Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

There was lots of learning, seeing, and doing, I highly reccommend! August 15, 2025

By (Spanish, Western Carolina University) - abroad from 06/28/2025 to 07/26/2025 with

Arcos Learning Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico (University of Oaxaca)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of the small linguistic features of Spanish that are difficult to learn in a classroom, and I gained confidence in general in using Spanish.

Review Photos

Arcos Learning Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico (University of Oaxaca) Photo Arcos Learning Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico (University of Oaxaca) Photo Arcos Learning Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico (University of Oaxaca) Photo Arcos Learning Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico (University of Oaxaca) Photo Arcos Learning Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico (University of Oaxaca) Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot of new information and vocabulary, but there were some projects that weren't explained very clearly and it left me confused. I would still recommend the courses, and the professor was very nice!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site program staff were available whenever we needed them, but sometimes instructions and addresses to excursions were confusing. Overall, they were wonderful people.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host family was incredibly nice and very clear with boundaries and what was expected from students. It was a welcoming environment, and I didn't have to worry about accidentally crossing an unsaid rule.

* Food:

I am not a big fan of beans, which are served with most meals (including breakfast), so there were many meals I didn't enjoy. However, there were several meals that I loved, so it will depend on personal preference when it comes to food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program itself was good at working to assist students, but I do NOT recommend going to the Red Cross clinic for anything.

* Safety:

If you don't walk outside late at night, don't get on a motorcycle, and don't flash money or expensive items around, you shouldn't have any safety issues.

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

I had a great time, everyone was incredibly nice, I learned so much, and I got to experience so many parts of the Oaxacan culture.

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)

Things are generally really inexpensive, and if you aren't going to expensive restaurants or shopping, you should easily be able to keep costs low.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Listen to music and podcasts, watch TV shows and movies, and do anything you can to get used to the speed and slang used in the country you are going to visit.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Excursions
  • Staying with a host family
  • Being immersed in the culture
* What could be improved?
  • Communications on locations
  • Explanations on projects for courses
  • A list of phrases/slang to know prior to traveling to Oaxaca
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you have anxiety (generalized or other), or if you have never been abroad solo (or abroad in general), have a game plan or emergency medication to help with the first couple of days. Culture shock does not care how excited you are to be abroad; it will get you. Do not ignore your university's warnings or training about it.

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!