Past Review
By William C (Business Administration/ Spanish, Trinity University) for
NRCSA: Oaxaca - Spanish Institute
My study abroad experience was definitely worth while. I gained a greater appreciation for my culture and for other cultures. After this trip, I plan to study abroad more and study Spanish further. It fascinates me to speak to another person in a another language.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned a lot but I did not like the teaching methods that much. There was no strict lesson plan to look at and everything was too laid back for me. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was very helpful for any questions. They were very knowledgeable about the city of Oaxaca and of Mexico. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the Colonial Reforma neighborhood and it was an awesome experience. I lived in a house with three adults: the mom, the dad and the dad's cousin. <br /><br /> The neighborhood was very safe and it was extremely close to the school. It was a modernized house. |
| * Food: |
The food was always freshly prepared, delicious and at the same time everyday. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went to a local Oaxacan dance and it was a lot of fun. I also traveled to Puerto Escondido and Monte Alban, the Zapoteca ruins. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Oaxaca was a very safe city and it was safe to walk in at night. I had no experiences with health care. |
| 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? | I spent about $100 a week on my third meals and entertainment. This includes the excursions I took and anything else I wanted to buy. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is best to make a budget! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was forced to only speak Spanish so I learned a lot. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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? | Study Abroad! It is a once in a lifetime experience. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Advanced Spanish |
| Course Department: | C1 |
| Instructor: | Guadelupe de la Rosa |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | It was a very challenging class. There were no field trips. The teacher was very knowledgeable. I participated the same amount. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | no |
