Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Like a box of chocolate, you never know what it is until you eat it. Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 09/10/2016 to 12/10/2016 with

KIIS: Merida - Experience Merida Semester Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gain and reinforced many virtues. I learned to be more patient, I learned to not jump into conclusions before knowing more about something. I gained more confidence in my survival skills. I learned to be more humble and have sympathy with people. But above all, I learned to love a culture with its virtues and its flaws.

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

People at Merida were really caring. They made sure I was okay throughout the whole experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a host family was truly and exciting experience. It was hard sometimes because you have to accommodate to new rules and new ways of living. Overall I had a great experience.

* Food:

Food is amazing! Please do not leave without trying cochinitas!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A couple of friends and I took salsa classes we got to meet locals and got to experience the true culture from within.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Literally THE SAFEST CITY!

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

Merida had the right amount of modernism and traditionalism. I was able to experience the history and the contemporaneity of the city. It is definitely a wonderful place! Many people choose it as their retirement spot.

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)

Things are a lot cheaper in Merida.

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Location
  • Food
  • Traditions
* What could be improved?
  • The length of the program (it should be longer)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That they are not as conservative as they told us they were.

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.