Mexico: My roots and my future. Oaxaca - Sustainable Development and Social Change Past Review
By Daniela N (International Economics And Finance, Austin College) for
SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations
One thing only: after I studied abroad in Mexico I have come to one conclusion, I moving to Mexico after I graduate in May 2011!!!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Sustainable Development and Social Change Seminar, Intensive Language Study: Spanish, Field Study Seminar, and Independent Study Project |
| 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. |
My experience with SIT is one that I will never forget. Not only did it take me out of my comfort zone, but it also thought me how to learn outside the classroom. Another thing that made it very rewarding was that we really dealt on a daily basis with real life problems. I became more aware of my surroundings and grateful for what I have. Though probably one of the things that benefited me the most was that I became aware that there is always room for improvement in a language and that even though my roots are Mexican just like any one I had a lot to learn from Mexico. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty for SIT:Mexico was very supporting and with us at all times. They attended all excursions with us. Academically Jonathan our adviser did a great job on accumulating reference material and scheduling talks with various non-profit organizations. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
With SIT: Mexico we had three different host families, which made the expired that much better since we were able to experience living with families that were in different social economic levels. |
| * Food: |
I am Mexican so eating Mexican food was not an issue, I actually loved it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Going to Teotihuacan, Chiapas, and Mexico City all were filled with adventures and left me with many memorable moments to talk about. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
SIT does a very good job in assisting you if you have any health problems. Jonathan would make sure we would go to the doctor as soon as we felt sick. We even had a doctor of his trust in every place we went to. |
| 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? | Around $25 to $50, it varied each week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When it comes to money you have to be aware of how you like to shop. If you plan on buying a lot souvenirs then you may need a considerable amount. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish in a daily basis and to everyone, it was not difficult for me since I know Spanish already to interact with people. Though it was very rewarding for me to interact with professors and professional in Spanish, since it greatly improved my Spanish. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | A student that is ready to see reality like it is with no sugar coatings. |
