Mexico: A true cultural experience Past Review

By (Spanish/Sociology, Berea College) for

KIIS: Merida - Experience Merida, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
yes, very! I definitely improved with my language and speaking skills!

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

the classes were very easy and did not require much work. The teachers were very nice and helpful

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The classes were not very challenging but the overall experience was wonderful. All of the excursions we took and sites we visited were amazing!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I am a vegetarian but my host mom was very willing to accommodate for that!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

visiting archeological sites; Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Tulum, Tonina. Experiencing Day of the Dead and Independence Day, visiting underground fresh water springs called Cenotes

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe during my stay in Merida

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

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? no money really spent on food since most meals were eaten at home.. i would say a maximum of $10 per week if that.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money wisely so you will have enough for souvenirs and outside excursions that you may wish to take

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 level class
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Host mom and locals in the community

Other Program Information

* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • all of the excursions and outside adventures
* What could be improved?
  • classes could be more challenging