Study Abroad in Puebla Helped Shape Who I Am Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of my courses were in Spanish and with Mexican students. This made me learn Spanish and gave me a deeper understanding of the educational system in another country. I also had more exposure to different perspectives. While all this was very valuable, I have to say that the quality of education didn't compare to that of my home university and this was disappointing.

On-site administration of your program

The program was very well organized and run by faculty and staff who were incredibly invested in students' well being. I always felt safe and taken care of, and I frequently visited the program office simply to eat a cookie and talk to the administrators and staff who became my friends. Staff and administrators also knew a lot about the culture and educational system, and always went to great lengths to make sure each student's personal and academic needs were met.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was the best part of my stay. I lived with a husband and wife and their son who was close to my age. They always included me in family activities and made me feel very welcome. In addition to making sure I was comfortable in the house and satisfied with the food, they showed me how to use public transportation in the city. The house had high speed internet and cable. I never had to spend money on food, towels, bedding, etc. They provided it all. They even did my laundry. More importantly, they became very close friends of mine and I am still in contact with them today. I have even gone back to visit and stayed with them. I learned a lot about Mexican society through our talks and through the people that they introduced me to. I also formed a friendship with their son and his friends. I felt very safe in the house and in the neighborhood. Although they took good care of me, I had freedom and independence. I never had to tell them where I was going and I left and arrived at the house whenever I wanted. I would come back really late often times and I never had any problems or felt judged. Many of my friends in the program also spoke of having positive home stay experiences. I think the families in this program are very open to all kinds of students and that the level of connection a student has with the family depends ultimately on the student.

The food was incredible! My host mother took eating very seriously and would always make sure I was happy and nourished. She also was very accommodating. When I thought that I was gaining weight and told her I needed to cut back she made me grilled chicken breasts and salads. It was a much better situation than at my home school.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The nightlife in Puelba is great. It's a university town so there are tons of bars and night clubs. The program organized and paid for some trips to nearby cities and towns, which was always fun. I also traveled with friends. Every state in Mexico is very distinct and has its own unique cultural attractions so there is a lot to see. You could spend your whole semester traveling and you wouldn't get bored. When I was there in 07/09, traveling by bus was also very easy, comfortable, cheap and safe.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My experience with health care was positive. I had a couple stomach infections and my program took me to the doctor who prescribed antibiotics which took care of the problem. My experience with safety was also good. Mexico has a very bad reputation right now because of the gangs and drug trafficking but Puebla was very safe when I studied there (2007-2008) and when I lived there (2009-2011). Nothing bad ever happened to me and I always felt safe, even riding around in taxis very late at night. Puebla is a city, though, and like in all cities crime happens and students should be cautious.

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

I could practice language with everybody. I lived with a host family with whom I often had long conversations. I also made many Mexican friends with whom I spoke Spanish. Few people spoke English beyond the basic level and everyone was open to speaking Spanish.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• my host family and the friends that I made
• the administration and staff
• speaking Spanish

• it was great