Amazing city, amazing country, amazing culture, average university Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/03/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

Universidad Iberoamericana / IBERO: Mexico City - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really improved my Spanish; I learned a ton about a country that is really important to the US that I had never really studied before; and I had tons of amazing, unforgettable experiences with great people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was annoying that people who put in basically no effort ended up getting the same marks as I did.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was really strange that the people working in the exchange office weren't even Mexican (with the exception of the housing coordinator).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got lucky because I was put with an amazing host family who supported me and helped me the entire time I was there.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in a wealthier area isolates you somewhat from the realities of life for a majority of Mexicans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The neighborhood I lived in in Mexico City was much safer than where I live in the Bronx.

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)

Mexico can be incredibly affordable for a student once you learn your way around markets and restaurants.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat a lot of tacos.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3000 level Spanish courses at Fordham
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends who are native speakers. Even if you and your English speaking friends tell each other you're going to practice the other language, you won't.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Direct exchange
  • 2 hours of Spanish language classes/day
  • Homestay
* What could be improved?
  • Exchange office staff should be locals
  • Class evaluations should be based on actual effort
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Academic aspect was the least important part of this program.