A life changing, educational, insirational and wonderful time! Past Review
By Brandi M (Spanish and Iberian Studies., University of Kentucky) - abroad from 12/15/2012 to 01/08/2013 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
It was worthwhile! I made friends I know I'm going to stay in touch with and learned a language that will help me in the future!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My teachers in Oaxaca were amazing, and I loved being able to be one on one with them. I definately learned more Spanish in 3 weeks there than I have my entire college career! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
She was nice and helpful at facilitating our self travel, however, she was kind of disconnected at times. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Me host family is simply amazing! |
| * Food: |
My host mom legit caterted to what I liked and defiantely overfed me! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The local culture was my favortie part! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have to go to the doctor while I was away, but I did get sickand my host mom took very good care of me! |
| * Safety: |
I would definately venture to say I felt safer in Oaxaca than I do in parts of the US and at times my own city! |
| 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? | $30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | In Mexico the exchange rate is really highm, which means you get alot of pesos for a dollar. I would definately say, eat cheaply to save up for those souvenirs you will enivatebly be tempted to buy. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Begginer 2 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't speak to your American friends in English except when necessary! |
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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| 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? |
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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? | That studying abroad will make you want to move to another country! |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
