Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Frostburg State University) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/09/2014 with

World Endeavors: Study in Mexico - Universidad Internacional

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that making friends is easy anywhere if you put yourself out there. The friends I made, are lifelong friends. I had a blast learning in a new environment for a longer period of time. I loved they immersed us with the students, I learned more Spanish and improved greatly with my grammar. It was worthwhile, I could not have asked for a better experience.

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.

can be very intense however, I loved the challenge that it brought and I loved being immersed in a Spanish speaking country.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

very helpful, always willing to lend a hand. Always friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very happy with my living situation. Great food. Wonderful host mom! and wonderful host sisters.

* Food:

The home cooked Mexican food was always a treat. Never got tired of the amazing food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local Mexican students were so friendly and kind. They always invited me to go places which was so nice of them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If I had a health problem they would take care of it right away. Always well supplied. I never really had a serious health issue nor did I get sick from the food or water.

* Safety:

I felt very safe, I never really worried about it being dangerous. I was careful but I was never seriously concerned for my 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)

It was a bit expensive if I went out every single night. Some of my friends were able to do this. I could but I did not want to. I learned how to budget while picking and choosing where my money should go.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? nothing because I already paid for food ahead of time with the program
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? just pick and choose wisely where you want to spend your money

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 499
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? Do one on one sessions, go out with friends, go to the market, go to restaurants, go out to a club or bar if you want to and practice, talk with the locals and make friends with the local students.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The students
  • The food
  • The excursions
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, I already have done this just not for a longer period of time.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.