Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Three Months in Guanajuato Past Review

By (Soka University of America) - abroad from 01/13/2020 to 03/26/2020 with

CLA: Guanajuato - Liberal Arts & Culture Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was more than worthwhile. Through the hard work of Samantha & Fabiola in organizing weekly excursions and guiding us through the right academic programs, I gained a deep appreciation for the local culture, history, and way of life in and around Guanajuato.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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? $60

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? 2 years university classes.
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

  • Other
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?
  • Fabiola & Samantha (Program administrators)
  • Food
  • Other students/Guanajuato locals
* What could be improved?
  • Not much!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As a tourist city, it's very easy to spend money in Guanajuato. I wish someone had told me how important it is to budget your money when you arrive.

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 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.