Monterrey: Loved and Lost, but Wouldn't Change My Time There For The World. Past Review
By Allison H (Spanish Language and Literature., Nebraska Wesleyan University) for
ISEP Exchange: Monterrey - Exchange Program at Universidad Regiomontana
It was definitely worthwhile. I would change my advisor and school, but ISEP was so great and the Mexican people were fabulous--and Inger was beyond incredible. I learned that I, not only, need to be more educated about what's going on in the world, but also what's going on in the states. I considered myself to be politically aware, but some Mexican students knew more about my country than I did and it was embarrassing at times. I broke stereotypes. I found a new home. I made lifelong friends. I'm a better person. I'm more relaxed, outgoing, understanding, involved in my community. I could go on forever. Mexico is a part of me, I can't wait to go back once they have worked out their worsening probelms.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My academics weren't the problem when studying in Mexico, it was more my host advisor who I had the problem with. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Kathy was not available to me when I needed her. The times I went to her office, she wasn't there. And the times I e-mailed her with important questions, she never replied. I got quicker responses from my advisor in the states than from my host advisor. When the incident of the gun/grenade fight happened outside my apartment, she came the next day very unprepared and didn't try hard to not make the students feel bad who decided to leave under the circumstances. she should have supported us no matter what, no belittled those that may have chosen hastily. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a girl from Kansas and a couple from the Czech Republic. Our apartment was the smallest one in the entire complex, but the staff was very nice. Living situation was difficult living with people dating. I wish that could have been switched. Though my roommate and I didn't speak Spanish all the time, we did try to for the most part. |
| * Food: |
Though I did get sick on more than one occasion because of something I had eaten, I never regretted it! I loved learning how to cook and socializing over meals with foreigners and locals alike. Food is a big part there, as it is in many cultures. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Went to the Monarch butterfly reserve in Morelia, Michoacan. Went to Mexico City and climbed to the top of the sun period in Teotihuacan. Visited the capital of Morelia. Stayed a night in Queretaro. visited Frida Kahlo's museum. Went to aguascalientes. Visited Chacala, Nayarit, MX outside of Puerto Vallarta. Overall, I just had the time of my life! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It really depended, but I would say 75 dollars a week. Depending on how much you socialize/travel. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No surprise expenses. But just budget. Be wise with traveling. Check for student discounts. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I took a 290 course in Latin American Literature in the United States |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My language class was very tough. She did not allow us to speak English to one another and I was grateful for that. Plus, in order to get credit, all my courses had to be in Spanish or else I could not transfer them. I would say that's encouragement. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I loved my program, but I really wouldn't recommend anyone travel to Mexico anytime soon, unless they have to. Or to Regiomontana. As I said above, go to TEC. More options for studying, travel, socializing, etc... |
