by Carla1Best-location short list (for community + school options)
Yes—racism/colorism exists in Mexico, and it can show up as “class + skin tone” bias, stereotyping, or microaggressions. Mexico also has a real Afro-descendant population (the 2020 Census reports 2,576,213 people—about 2%—self-identify as Afro-Mexican/Afro-descendant).
On discrimination generally, INEGI’s ENADIS 2022 found 23.7% of adults reported experiencing discrimination in the prior year, and it explicitly includes reasons like skin tone and being Afro-descendant.
Where a 15-year-old tends to thrive socially
For teens, the #1 predictor of “making friends fast” is usually being in a school with strong extracurriculars (sports, robotics, music, clubs) and a culture of inclusion. If you stay homeschooling, you’ll want an intentional plan for daily/weekly group activities; otherwise, a bilingual or international school often makes the transition smoother.
Best-location short list (for community + school options)
1) Mexico City (CDMX) — strongest “friend-making” ecosystem
Most diverse, biggest international community, and the widest range of solid schools and teen activities. Examples: The American School Foundation and Greengates (British/IGCSE/IB track).
Tradeoffs: big-city stressors (traffic, long commutes). Also, ENADIS shows CDMX among the higher-reporting states for discrimination experiences (adult data).
2) Guadalajara (Jalisco) — big city, slightly “smaller feel”
Great cultural scene, strong university/tech energy, and international-school options (e.g., SEK Guadalajara; IB schools also exist in the region).
Tradeoffs: similar to CDMX—large city dynamics; Jalisco is also among higher-reporting states in ENADIS (adult data).
3) Querétaro — popular with expat families, very “school-centered” social life
If you want cleaner, more manageable logistics than CDMX/GDL, Querétaro is often easier day-to-day. Examples: International School of Querétaro (ISQ) and John F. Kennedy (American School of Querétaro, IB).
Tradeoffs: can feel more conservative/small-city; ENADIS shows Querétaro high on reported discrimination experiences (adult data).
4) Monterrey — affluent, education-forward, but more conservative vibe
Strong schools (e.g., American School Foundation of Monterrey) and lots of structured activities.
Tradeoffs: social circles can be tighter/more status-coded; also consider air quality/heat depending on area.
5) Mérida — calmer, but can be harder for some teens socially
Many families love the pace and safety reputation, and there are international options like Madison International School (IB).
Tradeoffs: fewer teens in the expat scene (it can skew older), and ENADIS shows Yucatán high on reported discrimination experiences (adult data).
A realistic take on racism (and how to reduce risk)
- You’re more likely to run into colorism + classism, “exoticizing,” or occasional slurs than overt segregation; but severe incidents do happen (like anywhere).
- School choice matters a lot. Ask directly about: anti-bullying enforcement, diversity training, counselor availability, and how they handle discriminatory language.
- In cities like CDMX/GDL, the sheer diversity often makes it easier to find “your people” quickly.
Practical next steps (high leverage)
- Pick 3–5 schools first, then choose neighborhoods around them (commute is everything in Mexico).
- Ask admissions: “How many nationalities? Any Black/Afro-descendant students? What’s your policy when a student uses racial language?”
- Build a friend pipeline: team sport + one club + one community activity from week one.
- “Mexicanos en el exterior” programs (mostly designed around US/Canada)
- Top things to do (first-timer hits)
- When is the international kite surf competitions in Sargento La Ventana?
- Best-location short list (for community + school options)
- Why not?
