Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great educational and cultural experience - Apocalyptic Tourism in Mexico Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Millsaps College) - abroad from 12/13/2012 to 12/23/2012 with

Millsaps College: Winter Intersession 2012-13 Faculty-led Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Improved spanish skills, connection with Maya and Yucatecan culture, education on New Age religion, education on sustainable tourism. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had wonderful experiences in our home base cities of Merida and Puerto Morelos. We were able to travel to several Maya archaeological sites and cultural sites. Miguel was a very informative and helpful tour guide. The professors assigned fair but challenging course work. Overall a great experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated with the phenomenal New Age religion culture visiting Chichen Itza, and integrated with Maya and Yucatecan culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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

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)

The trip was planned so that it was mostly pre-paid to Migue (hotel, most meals, etc.), and I think that really helped students that were tight on money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan a daily budget for yourself

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Educational topic
  • Yucatecan Culture
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to visit the Yucatan
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to pack lighter.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'