The perfect way to immerse myself in Latin-American culture Past Review
By Sesha M (The Liberal Arts and Science Academy) - abroad from 07/05/2014 to 08/02/2014 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Not only did I learn all about Mexican culture, but I also became more confident with my spanish. It was most certainly worthwhile.
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. |
The University of Benito Juarez in Oaxaca was fantastic. The classes I took were incredible and the whole experience in general was great. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My program directors were beyond wonderful. They looked out for me, made sure I was content, and took me on amazing and well-planned excursions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was perfect. They were welcoming, friendly, and always interested to hear about my day. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to meet many locals just by going to the park and joining in a pick-up soccer game. All the locals were friendly and open to meeting foreigners. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
Keep in mind, I also spent money purchasing souvenirs for friends, buying snacks, etc. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250 |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | AP Spanish 4 |
| 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? | Try to talk to locals and cab drivers and anyone else who will talk to you in spanish. |
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? | I wish that I had known more about Mexican culture before going to Oaxaca. Luckily I learned much there. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
