Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Oaxacan Adventure Past Review

By (University of Maryland - Baltimore County / UMBC) - abroad from 12/26/2016 to 01/14/2017 with

Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Spanish definitely improved in the three short weeks I lived in Oaxaca. I learned about the history (ancient and modern) of Mexico, as well as got real life opportunities to practice my speaking skills.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

My experience with Sol was better than I could've ever dreamed of. Our program director (Yeyo) was fantastic, everyone at Sol in Texas was friendly and helpful, and the professors/administrators at UABJO were great. Oaxaca is a beautiful city with so much to offer. I will definitely be back soon.

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? $800 pesos (approx $40 USD)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget before hand and try to stick to the money you set aside to spend. Set a portion of money aside for food alone - there will always be street food/drinks to try!

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? Advanced
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? Advanced Spanish II/Elective courses in Spanish
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? Talk to your friends in Spanish (or the target language) even if they speak English. Talk to the locals/shopkeepers/taxi drivers/etc. They are free conversation practice, so take advantage!

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

  • Other
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?
  • Excursions
  • University Class
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • No complaints
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing really. I had never traveled before this trip, but I went in with an open mind and was not disappointed.

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!