An Unbelievable Possibility, An Unforgettable Experience Past Review
By Daniel K (Spanish Language, Literature, Millsaps College) - abroad from 05/18/2015 to 06/16/0015 with
Millsaps College: Summer 2015 Faculty-led Programs
As I've articulated throughout this application, the entire experience was fantastic, surreal. Even making it to the Mexican airport was a momentous achievement, and I only grew from there. If I can do it, anyone can. The important thing to remember is to be smart and be present. You can't help but be changed by the experience.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Students were afforded the opportunity to challenge themselves in their pursuit of the mastery (or proficiency) of a language while also being encouraged to immerse themselves in the Mexican culture. |
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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: |
The school was near a wonderful working-class restaurant that provided excellent, full meals. Moreover, we were close to a convenience store, and the host mothers were more than willing to prepare meals for their students (but several of us were not particularly satisfied with those--it always seemed like the meals were rushed or made up of what I might call 'scraps' or just not the most thoroughly prepared items). |
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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
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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? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Visit every vendor before making a purchase, and don't be afraid to barter. It's part of the culture, and you just might find a good deal! |
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 |
We were strongly encouraged to practice, but students who weren't as confident in their Spanish were able to comfortably navigate the city as well. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | a Spanish Literature course |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Read articles in the language. Download a free app. Just practice daily. It's really that simple. |
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? | I wish I knew that it would all work out and that learning to let go--to just 'be'--would be the best experience of my life. Especially with Millsaps's generous study abroad financial aid, I really had nothing to worry about, so I could focus totally on improving my Spanish and loving the immersion. |
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! |
