Queretaro, Queretaro, Queretaro Past Review

By Mercy D (Spanish Language and Literature., Nebraska Wesleyan University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My study abroad experience was very worthwhile. I came to Mexico to learn Spanish and to learn more about Mexico. I had a great internship, which gave me a different experience than I could find in a classroom. The program made it very easy for me to do this. But if you can I would strongly suggest that you spend more than just one semester in Mexico. The extra time will definitely be worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Tecnologico de Monterey--Quéretaro, Quéretaro
The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Great classes and you are able to take classes with Mexican students.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Excellent. They were very concerned about the safety and well-being of the student. They were always friendly and approachable. Whenever you had a question it was always anwsered quickly. The e visas were handled very smoothly and there was hardly any student involvedment, which is very nice. Great staff, excellent organization. The program was about 70% american and 30% from other countries (France, Germany, UK, Spain). But the program size was good, not too big but not too small.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived with four mexican men that I met through a friend. It was best living situation for me. I felt very safe and those guys took very good care of me. I lived right next to the school (10 minute walk). I never had any issues while I was living with them but some of the other internationals commented that they had electronics stolen from our complex. I lived in Felipe Angeles in the "red apartments". <br /><br /> I had my ownroom and shared a bathroom with one other person. I used their dishes and cleaning supplies so I did not have to buy my own. I did buy a bed which was around 250 dollars but many apartments are furnished. It was a great little apartment. The only bad thing was that there was only one parking space for the 5 of us, so when I had friend over they had to park outside of the gates.
* Food:	Amazing, accessible and cheap. I only was mildly sick one time and I ate just about anywhere. One of the best things about Mexico is the food.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Querétaro is a beatiful city and usually have weekly cultural events on downtown.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I never felt unsafe. Querétaro is a very safe city but as always use common sense. Don't be alone late at night (12-6 am) always use TEC taxis (I have used others but the TEC ones are always safe and usually cheaper). If you do drink, don’t drink too much and when you go out, be with at least one person can trust. Protect your belongings keep things locked and zipped up. But all in all just use common sense to protect yourself and there shouldn't be any problem. I never had to use the healthcare system when I was a student.
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?	I couldn't imagine that you would need more than 60 dollars per week for food. My rent per month with expenses (light, gas, cable, water) was around 160 dollars a month. Those are basics and I cooked in my house most of the time but ate out frequently as well. For going out I would plan on 60-100 dollars per week if you want go out a lot especially to the clubs. I would spend 10 dollars on cellphone credit per week and about 100 pesos on other little things such as copies, sunglasses, other things.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	You can live pretty cheaply in Mexico. If you cut back in other areas it is easy to live on a low budget because food and rent are very reasonable.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?	I did not feel like 5 short months were enough for me to improve my language skils as much as I had hoped. But that really had nothing to do with the university but only my own actions.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	You are going to have a great time but be sure to take sometime to learn and explore on your own.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Advanced Grammar
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Great course, I learned a lot about how the motive of the speaker factors into the language. The course was fun because the professor would prepare speaking activities in addition to grammar exercises.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Because of my universities agreement with the TEC, I did not have any problems

Course Name/Rating:	Phonetics and Phonology
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	This was my favorite course. I learned so much about pronunciation and the last part of the class was great because we learned about the Spanish language and dialects in Latin America. It is a great class because you get a lot of one on one time with the professor practicing your pronunciation, which is priceless. I felt my language skills improved greatly because of this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: