A True Experience Past Review
By Adyson Weatherly (West Texas A&M University) - abroad from 09/01/2018 to 12/08/2018 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned so much about culture, language, and the value of travel. Although very difficult, very worth while.
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. |
The classes where well staffed, interactive, and taken very seriously by all involved. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our on-site director was incredible. It was clear that she loved her job and knew much about taking care of and helping students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was dedicated and very experienced. Probably the best part of the whole experience. |
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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 provided every type of support necessary for a successful and fun experience. |
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? | $50/wk |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Wait until closer to the end of the program to purchase most of your gifts and souvenirs. |
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? | 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? | Intermediate Grammer |
| 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? | Every chance you can, use the language. Take notes of all the words you don't know during the day and read them before bed. |
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? | A positive attitude and retaining healthy relationships back home helps tremendously. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
