Puebla: A challenging, but beautiful experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed my time at the Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla. It was a reasonable workload, I didn't feel overwhelmed, but I didn't feel like I had nothing to do. All of the classes are with the Mexican students so you are completely immersed which is really great. The teaching methods were mainly lecture-based. The grading system was similar to a class in a university in the US, with papers, tests and homework assignments. There were less resources at the university than at the university I go to in the US which is a learning aspect in and of itself, but I felt like the overall system was similar to that in the US.

On-site administration of your program

The program was very supportive of students and had a strong presence while we were in Mexico. There is a Resident director and staff whose jobs are specifically to run the program in Puebla which is really beneficial for many. It was a smaller program, only 12 students, but that can be nicer as it really enables you to get to know the other students and branch out and meet Mexican students. The program had two excursions for us a semester, would celebrate our birthdays and offer Mexican cooking/art classes to us which was really great. They also supported us in finding volunteer opportunities.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family. There is a pretty extensive questionnaire that students going on the program take before going abroad so that the program can find a good match in family for the student. And if the student has a bad experience with the family, they are allowed to move to another family. THe families are an excellent way to immerse oneself in Mexican culture and truly learn how Mexicans live life. I did not have to buy any items to settle in, everything was already prepared for me when I arrived. I was treated as a family member by my family.

Excellent food! Great accommondation of dietary restrictions. The families cook wonderful food for the students, but if the students want, going to the Centro is a great place to find good restaurants.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really loved getting to know Mexican friends and going out with them to cafes or to the dance clubs or going to visit their houses and get to know their families. My favorite memory was going to Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead Celebration. We went on a program excursion and just had a beautiful time visitng ruins, museums, markets and cemeteries where the day of the dead celebrations took place.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The safety in Puebla is the same as in any large city in the US. It's important to use common sense. In terms of healthcare, the program was very supportive in helping you get to a doctor if one was experienceing an ilness. I had to go to the doctor a couple times and the program helped me get to the hospital. I paid out of pocket for the expenses and applied when I came home to be reimbursed from my health insurance.

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

Definitely make MExican friends and integrate yourself as much as possible. THe only way to get better is to constantly speak it and speak english as little as possible. No one really spoke ENglish there. You do need Spanish for everyday interactions.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Support system
• Excursions
• Complete immersion into Mexican culture

• More background on Mexican culture and challenges Mexican society faces now
• Expanding academic depts from which students can take classes
• More living options for those who don't want to live with a host family