Oaxaca: a cultural experience Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Trinity University) for

Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
it was very worthwhile, i got to see old friends and meet new ones. going back has made me realize even more that we dont need the things that we use every day as an american, and that there are many people in the world that live humbly and without the things we take or granted.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

the method of teaching was perfect because it wasnt too structured and with th esmall class sizes they could focus on what we specifically needed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

my director was great, whe was well prepared and knew all about the city

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

i was treated very well, my host family was very nice, their house was in a safe location and was way above my expectations

* Food:

I usually ate at the house, she fed us very well

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

we went to huatulco beach for a weekend, it was a lot of fun, we went on a tour of the beaches there, we went fishing, snorkeling and horse back riding through the jungle it was a lot of fun

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

i never got sick too bad or felt unsafe, but i think the program was well prepared for it.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? everything was really cheap i probably spent $40-50 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? eating at your host house saves you a lot of money

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

the only thing that would help is to not spend all your time with the other american students

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? keep an open mind and try new things