VIVA MEXICO...opportunity of a lifetime to learn spanish and meet lifelong friends Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very different education system than I was used to which took a little time to adjust to (mainly less organized and structured than US colleges/universities) but once I got into the swing of things I really enjoyed my classes and spending time with Mexican peers. The grading was generally a lot more lenient than at Oberlin but you were expected to read, come to class and participate. In three out of four of my classes I only had one graded assignment which was a big paper due at the end of the semester, in my other class I had assignments due every class so it really just depends on the class and professor.

On-site administration of your program

There were only 10 students on my program and an office staffed by four adults who were there for us for anything we needed. They went above and beyond in my opinion to help us feel comfortable and deal with any concerns we had or resources we wanted. They arranged trips, birthday parties, volunteer opportunities, language/homework tutors, and were always there to talk/listen (and share snacks!). I really couldn't have asked for more from them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt instantly welcomed and accepted by my host family and by the end of the semester I honestly felt like they were family. They provided me with everything I needed and were always there to teach me new things, take me new places and just hang out and have fun with. I can't wait to be able to get back to Mexico and visit them!

I LOVED and greatly miss the food! Before going I didn't eat any red meat and upon going decided to start in order to get the full cultural experience. I am very glad that I decided to do this because I think it allowed me to be much more adventurous and also made for an easier transition into the mexican culture. That being said, however, I was placed with a family who ate hardly any meat because in my application I said that I didn't eat red meat, and the food my host mom cooked was amazing, so there is totally the option of eating little or no meat if thats what you prefer.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are too many amazing things to mention here but a few of the stand out things would have to be: playing on the womens varsity soccer team at the BUAP, traveling over spring break with friends from the program, traveling with the program on various weekends.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My only major issue was that I stepped on a dog on a beach in a tiny town when traveling. I went to a clinic 18 days later but they said it was too late to get rabies shots so I waited until I came home a week later and got them. I really should have gone right away though and gotten them there because it would have been free. I also didnt tell the program until 2 weeks after it happened so lots of mistakes on my part.

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

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• HOME STAY
• Sense of caring and helpfulness of the program
• Direct enrollment in a public mexican university

• Help finding classes in other departments