wonderful experience in Mexico with SIT. Oaxaca - Sustainable Development and Social Change Past Review
By Linden M (Philosophy, Bard College) for
SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
yes.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Delicious food in Oaxaca. Easy to find vegetarian options. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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? | I highly recommend the SIT study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico! I had a wonderful time while I was there. The program itself is wonderful. I was able to personally meet many of the people who are working so hard for sustainable and development and social change in Oaxaca, Mexico City and Chiapas. I really got a sense of the cultural and political context of mexico and the important work that is being done there. The special thing about this program is that you are actually immersed in the community of activists and non-profit organizations that you are learning about. I really felt that my teachers were fully integrated members of the community and that they were providing us with real insight into the pressing community issues. The academic work was interesting and challenging, but not overly time consuming which is important because it enabled us to explore more. Like on any study abroad program a big amount of what you learn comes from using your free time to go out in groups and explore. Both Oaxaca and San Cristobal are beautiful and vibrant cities with lots to see. It is very safe and I never felt in any danger. I know right now Mexico is in the news a lot because of what is taking place in the northern states bordering the US. I cannot stress enough that the violence taking place in that part of mexico in no way affected my safety in Oaxaca and Chiapas. This will probably sound silly but the best way I could explain this to my mom while is was there was by comparing Mexico to LA and explaining that just because I am in Hollywood does not mean my safety is threatened by what might be taking place in Compton. Obviously the country of Mexico is much larger than LA so I hope this example shows how unfounded worries about the safety of Mexico in general are. During our ISP's I had an incredible experience. I got to share an apartment with three of the other study abroad students in San Cristobal, Chiapas. I really got to settle in an get to know some wonderful locals during this time and I plan to go back soon to visit. Needless to say, my spanish speaking and writing skills improved immensely over my time there especially from conversations with my host mother. If I could go back and do it again I would definitely choose this program! |
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