The most exciting and adventurous six months of my life thus far! Past Review
By Meaghan W (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 01/10/2013 to 06/10/2013 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned Spanish, how to make some Mexican foods, how to Latin dance, and a brand new and exciting culture! I met people I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life and discovered that I really can live in a foreign country on my own and be just fine. I learned a lot more than this, but it would take forever to tell everything. ALL of it was more than worthwhile.
Review Photos
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. |
I learned a lot while I was in Mexico City about the language, culture, and of course about science. It is great to be in a different society and learning. I love it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My professor here, Jaime, was more than willing to help with anything and everything I needed needed and/or wanted. I was never in need of anything for more than a few hours. He is a great teacher and professor and has taught me many things I know I would not have had the time to learn on campus in the states. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing arrangements were great. They really try to find the best place for you to live. |
| * Food: |
It's Mexican food. It doesn't get much better than this. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was very very integrated. Though it doesn't just happen. You have to make yourself integrated. Hang out with people from school and church and go see museums and historical site. You will not regret it. And before you know it, you will be a part of the culture. It has been an amazing experience taking part in a different culture. I have been extremely integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have an experience with health care, but my roommate did. Everything was taken care of within 2 days and she was better. The plan they put us on works well and medical assistance in Mexico is easy to attain. |
| * Safety: |
It is very safe as long as you are not stupid. Don't go out alone at night and avoid certain parts of the city at all times. Other than that it is very safe and you have nothing to worry about. :) I loved it. |
| 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) |
Mexico is pretty cheap. You can get 5 tacos for 20 pesos which is close to $1.80. If you know where to shop and eat, you can live on a student budget better than you ever could in the U.S. Public transportation is soooo cheap. It is 3 pesos for a ride on the subway. That's like 23 cents. It doesn't get much better than that. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | maybe $30 a week. on weeks I went to the market, like $50. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save money before you go just so you don't have to worry about having enough to do the things you wanna do or go to the places you would like to go. |
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 |
I had to use Spanish everyday whether at school or just at home or out at the market. You cannot really get around Mexico City and not speak Spanish. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | the highest I went in Spanish was 8th grade. |
| 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? | Find someone who is a native speaker and talk talk talk. Classrooms are NOT the same as being in country. The dialects are completely different depending where you are in the country. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | Not all Mexicans love soccer like I do. I was expecting everyone to be obsessed. The buses stop running around 10:15 pm. How to speak at least a little Spanish, though I wouldn't trade the experience of learning in country for anything! People don't really wear shorts in Mexico City. The tap water will not kill you... just be careful with it. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
