Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Que Pasa, Oaxaca? Past Review

By (Fine Arts, Concordia University) - abroad from 07/01/2014 to 08/31/2014 with

Adelante: Oaxaca - Volunteer in Oaxaca

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I'm sad that 2 months have gone by so fast, but all worth it for the experience I've had making new friends and exploring a career field of interest. As an art history and anthropology student from Canada, I had the opportunity to work at the archeological site of Atzompa not far outside of town and even come into close contact with archeological pieces dating back to hundreds of years. I'm really happy to have invested my time with Adelante and working very hard in order to achieve this long-lasting dream. Best luck to all future volunteers and intern takers who decide to come to this beautiful place. Te quiero mucho, Oaxaca!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save, save, save, then spend! Very simple mechanics to travel to Oaxaca :)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Integrate with locals as much as you can! Try to spend a day in the house of a foreigner, or make efforts to go out and speak the language. Place yourself in as many instances possible that expose you to speaking the language. Also avoid staying in tourist-only groups- extend your social circle outside of the foreign perspective :)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Art and History
  • New Food and New Friends
  • Adventure and Hot Weather
* What could be improved?
  • Safety Tips (for traveling outside of the city)
  • Daily Financial Tips (for taxis, buses, food shopping, etc.)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing! I'm actually happy to have discovered a wide array of adventures by myself- Surprises are better than no surprises...sometimes thing are best learned through immediate exposure and experience :)

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!