Trip of a Lifetime! Past Review
By Jaden Hill (Grier School) - abroad from 06/10/2017 to 07/01/2017 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
This experience allowed me to take on a new level of independence, and test my ability to communicate in a second language. I feel that it was incredibly worthwhile, and I would've liked to have spent even more time there, had it been possible.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Class was overall challenging and instructive. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Incredibly kind and helpful, always there to offer advice, give suggestions, or lead us on an adventure. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Wonderful, friendly host family! |
| * Food: |
Always well fed. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Given great freedom to explore and experience culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No notable health issues. |
| * Safety: |
There was never a moment I felt uncomfortable or unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This trip was an incredibly surreal experience, from the moment I stepped out of the airport, to my final goodbyes with my host family. The ability to immerse myself in such a beautiful, rich culture was life-changing, and I would absolutely do it all over again. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Withdraw all money from an ATM at the beginning of the trip to lower additional charges, only carry a small amount with you. I spent approximately 1000 pesos per week. |
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 |
Was encouraged but not required. |
| 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? | Honors Spanish 3 |
| 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? | Listen to music, watch movies, read local newspapers! |
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? | The weather here is unpredictable, prepare for lots of rain. The culture here is incredibly amazing, try as many things as you can! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
