Mexico captured my heart Past Review
By Alyssa K (Spanish Language and Literature., Wartburg College) for
Universidad de las Americas - Puebla / UDLAP : Puebla - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Extremely worthwhile. I learned so much in every aspect. My spanish speaking skills are improved, I learned things about myself that I wasn't even aware I should learn, I know I can make it on my own, I realize my place in this world a little bit better.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| 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. |
I liked all my classes for the most part; my grammar class was really frustrating because the book wasn't very helpful and the teacher didn't spend a lot of time explaining why things are the way they are, she just focused on telling us the rules. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Program Advisor knew what she was doing and was helpful, but it was sometimes hard to get a hold of her or get things actually accomplished. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I liked my roommates and we got along but I also felt like they weren't interested in me. |
| * Food: |
I was upset that we didn't get any stipend/money for food, but was pleased that the average meal costs less than it does in the U.S. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Cinco de Mayo was fabulous, soccer games were huge social gatherings, a friend's birthday included a large part of her family. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had strep throat early in my trip and was able to see a doctor for free and have someone else call my prescription in. I was very thankful for the on-campus clinic. |
| 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? | Rough estimate: $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I thought I would have a meal plan through the university. Taxis add up over time. I traveled a lot so that increased my spending but I don't regret any of it! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SP 346 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I don't think living on campus should be necessary. Home stays would also encourage immersion in the target language. |
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?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | DO IT!!! It was a bit rough for me in the beginning but the rewards were so worth it in the end. I cannot wait to go back. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
La Civilizacion Mexicana (Mexican Civilization) |
| Course Department: | ID 347 01 |
| Instructor: | Catalina Barrientos |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | The best class I've ever taken, including all those at my home university. The material was interesting and useful and helped me gain a actual understanding of Mexican culture. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | The transcripts were sent/received late. |
