Merida, Mexico: The Best Summer of My Life Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 06/25/2013 to 08/14/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to take all the experiences I can while I can. Although many times my roommates didn't want to participate, I went out with other friends and looked for my own adventures and took advantage of the many amazing experiences offered in a different country.

Review Photos

Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad Photo Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad Photo Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad Photo Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad Photo Brigham Young University: Merida - Mexico Study Abroad Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be prepared to spend a majority of your money on transportation (busses and taxis)

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? Intermediate
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? 3rd level Spanish at BYU
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Speaking Spanish 24/7
  • Meeting locals
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Class times
  • More free time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to speak more with locals because that's how I improved my Spanish the most.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'