Affordable Program with a 5 Stars Experience Past Review
By A student (Northern Kentucky University) - abroad from 07/02/2016 to 07/30/2016 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I gain a lot of new friends, cultural experience, improvement on my Spanish, and also a lot of love to Oaxaca. Yes, it was worthwhile!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
The food is amazing! But you do need to adjust with the food timing since it's different than the U.S. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One of the reasons why I love Oaxaca so much it's because Oaxaca is rich of culture. The people are very connected with each other because of their culture, so I feel connected with the city quickly too. The people are so friendly and nice, and they love their city, so don't be surprised when they get excited to tell you all the good things about the city. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program is very affordable but I get so much out of this! They keep me to stay busy while also giving me a free time once in a week--so I can explore the city by myself too. |
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) |
It's very easy! In total I spend about $350 per month and the reason why I spend that much is because I love to shop a lot there and I need to buy something that costs a lot for my family. I also forget to bring things that are already listed on the packing list, such as: repellant, umbrella, sunblock, etc. So that's why I spend that much amount of money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | - Make sure you bring the things that are listed on the packing list, so you don't need to buy them at your country arrival. - When you shop in the market, try to bargain! - Exchange your money at your country's arrival, instead of at the airport of your country departure. Even better, take your money out from ATM in a big amount because your bank usually charge you about 2% every time you take your money out at any amount. |
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? | SPI 202 - Intermediate Spanish II |
| 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? | Try to use Spanish while talking to your friends! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I should've brought the things that are listed on the packing list and I should've exchanged my money at Mexico, instead of at the U.S airport |
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.' |
