Mexico: A true cultural experience Past Review
By Hannah F (Spanish/Sociology, Berea College) for
KIIS: Merida - Experience Merida, Summer Program
yes, very! I definitely improved with my language and speaking skills!
Review Your Program
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* 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 |
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* 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! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I am a vegetarian but my host mom was very willing to accommodate for that! |
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* 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 |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * 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
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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? | 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? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Host mom and locals in the community |
Other Program Information
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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