Most amazing experience of my life! Past Review

By (Biology, Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 05/25/2014 to 07/05/2014 with

Central College Abroad: Merida - Studies in Global Health in the Yucatan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better knowledge of the culture in Mexico, I improved my Spanish. Most of all I was able to get valuable experience in the hospitals while making life long friends in the process

Review Photos

Central College Abroad: Merida - Studies in Global Health in the Yucatan Photo Central College Abroad: Merida - Studies in Global Health in the Yucatan Photo Central College Abroad: Merida - Studies in Global Health in the Yucatan Photo Central College Abroad: Merida - Studies in Global Health in the Yucatan Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10 dollars

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 1
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? You have to actually try to practice. just because you find someone that can speak English doesn't mean you should only speak English to them. This gives you a great opportunity to help you learn how to actually improve on speaking the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • the food
  • the friendships made
  • The experience
* What could be improved?
  • Having classes for different levels of speaking the language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known more about how the sports medicine aspect was in Mexico. It was a real eye opening experience to see the differences between how it is in the US

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.