Merida, Mexico pre-professional Spanish program Past Review
By Mary M (Radiologic Technology/Health Sciences; Spanish, Northern Kentucky University) for
KIIS: Merida - Experience Merida, Summer Program
I learned firsthand about the culture of Mexico, and got to meet some great people! The food was good, and different than the food we assume to be Mexican here. The heat was intense, but a good climate change overall!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We were taught by American professors. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I personally prefer to travel in small groups, and I think this program had too many students to really enjoy the excursions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Most food was prepared by host family. There's also a burger king close to the school, and across the street a woman serves hot meals around lunchtime, and is very kind! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursions were fun! Especially Uxmal and Celestun |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt comfortable the entire trip! I never felt like I was in any danger! Merida is a very safe city! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
We could speak to natives in Mexico, but all guides spoke English, or there was a translator present, so I really didn't improve my language skills much. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live 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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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program was sponsored by KIIS, and I believe that this is a great program for those who are starting out in a foreign language, and would like the opportunity to travel and explore the culture. For advanced speakers, this program is frustrating, as it's difficult to further develop your skills, as everyone (or nearly everyone) speaks English. This is also not ideal for adventurous students who like to wander, because there is little free time away from the entire group, and transportation is difficult. |
