Extraordinary Past Review

By (Geography and Cartography., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 06/25/2012 to 08/13/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the culture of Yucatan, the Spanish language, the Mayans, and myself. It was absolutely worthwhile and I wouldn't go back and change a thing. I loved my host parents, my roommate, the friends I made, the food, the culture, and most especially the language. I will definitely recommend this program to anyone wanting to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country!

Review Photos

Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad Photo Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad Photo Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home as much as possible. You have already paid for that food in the program cost and can save so much money by not eating out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Part of the challenge of going on a study abroad is resisting the urge to speak English with your peers. You will improve your Spanish so much if you try to first speak in Spanish.

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? SPAN 106 (Beginner)
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? Part of the challenge of going on a study abroad is resisting the urge to speak English with your peers. You will improve your Spanish so much if you try to first speak in Spanish. Also try to converse will the locals!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • visiting Mayan ruins
  • my host family and new friends I made
  • learning and improving Spanish
* What could be improved?
  • some of the excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how to better save my money