Small universities are a whole new experience Past Review
By A student (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/19/2017 to 08/02/2017 with
Instituto Tecnologico Autónomo de Mexico: Mexico City - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned about life in Mexico, my culture's perspective on social and global issues, and I learned to enjoy life. Definitely worthwhile.
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. |
You don't receive a lot of feedback of what your grade is as the classes progress. There's not a lot of resources at ITAM compared to a bigger university. The program was immersive and good, overall. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was interested in the exchange student's best interest, knew the professors and instructors well, and they always have candy in their office. I would have appreciated more information on things like housing and meal plans, general campus info. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My room at Alpina11 had bed bugs and the manager refused to fumigate, eventually did after a week. Was not given an option for alternative accommodations other than to stay in a housemate's room or in the living room (even though empty rooms were available). I was offered another room once I informed the manager I was going to move out. |
| * Food: |
ITAM food is yummy enough, there are also good restaurants outside of the school facing the entrance. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Completed an immersive group project, however I attended during the summer when classes are generally small and there is less campus life. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare easily accessible and fast/cheap |
| * Safety: |
Felt very safe during my time at ITAM and around Mexico City. Never encountered threatening situations. Be advised not to walk home alone at night, though. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would have liked to visit a country that I have not previously been to. |
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) |
3, ate out a lot |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20-25 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Tacos are $4 pesos each! |
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 |
All the courses were in English, however I spoke Spanish while working in group projects with fellow ITAM students. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Native speaker |
| 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? | Take every opportunity to practice! |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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? | 0 |
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? | There are no mental health offices or support offered by ITAM. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
