The best decision I've made in my college education so far! Past Review
By Dillon O (Sociology., Central College) - abroad from 01/20/2013 to 05/05/2013 with
Central College Abroad: Merida - Language & Culture Immersion in the Yucatan
Definitely broke some racial and cultural stereotypes that were assumed previous to going abroad. Learned about culture from the eyes of locals and their friends. It was very worthwhile and would like to visit my friends in the future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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: |
Loved it! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Wish I had more Spanish under my belt. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No personal issues but when events did come along, access to care was easily attained. |
| * Safety: |
Got my laptop stolen from my home stay house the first week. Had to move back into the Central House. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
Helps that the exchange rate from USD to MXP was $1 to $12.5. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save some money on the side for buying souvenirs on excursions and general shopping. |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Middle school |
| 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? | Just listen a lot and practice with locals if you can (aka Speaking Partners). |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Saved up a bit more money ahead of time and brought more nice clothes for going out. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
