The little frogs of Guanajuato Past Review
By Keith B (Elementary Education BA, University of Northern Colorado) for
Universidad de Guanajuato: Guanajuato - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained a better understanding of myself, and a greater appreciation of my needs and goals, which did not seem to match this program I loved the family I stayed with and miss them a great deal... the was the biggest highlight of my journey.
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. |
The Academics while in class were great, but outside the class--I think it would have been helpful to have mentors or something to help us continue using the language. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The weakness was that I had thought I had no option EXCEPT to attend EVERY excursion as part of my grade, which it was not. The excursions were the downfall: Immersed in English, Videos in English on the way, Some guides using ENglish exclusively and referring to the whole group as girls and boys |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Mexican family I lived with was awesome. The were constantly assisting with Language acquisition (sometimes in spite of some roomates)The housing was in the foothills and not too far to have access to the city and classes within minutes. Also, the dad was a gourmet chef and I was always treated with respect and courtesy. |
| * Food: |
A+++ Awesome food and a total variety of healthy foods prepared with care and expertise. The dad should open a restaurant, but he is probably to busy with teaching dancing and coaching. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Delores Hilgado- LOVED IT! It almost reminded me of some nice spanish neighborhoods in Denver, --friendly, homey, -- wonderful!! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt overprotected, as if I was in Jerusalem, by all the police. Now I am Sooooo extremely greatful for their proactive effort for the safety of all there. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | It was a while ago, so it is always gonna cost more. I stashed away $200 for the last week but spent about $20 to $50 a week- almost less than here. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be stingy, but carry an extra $20 for that "gotta have" that you can't go back and get. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Second year |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Only in the class. Also, it was difficult to "immerse" myself in Spanish with some of the English speaking students who used English most of the time.Most people outside class used English |
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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* 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? | An athletic 20-something Barbie |
Comments
Most of your reviews seem very high except for the social experiences. Was there not as many things to do as you would have liked in Guanajuato during your free time?
Amanda_4537 July 28, 2011
There was not as much flexibility to explore Outside of Guanajuato UNLESS one wanted to be immersed in English by the English speaking Tour guide, the 12 English speaking texans that flooded the bus, and the main issue I had with ISA was that, plus the promised trip to Puerto Vallarta that NEVER happened.
Keith_263 July 28, 2011
Incidents of discrimination: in Mexico, Many of the people(including la ciudad de GTO)were not accepting, and in some places, hostile to GLBT people, especially foreigners. If one had the don't ask don't tell attitude-people were okay. It is just not OK yet in most places to be out.
Keith_263 July 28, 2011
Incidents of discrimination: in Mexico, Many of the people(including la ciudad de GTO)were not accepting, and in some places, hostile to GLBT people, especially foreigners. If one had the don't ask don't tell attitude-people were okay. It is just not OK yet in most places to be out.
Keith_263 July 28, 2011
