An UNFORGETABLE experience! Past Review
By Carly Barello (Green Level High School) - abroad from 07/27/2019 to 08/17/2019 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Prior to the trip, I had one lousy single story of Mexico, but my trip completely shattered my one-sided story that I'd had... Mexico, especially Oaxaca is filled with remarkably generous and inviting people! The sweetest little people, with an intricate culture that they're willing to share. It was definitely worthwhile, we were exposed to the history, culture, and I gained a new profound appreciation for the Spanish language.
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. |
Getting into the correct level classes was difficult at first, but after talking with the director, Priscila, and the teachers we were able to find a good rigor level. |
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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? |
I had the most amazing host family! I was extremely frantic and nervous the first day, but they were incredibly welcoming and understanding. They always went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and safe. |
| * Food: |
Every day my host mom made the most amazing meals that were both delicious and perfect to immerse ourselves in the culture. Also, my roommate and I are both vegetarian and my host mom was kind enough to change meal pants to accommodate our needs. |
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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? |
Quite a few people got sick during the trip and Priscila, the director, would get the appropriate assistance as soon as possible. |
| * Safety: |
Although we were warned that Oaxaca could be dangerous at night, my roommate and I went out on multiple different occasions perfectly safely! They warn you, but it's best to take taxis and not walk at night ( and taxis are fairly cheap, you can also bargain for a lower price!). |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Sol Abroad does a phenomenal job with this program! The excursions were perfect and the director, Priscila, is the kindest and sweetest ever! |
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) |
If you go out to eat A LOT during your stay, expenses will add up, along with little souvenir trinkets, but be smart and eat with your host family! A lot of people missed out on spending time with their host family, the meals cooked by your host family is apart of what you're paying! Take advantage of this! It is also an amazing way to get to know your host family and practice your speaking/listening skills. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | On average I spent less than 10-5 dollars a week. Most of the money I spent during my stay went to souvenirs! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | As I mentioned before, eating meals with your host family is the best money-saving tip! Of course, it's okay to explore and eat out once in a while, but keep in mind that there is always the "free" host family meals :). |
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 |
5 for sure! Priscila always reminded us to try to speak in Spanish, and Priscila constantly engaged with us in Spanish (helps to develop your listening skills!!). Exercises in the classrooms, especially our speaking class helped to develop my speaking skills immensely. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 1 |
| 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? | There are a lot of great Youtube channels that help with Spanish. My favorite to help with basic listening is WhyNotSpanish! Before your future study abroad make sure to brush up on Spanish notes, or even simple things like Duolingo are incredibly helpful! I can't stress how much Duolingo helped me brush up on my Spanish skills prior to the trip! |
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'd knew how fast the 3 weeks would go! Try to get to know all the other solmates, reach out to them to hang out, before you know it the 3 weeks or so will be over :( |
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! |
