Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Experience of my Educational career September 18, 2023

By (Medical Diagnostics, University of Delaware) - abroad from 01/05/2023 to 01/31/2023 with

Atlantis: Pre-med Fellowship Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Appreciation for travel and culture

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was one of the most enriching and culturally unique experiences I have ever had. Being able to experience the healthcare system in another country and use that knowledge to better understand patient's differant backgrounds has been one of the most valuable experiences I have had in my education thus far.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was so helpful and great with communication, I felt totally prepared on what to expect about Merida when I got there and while I was there my instructors were very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing situation was amazing, I felt so comfortable in our apartment and it really helped having a space to come back to and feel was my own.

* Food:

I enjoyed the food and getting to try new things through the group dinners.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture especially because Merida does not get many tourists.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience

* Safety:

I felt so safe in Merida the entire time, the people in the town were so nice and welcoming and walking around the city at night and early in the morning was always a beautiful experience.

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

I loved the city and people I went with and it was unique to have a small town experience over a big city

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)

4

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save more than you think,

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish III in high school
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? Use spanish for healthcare and conversational spanish over things like Duolingo which does not prepare you for conversing with others

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • People
  • Merida
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation on language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it was all going to be okay and you would meet incredible people with amazing stories

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.