Transformative & life altering. Past Review
By Lyndsey B (n/a) - abroad from 06/05/2010 to 07/03/2010 with
Child Family Health International (CFHI): Tropical Medicine and Community-Based Care on the Coast of Mexico
I gained experience, vision, and a lust for the world all over again.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This global health education program challenged me mostly with respect to learning a new language and how to communicate effectively, as well as learning how to navigate an unfamiliar culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay family was incredibly warm and energetic. I loved how active the house always was with family, friends, and neighbors passing through. |
| * Food: |
Mexican food is one of the greatest pleasures of my life. There is still so much exploration to be done. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Oaxacans greet you with open arms and are infamous for their hospitality. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
CFHI programs are well known for providing a good support system and strong safety net. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
As an American, being a traveler in Mexico or staying long term is very affordable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | CFHI participants have 2-3 meals provided for them daily. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
This particular program-Tropical Medicine & Community Based Care on the Coast of Mexico-requires at least an intermediate level of Spanish to get the most out of the program. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Immersion is key. Even if you are not in country, structure your environment so you have maximum exposure. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Future CFHI participants should be aware that an intermediate level of Spanish is important to flourish. |
