Marvelous Mexico Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were hard enough that I felt challenged but I did not receive homework over the weekends. The professors understand you are an international student and want to use your weekends to explore the country. The professors were glad to work with international students outside of class to help them better understand the language.

On-site administration of your program

The program leaders were kind but not organized at all. This hurt for them being able to support me.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in the dorms on campus. I did not like that I was placed with another US student but the rest of the international students I knew were placed only with native students. The rules for the residence halls were more strict than I was used to: all guests have to sign in with a resident who is responsible for them, no opposite gender guests after 10pm, if a friend/relative stayed overnight they would be charged 90 pesos, no alcohol, no coming back to the residence halls appearing under the influence of alcohol, and having to meet with a school psychologist.

Food on campus and places within walking distance of campus was amazing! There were even two US like burger restaurants in case you were craving home-like food. The market just off the zocalo had fresh food/produce every day including meat, fruit, and veggies.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This has more to do with effort. If you try and put yourself out there, make native friends, take trips with small groups instead of the groups of 80+ international students that go on school- lead trips. Part of studying at a private school disconnects you from the culture because you are with the children of relatively wealthy people in the country instead of the range you would get at a public school.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Living in the residence halls gives you direct access to the health care system on campus. They immediately find a bed for you and rehydrate you. The only thing is that they pump you full of antibiotics without asking for consent/ telling you about your treatment. This is standard procedure when dealing with foreigners not used to the organisms living in their water.

If you are smart and stick with a group and don't go to places you are unfamiliar with at night you will be fine! I never once felt afraid or threatened.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

If you wanted to travel/ explore the country every weekend it would cost about $200/week. Food and personal expenses were inexpensive.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Taking language classes and classes with native speakers. When you are with your international friends it can be hard to continue to speak the language but encourage each other! You are all in this country for a reason!

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Hostel

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• International Students

• fellow students
• food
• travel

• administration in country

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