Enough is as good as a feast Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The content was not very demanding, other than being completely taught in Spanish. Plenty of resources and opportunity for private time with profs and dept. head. If you've studied Spanish for a few semesters and you're wanting to improve your spoken and comprehension skills. I highly recommend a program such as this. If you want to delve into more enlightening latin-american centered content courses...go elsewhere.

On-site administration of your program

Very hands off - which can be a good thing and a bad thing. Not as much pre-activity, pre-trip communication as I would've preferred. It'd be nice to know when I need to take a Dramamine before meeting to go somewhere. I had 6 or so incidents that left a sour-taste in my mouth as far as that goes. Mostly pleasant planned activities although geared toward more of a high school age...sometimes even elementary-age - not very intellectually stimulating or culturally eye-opening for a university student...but pleasant nonetheless. Further, many activities left me feeling isolated (and obligated) to sticking with a group of other anglos rather than interacting with locals. This may be an effect of the Mexican culture more than anything. It seems there is always a push to 'be with your group', 'stay with your group', 'provide you with a group to be part of'.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Totally satisfied. I was placed in a home that matched my application preferences totally.

Amazing, delicious, authentic, eye-opening. All provided by my host mother - 3 meals a day. I don't know how I didn't gain 30 pounds before I left.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt a little isolated from locals, albeit this may have been due to my own preferences for more privacy in my housing arrangement than what is typical - something I now regret. The program did put us into contact with locals through activities, but this was primarily through economic roles - we students being the consumers of goods and services. Luckily the university provided us with other univeristy students as language exchange partners. Other than those living in my household, this was my only authentic-feeling socializing.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Any concerns were addressed immediately. There was good communication on risks and any illnesses received prompt attention and guidance through the local healthcare system.

I felt safer in oaxaca than I do in some places here in my own city. Overall I'd say there were only 2 or 3 times when I felt unsafe but nothing came of it. Mexico is said to be very dangerous but I think it's more isolated to certain areas. I traveled through the country with another American, unaided by the program for about a week and never had any problems or felt unsafe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The program cost covered food. I had around $100 per week budgeted for personal expenses. This was sufficient for transportation, water, medicines, some clothing and souvenirs. Oaxaca is a cheap city to live in. There are many free activities and places to go for free.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Towards the end of the program we all almost always spoke in the language together.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students

• The people
• The opportunity to use the language
• The food

• program communication
• acticity flexibility
• university communication

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer