Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., City College of San Francisco) for

City College of San Francisco: Oaxaca- Summer in Oaxaca

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worth it! I feel more comfortable speaking Spanish and I have a better grasp on the language. I am looking forward to attending the institute in the future when I have children. It is a great experience for the whole family.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Most of the classroom teachers were wonderful! They made the learning applicable, fun, and interesting. They knew the best ways to approach different learning styles and provide an opportunity for all students to learn.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always helpful and willing to work with you to make your experience a success.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Fantastic! The house I stayed in was beautiful. I had my own bedroom and bathroom. My homestay mother was very hospitable.

* Food:

The food was great! Just make sure to take something with you if a new food does not agree with you.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Loved every opportunity I had to experience the culture through classes, trips, festivals, food, and just walking in the city. Going to the Sierra Norte was probably my favorite trip!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Oaxaca. The only health issues that came up were when food did not agree with the stomach. Students took care of themselves in these situations.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Organized trips cost a bit more, but worth it if you want to spend more time visiting a place than on the journey there.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

The home stay, hours in class, afternoon culture classes, and being immersed in a culture provided the best experience to learn a language! I loved how much I learned in a 3 week period.

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This was an amazing program! I am very happy with the overall experience. Great way to learn a language!