A formative learning experience in a beautiful city! July 16, 2025
By Karen H (Political Science, Spanish, Latin American Studies, Race and Ethnic Studies, International Relations, St. Olaf College) - abroad from 01/27/2025 to 05/14/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Mexico - Migration, Borders, and Transnational Communities
This program was absolutely worthwhile because it didn't have a eurocentric approach to education, unlike the many colleges and universities we attend in the United States. The intention behind this program was not to force students to memorize specific facts and details for exams, but instead to provide interactive, discussion-based classes that challenge western news outlets and scholars.
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. |
The educational material included within this program provides a holistic set of resources, reading materials, and lectures that pair well with various excursions throughout the semester. The theme of this study abroad program is clearly reflected in the coursework and offers an opportunity for self-reflection that is oftentimes ignored in western-centered courses. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The individuals who make up the on-site administration team are very kind and approachable. They collaborate very closely with students to assure everyone has access to resources and materials they need, whether school related, host-family related, or otherwise. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a great host family experience and lived with one other SIT student who I am now very close friends with. Our house was within walking distance of the location we had classes at and only a 30 minute walk to the center of Oaxaca. Meeting up with other SIT students was easy, too, since all of the host families lived near each other. |
| * Food: |
Oaxacan gastronomy is absolutely delightful and truly a never-ending set of cuisine that gets old. There were a number of restaurants near my host family's house, and the SIT team has great recommendations. The food my host mother made was also delicious and typically plentiful. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated with the local culture considering a grand majority of the individuals leading the SiT program are Oaxacan or have some type of connection to Oaxaca. When we weren't on excursions to other parts of Mexico or other regions of Oaxaca, my friends and I had a lot of time to not only visit downtown, but take trips to surrounding pueblos. Taking 30-45 minute bus rides outside of the city of Oaxaca was very valuable to me and my friends because these pueblos consist of beautiful, rich culture and learning opportunities that the city can't offer because of it's tourist-centered approach. I loved practicing my Spanish with the new people and friends I met, and I also loved learning about the indigenous languages practiced among the community. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have an experience with healthcare, but my friend did. She had an allergic reaction from eating almonds at a location we ate at during one of our excursions, but was brought to a health clinic that was open late at night to get medicine. My host mother also forgot that my friend was allergic to shellfish and gave her a plate of food with it. My friend, again, was given medical attention and quickly recovered. If you are allergic to anything, make sure to repeatedly remind your host families and SIT administration staff. |
| * Safety: |
My friends and I always practiced the buddy system when walking around the city or traveling outside of it. We took different routes to classes every once in a while, only took the yellow taxis, were respectful to the locals and history/culture of Oaxaca, and frequently checked on each other to make sure everyone got home safe. I felt very safe in the city! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
SIT Mexico is a study program that provides a holistic, student-centered approach to learning about migration, borders, and transnational communities in a national, bi-national, and regional context. I'm an aspiring immigration attorney, and this program has provided a set of reading materials, excursion experiences, and connections that I will have forever. On top of that, the bond created between among the SIT family grew super strong. We would all go out, do laundry, have movie nights, workout, and more together, making our friendship incredibly valuable and supportive. I'm still in contact with so many of the friends I made in SIT, and even though we live states away from each other in the U.S., I see our friendship lasting forever. |
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 don't have an exact number, but not very much since I lived with a host family. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You can always negotiate the price for a taxi back home as they oftentimes try to charge vistors/tourists more. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | College seminar classes |
| 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? | Make mistakes! I learned Spanish before I learned English, and I still make mistakes all the time! Your Spanish teacher, professors, and community will correct you out of love because they know the only way for your Spanish language abilities to grow is if you can learn from your mistakes. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Save up as much money as possible before you study abroad because you'll want to support the local artisans, businesses, markets, and restaurants here! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
