Never judge a book by its cover Past Review
By A student (University of Houston) - abroad from 05/14/2016 to 07/02/2016 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned spanish, a few customs and that friendship comes in a variety of people and places
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. |
The beginning classes were extremely easy but when the intermediate classes became available it was almost too hard. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Fernando was nice, however very clueless |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
the living arrangement was ok, however the host mothers animals would bark and make noise outside my window, and there wasn't a bug screen on my window like the rest of the rooms so i had multiple bug bites. |
| * Food: |
Amazing, authentic. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was a definite need to be aware of my surroundings however I found it very enjoyable |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Horrible. Going to a doctor there was a joke. I had 2 illnesses that could have had a downtime of a day a piece; as a result of the healthcare there I saw 2 different doctors and was out of school for a week combined and was given unnecessary shots and medication. |
| * Safety: |
like with any major city you have to be careful of your surroundings, your food and drink especially in bars and clubs. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would choose Oaxaca again because of the teachers I had, the friends I made and the wonderful culture that consumed me. I would love to go back |
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) |
Much of the money I spent was for cabs and for presents |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 70 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | -Don't eat out alot (you paid for the food at home, why pay more?)- unless you don't like eating at home -when going to a club hide the cab money so you don't blow it - Also preplan what you want to drink or estimate the max you want to spend, take that cash with you and leave your other cash and card at home. |
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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Go out and talk to the locals, even ask the teachers to take you to field trips to the market or museums and ask all your questions while you are doing daily activities |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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!! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
