Past Review
By Amanda M (Letters, Arts, and Sciences, Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for
Penn State Altoona: Guanajuato - Escuela Mexicana
I am so glad I studied abroad. I never thought I would go outside the U.S., but now I want to travel more. I loved the experience and meeting new people. It helped me gain confidence speaking Spanish as well as talking to people in general. Going abroad changed my course for the future. I want to move out of the area and experience other places. I want to expose my son to different cultures. I believe it makes you a better person to see and appriciate how other people live. I wish I had done it sooner because I'd love to do it again.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our program was faculty-led. There were very few instances when we felt unhappy with their job performance. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The walk to my host family's home was a pain, but it was good exercise! My host family was wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a better host mother. They made me feel very welcome, while also encouraging me to go out and enjoy Guanajuato. |
| * Food: |
My host mother was very accommodating to the fact that I am not fond of spicy/hot foods. She tamed her food down for me and I enjoyed almost all of the new foods I tried. I would suggest to students going abroad to at least try everything once. I was very surprised at how much I liked that I thought I wouldn't. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We saw Indigenous groups dancing in the streets, religous parades, many churches, historical buildings and sites, museums, and visited other nearby towns, as well as a weekend trip to Mexico City. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Although we were warned to be aware of our surroundings, I felt very safe in Guanajuato. Granted, I always had a fellow student with me, just in case. A few of the students had health concerns that were addressed right away. The professors told us to wear sensible shoes, which was very important for the cobblestone streets. We all had intestinal issues at some point and were quickly directed in how to fix them. |
| 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 more money on food than necessary. My host family fed me more than enough, but it's easy to spend alot of money because a little here and there adds up quickly, especially when the local food is so good! I had everything I needed packed, so aside from food and drinks, I only spent money on souveniers for family and friends. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | My advice when souvenier shopping in places you are just visiting is to buy it if you like it because you may or may not have the chance to find it again. Shop around in the town you are staying in though. I spent too much on only one item while in Mexico, but was very glad I bought some things because I didn't find them again. Also, haggle when the opportunity is there. I saved a good bit of money while shopping in the markets and shopping is always more fun when you get a better deal. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 003 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I used only Spanish while communicating with the locals, but it was hard to refrain from using English with my fellow students. Many people we met spoke English, but we asked them to refrain because we needed to practice. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Every student should take the opportunity and would benefit from any program. This particular program is best for someone who is serious about learning Spanish. One could get by, but where's the fun in only talking to the other students? |
