Oaxaca stole my heart! Past Review
By A student (University of Houston) - abroad from 05/14/2016 to 06/11/2016 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned so much from my experience abroad. Not only did I improve my Spanish skills, but I gained unforgettable memories. Each excursion from Monte Alban to Hierve El Agua to Mazunte were all indescribably amazing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
With classes 5 days a week and constant practice, my Spanish skills improved faster than ever before. I highly recommend studying abroad to learn a language. You get to actually practice what you are learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My program directors were some of the friendliest people. I want to go back to visit them again! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The food in Oaxaca is different from other Mexican food. I grew up eating Mexican food, but there is something special about food in Oaxaca. I still crave Tlayudas almost everyday! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The culture is so beautiful in Oaxaca. I love that there is such a large variety of indigenous cultures in the state and each of them is so unique. I wish I could have learned more about each one. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt very safe in the city, but a lot of times people will stare at you. Just be sure to always walk with a friend if it is late or call a taxi to take you home. Make sure it is a marked taxi as well! Take the same precautions you would take in any city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would never trade my time in Oaxaca for anything. It was such an eye-opening experience and I learned a ton! I can't wait to go back and visit. |
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) |
5. It is very easy to stay in Oaxaca on a budget. Sol Education's program cost included most meals, so I never had to spend money on food unless I decided to eat out instead of go back to my host family for lunch or dinner. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $25 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep in mind how much room you have in your luggage when buying gifts or souvenirs. Also, things may not cost much but they will start to add up. Give yourself a daily or weekly budget and stick to it. |
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? | 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? | Beginners 2 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
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? | More Spanish! It was definitely difficult in the beginning to communicate with my host mom. Thankfully, my roommate was more fluent and could help translate when we got confused with each other. |
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.' |
