Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Do this program!!! Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/24/2017 to 07/06/2017 with

Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM): Queretaro - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have a much better grasp on the Spanish language after 6 short weeks. This experience really made me fall in love with the Spanish language and Latin America in general - I can't wait to go back to Mexico.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was some disorganization at the beginning of the term, but the staff was relatively helpful. The students working in the study abroad office are incredible and so friendly, however.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a host family was one of the best experiences of my life.

* 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

Queretaro is such a great location to visit other places in Mexico, and it is such a beautiful city to explore. The school is gorgeous and it has some of the best professors in the country. I had such an amazing experience here.

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? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live with a host family! They will feed you for free!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I adored my Spanish class. I also had to speak Spanish everywhere I went, so I have a much better grasp of the language now.

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? SPN 610D
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? Just go for it. The worst thing you'll do is say something sort of wrong. Usually people will be understanding and help you.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The people I met
  • The cities I saw
  • The immersion
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had gone into this program a little more relaxed. I would have saved myself some unnecessary stress at the beginning of the trip.

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.