Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing opportunity to experience all that the Yucatan has to offer. Past Review

By (HISTORY., 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 gained an opportunity to get to know people I never would have otherwise. I gained an appreciation for a country and culture that is in many ways similar to my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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? $7

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 522
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living with the host family
  • Excursions to ruins
  • The opportunity to be immersed in the culture
* What could be improved?
  • Better maps of the bus system (if such a map exists)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know that this was an opportunity the likes of which I am unlikely to have again. I wish I would have just tried more, been more open to trying to speak in Spanish etc.