ITESM Queretaro Past Review

By Melanie M (biology and spanish, 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?

Yes, I highly recommend studying abroad. I gained a better understanding of the Spanish language and Mexican culture. As well as a new perspective on life. You will learn a lot about yourself when you are pushed outside your comfort zone.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Overall the exchange program was very kind and helpful. Things are not as efficient as I am used to in the US (for example having to fill out forms multiple times because they are not shared between departments).
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived in Colinas del Parque. My family just had a mom and dad. The kids were all grown but would often stop by on the weekends. The house was very nice and I had my own room and bathroom. I would highly recommend living with a family as I feel you will be able to practice your Spanish as well as learn more about the culture. <br /><br /> It was a bit of a walk from my house to school but it is pretty centrally located-right off of one of the main streets. Very nice neighborhood. Only complaint was cockroaches and scorpions, but find those in a lot of the houses in the area.
* Food:	The food was amazing everywhere!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The school hosts some trips which are ok. There are lots of neat places right around Queretaro to visit such as Mexico D.F., Guanajato, Bernal, Hidalgo de Dolores. There were occasionally celebrations in the centro which were fun as well as in D.F.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I was there when H1N1 first broke out which made things a little interesting but everything was communicated well and there were no major issues.
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?	When I was there the peso was not doing well. If I traveled it would often cost around $60 for a weekend (with bus, lodging, food). You really can find things at all price ranges. I would recommend looking at hostels as the ones I stayed in were very nice and much cheaper than the fancy hotels. When in Queretaro you can get a meal for under $5 fairly easily.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	None

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Intermediate
Language acquisition improvement?	I notice a huge difference in my ability to hold a conversation. I am able to speak much more naturally now instead of having to sit and think how to translate what I want to say.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It's a great program. I think you will really enjoy it. Try to be patient, I know things will get frustrating especially as far as efficiency of things but you will get used to it and they will all work out in the end.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Destrezas Communicativas III
Course Department:
Instructor:	Camacho
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	This class was fairly laid back. It consisted in giving short speeches as well as discussing cultural issues. It is a good class to get some practice speaking Spanish.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No problems

Course Name/Rating:	La historia de las relaciones diplomaticos entre los Estados Unidos y Mexico
Course Department:
Instructor:	Veronica Martinez
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	This class was a little more challenging but still very manageable. It was interesting to see how history "changes" when coming from a different perspective.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no problems

Course Name/Rating:	Intercultural Communication
Course Department:
Instructor:	Angelica Camacho
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	More homework for this class, but easier since the majority of the time it was in English. Provided opportunity to be with more Mexican students instead of just internationals.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no problem

Course Name/Rating:	Fonetica
Course Department:
Instructor:	Sandra
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	I found this class very helpful with pronunciation and fluidity.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no problem

Course Name/Rating:	La cultura de Mexico
Course Department:
Instructor:	Julio Diaz
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Easy class but interesting. All of the students love Julio, who is interestingly Cuban not Mexican. Learned lots of interesting things about the culture as well as got to sample music, food, and take a few field trips.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no problem