Best experiential learning experience ever Past Review
By Lantharra L (Public Health, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/15/2019 to 07/20/2019 with
IFSA: Merida - Medical Spanish and Public Health in the Yucatan
one thing that I learned was that calling the Untied States America is wrong because it is just part of he Americas.
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. |
This program really changed my outlook on what it means to have a good health care system. I was able to travel to two amazing countries with different health care systems and it made me realize that the Untied States does not have the best health care system. It also help me with my Spanish so much. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Diana was so amazing always willing and ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Being in a different country it was great having her as our leader. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I like being able to live with a local and I got to use my Spanish way more than I would if I stayed at a hotel. |
| * Food: |
The food was different than what I am use to at home but it was so good. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was so nice that every Sunday was a showcasing of Yucatan 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) |
I only spent about $500 during my entire trip. I think budgeting really helps with that. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $500 |
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 |
One of my classes was medical Spanish which helped me learn Spanish in a more medical setting. |
| 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 34 Language and Culture |
| 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 a Spanish class before coming it will help you figure out / understand what people around you are saying. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew more about Mexican different states and no just focus my attention o Mexico city. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
