ITESM Queretaro: Good Enough... Past Review

By (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?
In the sense that it accomplished a degree requirement: YES! Academically it was okay, just okay. I will return to Mexico, but not ITESM.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were several very enjoyable weekend trips to cultural and environmental attractions. They were only attended by staff and the foreign students. But they were very enjoyable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Queretaro is pretty darn safe. Just don't do anything stupid. I did experience a classic "bug" in the food but it was manageable and the ITESM health center was more than helpful.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? You can survive on next to nothing. I spent probably $80-100 a week and lived pretty well.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You have to pay for the bus ride from Mexico City to Queretaro. Wasn't a big deal, but would have been nice to know.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Senior-level linguistics
Language acquisition improvement?

Home hosts obviously and with the local students. I barely met any other foreign students. Most students (local and foreign) spoke english, even the professors spoke English and it was annoying because I didn't come to take a class in my native language.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students