Oaxaca: Life experiences Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was pretty satisfied with the workload while being in Mexico. Personally, it was stressful when I had projects due just because the lack of time we had to complete them since we have to find all these resources on our own, but it was no way harder or more stressful than the PLU on campus workload. It’s frustrating/sad that the classes are so short and we have to cram so much into each class, but I would not sacrifice our trips with the director to have more time or extend the semester. I felt that the grading system was incredibly fair, and that the teachers/professors went above and beyond for me while I was there. If I didn’t understand something or needed an extension my professors would always do their best to be understanding and helpful. I truly am not looking forward to being back in the traditional classroom setting in the US after having such an amazing time in Oaxaca.

On-site administration of your program

I was very impressed with the onsite support we received and how quickly any housing or travel issues were resolved. The director of the ICO made it very clear that if I or any fellow students needed anything or found ourselves in a dangerous situation we could call her or her son personally at their home. Also, the events and tours that the ICO put on for us were very well organized and really made me enjoy my time there even more. Our onsite director was also INCREDIBLE. She went above and beyond for each of us during our semester in Oaxaca. She unfortunately had to see each of us at our lowest points, but she always offered us comfort and did whatever she could to relieve the situation. With me, she was there when I was rushed to the emergency room with a parasite, spoke with other faculty when my fellow peers were stressed out with the workload, and even organized a trip for us to the beach. She is very familiar with the language and culture which only encouraged us to work harder and appreciate our short time in Mexico. Also, the program size is perfect!! We were able to move freely on tours and excursions or go out at night with no problems. I feel a larger group would have a hard time getting everything out of their time abroad as possible.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my housing arrangements and family!! My house was located about 2 minutes walking from the school and was in the heart of the city. I was very close to everything (parks, Zocalo, food, markets, etc) and I felt very safe in my “neighborhood.” My family’s house there is gorgeous and clean. I had a huge patio and yard, a two bedroom room, personal bathroom/shower, and was free to hang out in the kitchen, dining room, and TV room. My host mom changed my sheets for me every week and cooked all my meals for me. I was treated so well in their house, I could not believe it. I never felt like a guest or a job, rather a family member and was invited to go shopping with my mom and sister, play Sunday cards with my entire host family, join them at Saturday family lunches, and even go to celebrations that they were invited to (a baptism and baby shower). My mom even taught me how to cook Oaxacan dishes, and my host dad and I listened to 70’s and 80’s music in the living room every night after watching novelas and the news.

INCREDIBLE!!! I miss oaxacan food so much!! Especially my host mom's cooking! I felt that the food was very clean. Just be careful about what you drink and the ice you use.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

INCREDIBLE!!! I had the opportunity to see traditional weddings, go to a newly born's baptism, several religious celebrations in the streets and Zocalo of the city, and visit the ruins of Palenque, Teotihuacan, and Monte Alban. One of the most memorable cultural events of the semester was muertos. You will never see so many beautiful flowers, colors, costumes, and fireworks as you do during the muertos celebrations. And the stories, traditions, and foods you get to eat during this time is an experience you'll never forget.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally felt very safe and comfortable in Oaxaca City- more so than some parts of Tacoma and Parkland. Though it is a very safe, safe city there are examples of drug trafficking and violence. Nothing near as bad as what people are experiencing in the north, but it is important to always keep that in the back of your mind. I recommend that students just be smart about who they hang out with, what you're drinking, and never travel at night by yourself. I know it can be tempting to skip out on cab fare and walk home, but the best choice is always to pay for a cab. Why chance it- plus taxis are fairly cheap. Regardless whether your bartender is male or female, it is very important that you always watch them make your drink or only order bottled beverages. I was very impressed with the Oaxacan healthcare I received this past semester. At one point I was rushed to the hospital after being violently ill for 8 hours. While there I received incredible medical treatment by doctors and nurses that were very knowledgeable, professional, and kind. After staying at the hospital for several hours, receiving 3 or 4 drips (antibiotics, pain reliever, hydration, etc.) and several prescription medications, I only had to spend a little over $200 versus the exorbitant amount it would've cost in the US.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I spoke Spanish everyday with my host family (never any English) as well as the faculty and staff at the ICO. They do a terrific job of encouraging/demanding that we only practice Spanish. I also spoke this language everyday/minute during my internship since I was working with staff that spoke only Spanish and rural communities that spoke dialects of the language. Unlike some of the students, I never had a person try and speak English with me at the store or on the streets because I look American.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family