Past Review
By David B (Mechanical Engineering and Spanish, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for
Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico: Toluca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained a new appreciation of different cultures and an advanced worldview of the interactions between people and cultures. I learned the importance of tolerance and flexibility.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was not overbearing although the reading was extensive, the libraries were sub-par. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The office was unorganized and very slow in dealing with any matters that arose. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a friend and his family that I met while he was studying abroad in the US. |
| * Food: |
The food is very unique to the area. If you will be there an extended period of time you shouldn't worry about whether or not you will get sick, because you will. After a time a sort of immunity is developed. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Take advantage and travel! There are many historical and cultural sites to see, they are not hard to find. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
As in any foreign country, safety is a matter of perspective, you will never be 100% safe so there is no use worrying overly about. Just be smart. |
| 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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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My accent improved tremendously and everyday usage was immediate ie no pause to think and conjugate. Only a handful of people spoke English so practice was daily. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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? | Have extra money available, there are many things to do and buy. On the same note, remember that your suitcases are only so big, so as you pack, leave a little room for souvenirs. |
