Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living as a Oaxacan August 03, 2024

By (High School, Columbia Secondary School) - abroad from 06/29/2024 to 07/27/2024 with

Arcos Journeys Abroad: High School Program - Spanish Language & Mexican Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of confidence in my Spanish skills and a deeper understanding of Mexican culture and history, particularly of its indigenous peoples. I definitely think the experience was worthwhile, and I would 100% participate in this program again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were challenging and fun, and presented many immersive learning experiences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration was organized and well-executed. The directors and counselors made all the experiences enjoyable and were helpful in answering questions and addressing doubts.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were perfect. Laundry and commutes were quick and easy thanks to my homestay, and the accommodations were great and easy to adjust to. The bathroom was great, the beds were comfortable, and the house was a nice size with a nice garden.

* Food:

The food was spectacular. The hosts cooked great traditional dishes for us, and the choice of food nearby that we could buy ourselves was also of great quality. The markets and restaurants we visited with the program also served great authentic Mexican food, and the eating experience overall was great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated with the local culture. The hosts and neighbors were locals, and on top of touring the city with the program a decent number of times, we students were given a lot of free time to roam the city during our downtime and explore local cultural events ourselves.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experiences with health during the program, but overall sanitary guidelines were made pretty clear by the program.

* Safety:

Oaxaca is an extremely safe city, especially for those moving around in a group in the touristy areas. The drivers tend to be unforgiving to pedestrians, but if you wait and look both ways before you cross, safety will not be an issue. The curfew also ensures that the students do not find themselves in unfavorable situations that may result from staying out too late in the wrong parts of the city.

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? Find ATMs that charge low fees for taking out money, some can charge up to $10 per withdrawal.

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? AP Spanish Language
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Focusing on conversation skills is the best way to prepare yourself for day-to-day Spanish use and interactions.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Overnight stay in a cabin out in the mountains.
  • Farewell Alebrije Painting + Tlayuda Lunch
  • Ziplining in the Mountains
* What could be improved?
  • Commute from school back to home
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's best not to spend all your souvenir budget on the first week.

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!