Oaxaca is wonderful, and Sol is the best organization to go with. Past Review
By Joseph N (Foreign language, McDaniel College) - abroad from 08/07/2014 to 12/20/2014 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned about the culture, the language, and life skills.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I absolutely loved it, I stayed there for a year. I wasn´t sure if I wanted to spend a whole year, but after having spending one semester there, I had fallen in love. In Oaxaca you learn so much, like the food and culture and such, and they are so friendly there. Your Spanish gets much better too, if you totally avoid the other foreigners which can be hard at times. I totally recommend this Oaxaca program to anyone who wants to go abroad to learn Spanish. The education is just as good as the education in the US, believe it or not. You learn so much and the teachers are super friendly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was great, the family very friendly. The home was always very clean, and the family always happy to chat with you. |
| * Food: |
Nothing compares to the food in Oaxaca. It's unique and very delicious, and there is so many different things to choose from! Also, nothing is from the can, it's all fresh. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt completely integrated, in Oaxaca the locals take you in as one of their own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare is alright. |
| * Safety: |
As long as you aren't stupid about it, like walking around at 2am, walking down lonely alleyways, etc, you'll be very safe. |
| 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) |
Depends on how immersed you are. If you are living with a family, you won't have any expenses. The stuff tends to be cheap though, from food to clothing. They say clothes are expensive in Oaxaca, but you just have to look around. If you are living alone or with a friend, I'd recommend $250 USD per month to live comfortably |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Depends on your situation and how much you eat. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | There is no need to waste your money on food outside the host home, unless you're just thirsty or hungry because you couldn't make it to a meal, trying new stuff out, going out with friends, or secretly didn't like what the family prepared you. 15 pesos for a sandwich or coke doesnt sound like much but it adds up. |
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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 3000 level |
| 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? | Don't stay at home. You can study vocabulary for an hour but besides that, GO OUTSIDE. You will learn so much more outside and you will even get a sexy tan |
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? | 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? | The classes I was going to take before arriving |
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.' |
