Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ho Ha Monterrey!! Past Review

By (German; Romance Languages, Truman State University) - abroad from 01/09/2014 to 05/21/2014 with

Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education: Monterrey - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
History and culture is much more significant in everyday lives than we normally notice, and in some countries more so than others. I would say I mostly gained, skills, memories/experiences, and most importantly friends from my experience abroad! Ho ha Monterrey!

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

They were helpful with anything and everything that they were able to be. Very kind and welcoming.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Host family

* 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

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)

Without trips it was very easily, but if you want to do more with friends and make trips it was significantly more money and harder to afford.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-75mostly, sometimes $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ask about how food works and about trips, how many there are, where they are to, then plan the cheapest way to go about food, and plan trips as much in advance, and always expect to spend more than you will, even for just going out on weekends.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? For spanish (I went to Mexico), a spanish composition class.
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? If anyone tries to speak your native language with them, tell them immediately that it is your goal and intent to learn their language and that you want to as often as possible converse in the host language and that you would appreciate their help and patience. I personally ask them to correct and help me as much as possible too.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • University
  • Family
  • Opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Entry seminar geard soley to international students about what to expect in and out of school and what to know and beware of.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You cannot always trust people, and their intentions, but the most people if you take time to get to know them can teach you a lot and make great friends.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!