Great adventures in Mexico Past Review

By (Education and Child Study, Hobart and William Smith Colleges) for

Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla / BUAP: Puebla - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am more confident and independent.

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.

The academic system is very different! Students only study in one facultad (department) but this program allows you to take classes in a variety of subjects. It is very challenging to pick classes, especially because many of the professors are not very good. But if you find good professors, your classes are fairly good and its a great way to learn spanish and get to know Mexican students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful and lots of individual attention. Very organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I loved the food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went on a lot of really great trips- to Mexico City, Cuervavaca and Guanajuato. They were all a great balance of guided activities and free time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt VERY safe in Puebla. I never went north of Mexico City and I never threat threatened or unsafe. The people are extremely helpful and respectful.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced Spanish with my host family, my Mexican friends, the other people on my program, the program director and everyday interactions. Some people spoke english, but I tried not not speak english.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host family
  • Mexican friends
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Academic classes
  • tutoring
  • make it possible for people to live in dorm/ apartment