Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Immersive experience learning about immigration June 22, 2024

By (Sociology, Washington and Lee University) - abroad from 01/27/2024 to 05/10/2024 with

SIT Study Abroad: Mexico - Migration, Borders, and Transnational Communities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to see first-hand the conditions of both of Mexico's borders. I gained a new sense that immigration is the area that I want to pursue.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Interesting and engaging topics. Coursework was not as rigorous as what is assigned at home institution but enough to keep you busy while leaving time to enjoy the city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Admin and staff are very accessible and responsive to any questions or concerns.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I'm not accustomed to living with a host family but it was a safe and comfortable environment.

* Food:

Loved the food from both my homestay and local restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were plenty of activities to celebrate the local culture. I felt welcomed and encouraged to participate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have to acquire medical assistance but over-the-counter medicine was accessible if needed.

* Safety:

I felt safe in my city as long as I followed the recommended guidelines, such as not roaming alone or going out late at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved the theme of the program and the host city was safe and vibrant. I would recommend the program and repeat it if I could because it is a topic that interests me and I enjoyed my initial experience.

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)

Meals and housing were covered by the initial tuition and fees paid to the program. There were some out of pocket expenses such as laundry, entertainment, or personal travel, but does not break the bank if budgeted accordingly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Covered by program (ate at host home)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a spreadsheet where you track expenses and ensure that you have a maximum limit.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

All classes and excursions were in Spanish. Host families encouraged us to only speak in Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none, native speaker
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Fully immerse yourself and challenge yourself to only speak target language in diverse settings. Speak the target language in places other than the classroom (such as sporting events) because you'll learn some slang!

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Topic
  • Location
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • More organized activities as a group
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Oaxaca is very hot and dry and most places don't have air conditioning, so I would have adjusted my packing list.

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!