Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This was the best experience I have ever had. Past Review

By (Hendersonville High School) - abroad from 07/04/2015 to 08/01/2015 with

Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the history, culture and art of Oaxaca and I learned an incredible amount of Spanish. I learned a lot about myself and my reactions to new and unfamiliar situations and I learned how to be more independent and know how to make an important decision at the drop of a hat. This experience was SO worthwhile and I encourage anyone and everyone to have this experience if they can. It is life changing and I guarantee that you will love the change.

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Mexico Photo Study Abroad Programs in Mexico Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My overall educational experience was incredible. I feel that I learned so much about the Mexican culture and the Spanish language throughout the month that I was there. The classes were rigorous and the Spanish was at an intensity level that was just enough for me to handle without feeling overwhelmed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were incredible. The food I was served was always amazing and my living situation was comfortable and hospitable.

* Food:

Everything that I was served was incredible. I was never served anything that I did not love.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The cultural activities were a great way to get immersed as well as spending time with my language exchange partner and my host family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

This is such an amazing city. I felt safe walking around at all times and even walking to and from places on my own but if at any point I was not one- hundred percent comfortable, taxis were easily available and super affordable.

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? About $100 to $150 American Dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't but anything you don't need or don't really, really want. Remember that you will have to bring back whatever you buy on the plane!

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

I was constantly being encouraged to speak Spanish!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish Level Three
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? Watch familiar movies in Spanish and attempt to speak to native speakers often to become comfortable hearing the language at the normal speed and having the dialect in order to respond in a quick manner.

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
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?
  • My host family
  • Cultural activities
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • The website of SOL Abroad for high school students.
  • The handbook and packing list.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before I left for the program, I thought a month was plenty of time. Now, I realize that a month is not nearly enough time to get the Spanish skills that I still desire and the time flies... In a nutshell, I wish I would have chosen a longer time span to be in Oaxaca.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!