The best semester Past Review
By Emily A (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/06/2016 to 05/14/2016 with
IFSA: Merida - Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan
I really improved my Spanish and learned about living in a different part of the world. I will definitely reflect on my experience in Mérida when I make future life decisions - I learned about myself and what I want my life to be like.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program staff was so helpful and welcoming - I really felt like I could go to them for anything. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was perfect! She's been hosting students for years and is really an expert. She always made me feel totally welcome. |
* Food: |
Mexican food is incredible, and as a vegetarian I had no problems. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The local people I met were incredibly friendly and fun to be around, and I definitely felt like I made some real, lifelong connections. On the other hand, after only 4 months it's impossible to completely lose the feeling of being a tourist. It's ok though - it just makes me even more eager to go back! |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to go to the doctor a couple of times, and my host mom and the program staff helped me for both. Although being sick is always stressful, they made it go as well as possible. |
* Safety: |
Mérida is very safe! Common sense is, in general, all you need to avoid problems. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I learned so much and had so many great experiences - I wish I could do it all again! |
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) |
Living in Mexico is much cheaper than living in the US. I chose to travel a fair amount and this is how I spent most of my money - if I had stayed in Mérida the whole time, I really would have spent next to nothing. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Usually less than $20 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat with your host family - the food is better, you'll spend more time bonding with them, and it's included in the program cost. Bring your student ID everywhere! |
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 |
When I was with the other American students, it was easy to lapse into English. However, this was our own fault! |
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? | College Spanish literature course |
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 with your host family and make local friends! |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That it is possible to take classes in departments other than anthropology, but you will have to arrange it basically by yourself (I wish I had done that!) |
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! |