Guanajuato, México, that Escuela Mexicana remains open, thanks to our previous and returning students´ recomendations. It is for that reason that in spite of recent negative press about Mexico, Escuela Mexicana will continue to open its doors and offer our classes to all who wish to learn Spanish. We remian strong during these time because YOU make it possible! Thank You!
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