Studying Abroad in Puebla, Mexico Past Review

By Courtney B (Spanish Language and Literature., Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for

Universidad de las Americas - Puebla / UDLAP : Puebla - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

The experience was incredibly worthwhile. There were a lot of lessons I learned that I expected to learn (Language improvement, cultural awareness, patience, etc) and many that I didn't anticipate, including an awareness of how I treated people, and how I plan on interacting with people in the future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Overall, my academic experience was wonderful. There was a great sense of involvement in the classes I was enrolled in, and it created some wonderful discussions over the literature we read during the class. The professors were always very personal and easy to approach if I had any questions or concerns over the classwork, even if they had a tendency to show up late upon occasion.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Overall, the administration was great. The staff was always helpful with my questions, and their directions were clear and concise when it came to paperwork needed throughout the semester. One downside would be the occasional sense that the departments didn't have a good communication system between them. It resulted in extra errands for the student.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	In general, I was satisfied with my housing. However, the Resident Halls in UDLA have very strict guest policies, which aren't always compatible with every student's lifestyle. The problems I ran into while living in the dorms were with the specific people I was placed with. Obviously, there are a wide range of personalities in any country, and we can easily say that I did not meet eye to eye with most of the girls I lived with. But such problems will be found any time you risk a random housing placement, I'm afraid.
* Food:	In general, the food is good on campus. There is a fair selection, and if you don't care for cafeteria food, there are a number of places within walking distance that are quite tasty.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Puebla is known as the city of angels, and if you wanted, you could visit a different church every day. So there is never a lack of things to do or see during your time abroad.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
Language acquisition improvement?	UDLAP is a bilingual institution, so while I was there with an intention to better my spanish language skills, there were a lot of opportunities for english-speaking students. Many of the professors had a proficient ability in the language, and in some classes I was given the opportunity to write my final paper in my native language if I so chose.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?