Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The experience of a lifetime Past Review

By (N/A) - abroad from 06/08/2019 to 06/29/2019 with

Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I increased my confidence in traveling and confirmed my passion for learning about new cultures and meeting new people. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Teachers were always there to answer questions and if anyone felt unsure in their class level they were put in the level they felt most comfortable in.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our director Priscila was amazing. She was so sweet and when I felt sick she texted me and gave me options. She was available at all times to give restaurant recommendations, directions, and advice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was so sweet and funny. The house was wonderful and so was the food.

* Food:

I'm a picky eater, so I struggled a bit with food, but there were always options for me and I never went hungry. There are restaurants and cafes throughout the city that were accessible and delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was so much fun to talk to locals and learn about Oaxaca.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick in the middle of my trip, and the director offered to take me to a doctor if I needed it. i decided to stick it out and I was fine but if I wanted to go Priscila would have taken me and helped me through the process--I wouldn't be alone.

* Safety:

Because I look and dress very American, there were some situations with street harassment. I'm not gonna pretend it was fun, but I also didn't feel unsafe walking to school in the mornings and evenings or even to the main square. It's just something you have to ignore.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Oaxaca was beautiful and I made many memories.

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)

I spent $400USD maximum on my three weeks there, but I did buy two rugs that made up $150 of that. We could have eaten every meal on the trip with our host family but we did go out a bit and get smoothies or order pizzas.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $130
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Barter when buying souvenirs!!

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? Spanish 2 at the high school level
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? Take advantage of the fact that all the locals speak Spanish! Meet new friends, go to concerts, etc. to practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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
  • People
  • Host family
* What could be improved?
  • Classes (need more advanced classes/more accurate placement)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I actually felt really prepared before this trip.

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!