Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most rewarding, amazing, inspiring, awesome thing I've done in my life. Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, West Texas A&M University) - abroad from 12/26/2015 to 01/16/2016 with

Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of self confidence, people skills/interactions, and a new appreciation for different cultures. It was one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done.

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Mexico Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My teacher was awesome and helped clear up things I've been struggling with since I first started learning Spanish. She also challenged me to learn more, but did it in a way that also allowed me to enjoy my stay and not be stuck in my room studying.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food! AMAZING! I can't even say how amazing it was because it was just mind-blowingly amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would have liked to interact with the locals more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The day I developed a cough my director took me to see a doctor and I got medicine that day. My host mom went out of her way to make me feel better.

* Safety:

There was never a time that I didn't feel safe. I didn't feel like I needed to worry about anything.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Sol education was amazing. I definitely got my bang for my buck, they went out of their way to treat us well, and they offered so many experiences that I feel like I wouldn't have found anywhere else.

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? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to barter with the sellers. Don't spend your money on the first things you see because you might find them somewhere else for cheaper or a better deal.

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

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2312
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? Watch tv shows with Spanish subtitles. Listen to Spanish music (reggeton, bachata, banda, etc.)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The excursion
  • The food
  • The learning
* What could be improved?
  • More ways to meet people
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to worry about so many things and to pack less.

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!