Merida: What You Want It To Be Past Review
By Adrian H (Hispanic Studies, African and Afro-American Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/01/2013 to 07/13/2013 with
IFSA: Merida - Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan
Merida allows you to shape your own experience. You can have a worthwhile experience should you be open to new ideas and experiences, while making the effort to shaping these experiences into what you want them to be.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Spanish courses were truly intensive and allowed you to make the most of your experience abroad. Talking to the professors allowed them to tailor lessons or individual materials to supplement your learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program director is truly amazing. Diana Arizaga has a wonderful way about her that makes you feel comfortable, as if you were part of a family. As an administrator, she demonstrates the ability to maintain a professional, yet intimate bond with all her students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My experience in home-stay was more than I expected. By allowing yourself to be immersed within the Mexican culture and Spanish language even at home, you are able to leave feeling accomplished. Not only that, but you also walk away from this experience with an extended family that you can keep forever (should you choose). |
| * Food: |
Food is entirely up to you. As part of your homes-stay experience, there are particular meals that your host family makes for you. But you have the option to order out for every meal should you want to and have the funds. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Coming from a Hispanic family, the integration process was not too challenging. Host families and many locals are kind and caring, so its not difficult to find support wherever you are. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Unfortunately, I have had the experience of being bitten by a dog while in Cancun. I received medical attention the same day and was taken great care of. Upon returning to Merida, the program director had helped arranged follow-up care at the local hospitals, even though the bite was not threatening. |
| * Safety: |
Merida is a very safe location. Despite the many preconceptions that others have toward Mexico, I truly invite you to explore the area for yourself. Merida's deep-rooted history and culture is truly the forefront of the atmosphere, whereas crime and violence are not visible/popular. |
| 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) |
It is very easy to overspend. Be careful to regulate your finances well and to be aware of currency exchanges. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Ask your program director for the best souvenir locations. Having the experience with other students, they can help you save some money easily. |
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 |
There could have been more moments where the program enforced speaking Spanish when we traveled on excursions and trips. But this is a responsibility that ultimately rests upon the student participants. |
| 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? | All language requirements completed |
| 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? | Talk to your host family. Those will be the best conversations and most comfortable environments you can find. |
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? | I wish I knew that it was not necessary to pack as much as I did. You will accumulate plenty of items to take back home with you, and you want to make sure that you have the space for it. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
