Past Review
By Kristina M (Economics & Spanish, Wellesley College) for
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla / BUAP: Puebla - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. It really went beyond the academics, and, for me, became about experiencing something completely different than anything I had experienced before. The greatest thing that the study-abroad experience will give you is relationships with wonderful people that, otherwise, you would have never met.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, my academic experience was very laid back. The professors were nice and the classes were relatively easy, but, at the same time, I feel that I didn't really get out of the classes all that I had expected. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administration was very helpful overall, not only with choosing classes and things like that, but also with any other problems or questions we had. If they weren't in the office, we could just send them a text message or an e-mail, which they would always respond to quickly. However, sometimes things felt disorganized, as if they could have been planned better. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family, which was nice. My host mom basically did everything for me, including cooking and cleaming. It is definitely different after having your own dorm room and doing everything yourself, but the host family is really good at respecting your space and giving you your independence. <br /><br /> My host family always treated me as a family member, and provided everything that I needed to settle-in. I liked my house's location because it was both in walking-distance of class and nightlife. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was a great cook, and paid close attention to what I liked and disliked. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program had numerous gatherings and trips to different places around Puebla, which was nice. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety was a big concern for me prior to going to Puebla, but I always felt safe. Still, it is always best to try and travel in groups. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent $10 - $20 on food and personal expenses each week, but the program gives you checks throughout the program that should cover these costs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you get sick, you will be responsible for paying the hospital bill, and will have to send all the information to your insurance company in order to be reimbursed. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SPAN 255 Chicana Literature & Culture |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
It is easy to speak English with the other girls in the program, and, because of this, it is best if you form friendships with locals. This way, you can practice the language more. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It may be a bit hard at first adjusting, but, in the end, you will realize what a great experience it was. Just get through the hard times, and embrace the good times. |
