Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It changed my life. Past Review

By (Millsaps College) - abroad from 12/28/2015 to 01/07/2016 with

Millsaps College: Winter Intersession 2015-16 Faculty-led Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much more than just the effects of colonization on the Maya and chocolate - a look into ethics, into how individuals interact and understand the world around them, and how that can be traced through goods such as chocolate.

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.

Simply perfect.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Poc Chuc for life

* 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

I said this before, but this is the best way I can put it: It changed my life. Chocolate as you have never known it before. In an experience only Millsaps can provide, learning about chocolate's origins and cultural signficance to the Maya was not only a discovery of the historical impact of cacao but also a discovery of self as you climb ancient temples, taste chocolate in its original form, and swim in the cenotes of the Maya Underworld, Xibalba.

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)

Spent more because I like shopping but very easy to survive on very little.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around $350, because I like buying presents
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy from tourist shops, but do buy from places that support local artists. It's more expensive, but it's the right thing to do.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Ancient Ruins
  • Chocolate
  • Hibiscus Flavored Things
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
  • At
  • All
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should have started my Millsaps abroad trips before I was a senior.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Maya Gods, You, and Chocolate
Course Department: Religious Studies
Instructor: Dr. James Bowley
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It changed my life. Chocolate as you have never known it before. In an experience only Millsaps can provide, learning about chocolate's origins and cultural signficance to the Maya was not only a discovery of the historical impact of cacao but also a discovery of self as you climb ancient temples, taste chocolate in its original form, and swim in the cenotes of the Maya Underworld, Xibalba. It was immersive, we discussed the cultural impact of colonization as we stood atop ancient ruins. Dr. Bowley is an award winning teacher, his knowledge is extensive and he happily communicates this knowledge without judgement. We were assessed through article reviews and a final paper, nothing out of the ordinary for Millsaps.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues.