Great experience for Spanish language acquisition. Past Review
By A student (Agriculture & Natural Resources, Berea College) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 04/20/2013 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned that we are all more alike than different. I learned the language. It was worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I participated in intensive Spanish language classes, and they were just that. Almost 5 hours a day, 5 days a week, of Spanish instruction, without any English. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrators and teachers at the school consistently went above and beyond. The director of my program was hands off (a good thing) but available when needed. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living arrangements were great. |
| * Food: |
Food was amazing. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Attempts of integration were made with cultural activities. Some were more successful than others. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had minor health problems while in Mexico. I did get food poisoning, which I thought was inevitable anyways. I didn't seek medical help other than my partner and host mother providing me with tea and regular home-care. If I did get sick enough where I needed to see a doctor, I was aware that my program director would have some in mind and would be willing to go with me if it was appropriate. I was told before going to Oaxaca that Dengue Fever was an issue, however no one there seemed to have even heard of it. |
| * Safety: |
I didn't have any safety-related incidents. The only thing close was that on occasion when I would pass by someone on the street they would say some vulgarity or sound threatening, but nothing ever came of it. I rarely walked alone, and was hardly out past 10, kept my wallet in my front pocket, and listened to my host mother, teachers, and exchange partners advice on which parts of town to avoid. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
Finances
|
* 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) |
It was relatively easy to live on a limited budget. No matter where you went there was always a push to buy something, and sometimes encouragement from the program director to do so, however the truth is that you don't need more than a handful of souvenirs. All other expenses are relatively inexpensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $100. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Practice being frugal today, it pays off to be less of a consumer no matter where you are living. If you're going to go to a restaurant, go to one of the countless ones outside of the main square. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Almost the entire experience was in Spanish. The program director knew English and was always happy to talk in whichever language. |
| 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? | Spanish Conversation. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | With this program you get plenty of language practice whether you want it or not. If you want even more, take advantage of the language-exchange partners. The local school has a lot more people who want English-speaking partners than there are to go around. There are also volunteer opportunities available. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That it's okay to just live simply while there. You don't need to be rushing around the whole time always trying to "take advantage of the time while you're there." Sit back, relax, observe, engage. |
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.' |
