Past Review
By William F (International Business, Spanish, Nebraska Wesleyan University) for
Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM): Queretaro - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Very worthwhile. It helped me to be more open with other cultures. If I could go back and do it again, I would do it without question.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | ITESM |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The two professors I had put together lessons that were well organized and helpful. They themselves were also helpful and willing to work with you when you had questions or issues. We had assignments regularly, but I never felt overwhelmed by homework. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt like the administration was very kind and helpful if you needed to change classes or anything like that. I think they have done a great job organizing the program. I didn't really have any problems in which I needed help from the administration, but I think they were accessible enough and cared enough to help us if we needed it. Also, the "primos" were a great resource. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very fortunate to have the host family I did. I'm not saying the other host families were bad, I simply feel that I had a great family that was very friendly and helped me out with anything I needed. I had three host brothers that spoke English. This was both an advantage and a disadvantage because if I didn't understand something they could explain it to me, but also I may have improved my Spanish more if they hadn't. My house was far away from campus, close to the Plaza de Toros, but it was a nice neighborhood (I believe it was called Lomos de Queretaro) and close to a bus stop where I could catch a bus to campus. <br /><br /> My housing was all arranged by my university, and as I said before I had a great host family. I am very satisfied with my housing experience. My house was far away, as I said before, but it was easy to catch a bus or taxi. |
| * Food: |
My host mother cooked all of my food during my stay abroad. There were some things I didn't like, and if I didn't like it she was fine if I didn't eat it, but this was rare. I did eat out with friends a few times, but almost always I ate at home with my host family. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had a great time on all of the trips we took as a group, as well as a trip I took with my host family. Queretaro is a nice city and I would love to go back whether it is for academics or not. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was sick for about two days, and went in to the doctor on campus and was helped out. Some of the other students got sick, a couple pretty seriously, and the administration was helpful in getting them treatment. I never felt threatened in Queretaro as a whole, and the campus has a very good security system. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Since I ate at home most of the time I hardly spent any money on food, I also didn't always take the bus, but I would say you could get by with $40 per week if you don't take taxis. These aren't very expensive, but they add up. Also, depending on if you go out at night can add more. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I don't remember any unexpected expenses. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I wish I would have tried talking more with my host family, but I feel like my Spanish improved greatly in the six weeks I was there. Living with a host family forces you to use Spanish, as well as studying it 4 hours a day. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are considering it, do it. Go in with an open mind, and don't be afraid to make mistakes, talk as much as you can with your host family, because they will help you out. |
