Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 06/25/2013 to 08/14/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can't even describe all that I gained. I learned about who I am and what I am capable of. Yes, I learned so much more about the culture and about Spanish than I knew before but I also learned about my culture specifically and who I am and what I have the potential to be.

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?

I went out of my way to make friends and meet people.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't eat out as much as I did. But if I were to do it over I would still eat out as much as I did.

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 339
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take EVERY opportunity you have then make some more of your own opportunities. It's all about diligence and desire.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Great directors
  • Easy to meet people
  • Culturally enriching
* What could be improved?
  • More students taking a lead.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I'd known that toilet paper clogs up the pipes.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'