Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cancun is far from the most beautiful place in Mexico Past Review

By (Anthropology., Millsaps College) - abroad from 12/28/2013 to 01/08/2014 with

Millsaps College: Winter Intersession 2013-14 Faculty-led Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad taught me to live without fear of the future and to explore. I learned that it is ok to get lost and to wander in a city that I had never been to before. I truly had one of the most memorable life experiences and I would not trade it for anything.

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 learned so much in this course over such a short period. I was thrilled to explore the Yucatan peninsula and had a blast, but also took away valuable educational lessons.

* 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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I really had no problem with the budget that I set for myself ($50 a day for 10 days). If you save ahead of time and go in knowing that you want to spend money you will be fine.

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
* 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?
  • Visiting a variety of cities in the Yucatan
  • Learning about the customs of the modern Maya
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • I wish my group would have been closer before we left
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly I'm glad that I got to go without knowing much about the Yucatan because it opened my eyes to so many things about the local people. I really value what I learned and would not change anything about the time that I had.

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 Urbanite
A 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.