Oaxaca was a magical experience. Past Review
By Micaela Fonseca (Cardinal Stritch University) - abroad from 09/01/2018 to 12/08/2018 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
It was an extremely difficult experience at times (especially in the beginning) but learning how to adapt/ change with the changes in your life is crucial. I also learned how to be alone and mold myself into the woman I want to be.
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. |
Overall, the experience changed my life. It was a difficult but very rewarding journey. I made lifelong connections and I regret nothing. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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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: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Sol was very helpful and always has been. Our excursions were amazing. We had the opportunity to travel all around Oaxaca/Mexico and we made memories that changed me, as a person. |
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? | I spent about 50 dollars a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I made a budget, but I didn't necessarily stick to it. I was okay with that because I worked and saved up all summer. If I had the money, I wanted to use it. You're only there once! |
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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I have been taking classes taught in Spanish since high school. |
| 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? | Immerse yourself! Make mistakes. That's how you learn the best. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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 what classes I was scheduled to take, I did not like going into my semester not knowing what classes I was taking. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
