Wonderful Time in Mexico, learned so much outside of the classroom Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

If you turn in all assignments, even if they aren't your best work, you will probably get a good grade. At first the lack of clarity or professors showing up late (the general lack of care) bothered me, but then I realized no one else was as uptight as I was so I relaxed more and stopped freaking out so much about academics (as I do at my home university). The point of this program isn't to learn a ton from your classes. I learned a lot in courses, not necessarily through assignments but rather through noticing lack of discussion, beginning accidental arguments with the professor, and actually readings some of the homework. You do learn a ton about the culture and student generation in Mexico.

On-site administration of your program

Everything was great. I like how they don't really interfere so much with your Mexico life. Like there are 3 weekend excursions during the whole semester and 2 parties (a welcome and going away event). Those are the only required things so you are free to do your own thing and spend lots of time with family and local friends. At first it may seem the opposite since you have the orientation and lots of meetings, but it's not all like that.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great house/host family. I think everyone was happy with their location and we all knew how to get around/use buses.

So I was known in our group as the person who was always eating the "unsanitary" street food and looking for new restaurants. I LOVED the mexican food and my host mom always asked what I liked to eat and spent a lot of time cooking. Moms ask you what snacks you like, too. I enjoyed the small taquierias near CU (the university) and lots of students go to these for a late breakfast after morning classes (since lunch usually is at 2 or 3). I strongly suggest trying all the "typical foods" and learning how to make them! Things regarding food are some of my best memories.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Some friends and I went to Guanajuato to celebrate Independence Day in September. IT WAS AMAZING. I went to Mexico City twice (once for a concert and once for the Revolution celebrations in November where there was a ridiculously expensive lightshow in the Zocalo). The trip to Oaxaca with my program was very well organized. Regardless of what semester you go, there are some pretty big historical events (Fall: Independence Day and Revolution anniversary; Spring: Benito Juarez' birthday and Cinco de Mayo) so check out what parts of Mexico "do it big" those holidays and try to be a part of it. I also have many great memories with my host family, so try to get to know them and let them know you want to be a part of the family (IF you want that).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt safe. I felt less safe this summer when living in New York City. Oftentimes in Puebla I'd take the bus or a cab at night alone, and was always fine. I did, however, always let someone know if I was alone in a cab, obviously. I never got sick off the food, even though I ate a ton of street food, and only got sick once from a friend who had a cold. I had a bad cold for about 2 weeks.

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

It was ALL Spanish. Some students will ask if they can practice English with you, but I just said no and they just laughed it off, so that's fine to say. I spoke with my host family, professors, and university friends all day everyday. Everyone is more than happy to answer your questions and help with pronunciation. Hang out a lot with students; Mexico uses a lot of slang and sayings so you will pick up on those more with students.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students