Adventuring in the Yucatan Peninsula *and climbing many pyramids. January 11, 2022
By Jacob B Keller (Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/23/2021 to 12/18/2021 with
IFSA: Merida - Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan
I gained a sense of independence, improved my Spanish, got to go on lots of adventures, learn a lot about Mexico and myself (in a not corny way). I absolutely think the program was worthwhile and I think almost everyone should study abroad.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My semester was unusual: instead of direct enrollment, local professors came to the program office to teach classes (due to COVID). The classes were tailored to IFSA program students and also to the context of only having 3 months instead of the usual 4. The classes were not difficult, which I appreciated given our limited time there: I'd rather less work and more time to explore. The professors were generally likeable although there was too much lecturing at times. I don't know what UADY is like although I did get to visit the building. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I like Diana and Tania. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The host families are experienced (my host mom was 22 years into the role). We had different communication styles etc. but the overall situation was good for me and seemed to be good for about everyone else I knew. |
| * Food: |
Lots of microwaving :/ it varies by host family. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It's hard to get integrated with COVID/ no direct enrollment. That being said it was still possible to volunteer/ meet locals/ take buses to the wrong places. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no issues. |
| * Safety: |
Merida is safe. Never felt unsafe around other people, although some of the street dogs were rude. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
Given the COVID situation, my options were limited. This program was not my first choice: other ones were cancelled. BUT, this is a good program. Merida is a very safe city with close to a million people. There are lots of interesting places to explore and a variety of different people in the city. There's a lot of archaeological history in the area and the state of Yucatan is just about the safest in Mexico. It's reassuring traveling around and know you're in a safe area. That being said, I'd rather be in a bigger city with more arts/ that's progressive (not that Merida is a "backwards" place, I saw many LGBT couples out while in public). Merida is a sleepier place with many families. It's center is very colonial and touristy. It would be nice to have more fun things to do as a young adult. Sometimes it seemed like the only options were bars/ clubs which aren't my thing. I appreciate the diversity of activities in bigger cities that Merida lacks (I'm also sure there's a lot I didn't see given COVID closures). |
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's not an expensive location coming from the US |
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 |
All the classes were in Spanish. Lots of English among the program participants. I imagine students use a lot more Spanish when they can direct enroll and have an easier time meeting local students. |
| 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? | The second highest one |
| 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? | Learn lots of vocab. Try tutoring sessions online with Mexicans if you can. I hear watching TV shows helps. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 0 |
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 "capa" does not mean cap. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
