Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Finding a home in Puebla Past Review

By (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 08/08/2016 to 05/15/2017 with

ISEP Exchange: Puebla - Exchange Program at Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence, I learned how to "go with the flow" and realize that about 5% of the things I planned went according to plan. The rest was just up in the air, and honestly, ended better than I ever could have imagined.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had nothing short of an amazing experience, sure it was difficult at times, but I learned so much from my year in Puebla

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop in the local markets, not in grocery stores

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? I only took the first two beginning levels of Spaish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Watch movies and read books in spanish

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • International Community
  • University Activities- Cultural
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Timeliness
  • Better Organization
  • -- Nothing else
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In Mexico everyone is always running late, but its a cultural thing so nobody is going to change for the exchange students. We have to change for them.

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 Urbanite
A 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.