Past Review

By (Cognitive Science., Rice University) for

CIEE: Guanajuato - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad de Guanajuato
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program staff are excellent, always available, and ready with an answer you may need. They come from a diverse background, and are particularly knowledgeable about the city and the culture, as well as opportunities for community involvement.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived with a single lady in her house, adjacent to her family's main house, a former hacienda. I was given my own bed- and bathroom. (located on Pastita, called the Ex-hacienda de los Escalera) <br /><br /> I love living with a family. It's is far from the main downtown area, but not so far that I cannot walk or feel uncomfortable or unsafe walking home after class or to a concert downtown.

* Food:

Home-cooked meals, what can I say?

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Loved all of the trips, organized by the program, as well as trips taken at my personal expense to nearby towns. there is always a "cultural" event to attend, especially now, as Mexico is getting ready for its 200th year of Independence and 100th year of revolution.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I feel very safe in Guanajuato; there's a police outpost down the street, people are always out and about, taxis are available everywhere at all times of day and night. I don't think I feel as secure while out in Houston, to tell the truth.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about ten dollars per week, which was enough for two taxi rides and a dinner or two. School supplies were about 20 dollars total.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you stay for a semester, you can afford to "shop around" for the best deals. You have enough time, really.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? DO IT. If you're American, there's so few people who choose Mexico because its our neighbor. That doesn't mean you can't learn and grow and experience something new while here.

Comments

Hi, you are from houston? I am from Rice, and I was wondering what excursions were organized for you? I also wonder how lenient the staff was on travel because of security concerns? Did you recommend any courses in particular at the University there? Also, If we want to explore art classes, do you think they would let beginning art/photography students in?

Amanda_4537 September 28, 2011