Mérida, Mexico - Totally worth going! Past Review

By (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 a lot about the culture and grew to appreciated the country and the people. I also just grew a ton as a person. It was totally worth it.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad Modelo
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? $10-15 on transportation

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? SPAN205
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? Practice within the group -- it's hardest to practice the language when you're with other English-speakers, but that's when it is most crucial and will make the greatest difference in your improvement.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • 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?
  • excursions to Mayan ruins, beaches, caves, cenotes, etc.
  • staying with host families
  • studying under the instruction of local professors
* What could be improved?
  • forewarning on estimated transportation costs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how important it was to practice Spanish with my friends from BYU, because I would have improved a LOT more if I hadn't gotten lazy and spoken so much English when we were together.