An amazing trip full of learning experience Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Berea College) - abroad from 09/05/2015 to 12/05/2015 with

Centre College: Merida - Centre in Merida

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the founding of the Americas. I learned about the misconceptions of Mexico and gained a better comprehension of Mexican identity. I learned life lessons on my abroad trip that I would not have I wouldn't have gone.

Review Photos

Centre College: Merida - Centre in Merida Photo Centre College: Merida - Centre in Merida Photo Centre College: Merida - Centre in Merida Photo Centre College: Merida - Centre in Merida Photo Centre College: Merida - Centre in Merida Photo

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.

* 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

I met a lot of amazing locals. I was exposed to many aspects of the culture.

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
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not spend money on drinks. Save money for transportation because they do not alot enough.

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? 400
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just use the language. You're going to make mistakes but that is how you learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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?
  • The culture
  • The food
  • The friends I made the
* What could be improved?
  • More safety precautions on trips
  • More cultural exposure
  • Light coarse load
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the classes are quite academically challenging.

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.'