Going to Merida, Mexico changed my life and I would love to replay that experience forever! Past Review
By Heather W (Pre-veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Technology, Murray State University) for
KIIS: Merida - Experience Merida, Summer Program
I loved this experience. All I want to do is go back and do it again and again. It changed my life!
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. |
I took 2 classes while abroad and the workload seemed appropriate most of the time, however there were times where I felt the workload was too much to do so I couldn't do my best on everything because I wanted to experience the culture. The grading system was good and teaching methods were wonderful. Going into this program I was afraid because of the differences between this teacher and the professors at my home university but the professor that traveled with us was one of the best professors I have ever had. I learned a lot in those classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Claudia was there to help with whatever you needed. Program size was perfect, we got to know each other really well and we made lifelong friends. My expectations were not only met, they were exceeded. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was great for my spanish skills because my senora did not speak any English. Housing satisfaction was wonderful. My roommate and I shared a room with our own private bathroom. You can't get much better than that. |
| * Food: |
My host family seemed to have the most issues with food. Most of it was the same day after day but the fridge stank and I actually got salmonella probably from the papaya I was served. The food aspect wasn't the best. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went into town with others in my program almost every night and on excursions most weekends. They were amazing. I have so many lifelong friends just because of this experience and I would go back many times if I could. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety was great. Health issues were dealt with great as well. I was one that got extremely sick and had to go to a hospital and a specialist while in Mexico. The helper who lived in Merida Claudia was a huge help to me and made that experience less frightening. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try not to buy souvenirs for a ton of people back home. It will break the bank. Also, try not to buy too much for yourself and make sure you have money set aside to go out to eat with people and to do various activities within the host city. |
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? | SPA 302 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My spanish language skills were constantly being used and improved simply by being a part of this program. I was able to converse in Spanish with the locals and it helped not only my language skills but also my confidence in speaking the language. |
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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Words of wisdom I could give would just be to get to know the people in your group that aren't from your school and also meet people that are from Merida. Everyone is super nice and loves to talk to you about everything and anything. If you do this you will have an amazing experience that you will talk about for the rest of your life! |
