Oaxaca was a blast! Past Review
By A student (Metropolitan State University of Denver) - abroad from 07/01/2017 to 07/29/2017 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned how to fluently communicate in the language, Spanish. I learned about the customs and traditions in modern day Mexico and in the past. I learned about indigenous cultures in Oaxaca and their celebrations. I learned how to play cumbia on the ukulele. It was absolutely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I thought that the courses I took were both very interesting and well taught. However one of my classes was not very organized and although I did learn some grammar, it wasn't structured in an academically rigorous way. The Civilization and Culture of Mexico class was very rigorous and incredibly well done. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration through Sol was typically wonderful. There were just a couple of moments when it felt very disorganized. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Luz and Rodolfo were amazing hosts! I would love to stay in touch with them and recommend others to stay with them. |
| * Food: |
The food was delicious, but sometimes dinners were scarce. But after our directors sent out a message to the host mothers, dinner was more common. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Don't walk alone at night and always be aware of your belongings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Sol was an incredible program. I made friendships that will last a lifetime within the program and outside the program in Oaxaca. I love the directors and think Eva, Ena and Lleyo did an outstanding job given the difficulty of their jobs. I would absolutely recommend this program to a friend and would do it again if given the opportunity. |
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) |
I didn't buy a lot of gifts for family and friends, but I was easily able to live on about $60 a week. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't get roped into going out every night or spending money on frivolous things. Save your money for food and occasional drinks/coffees. |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced Grammar and Writing I |
| 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? | Always try to speak in the language even with your fellow Sol mates. Try to make friends with locals in order to practice even more often outside of classes. Take advantage of your language exchange! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I wish I knew that although they try, Sol cannot cater to the special needs of individuals with visual impairments or autism. |
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.' |
