Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The experience of a lifetime Past Review

By (Biology, Trinity University) - abroad from 05/29/2016 to 07/09/2016 with

IFSA: Mérida - Language and Cultural Studies in the Yucatán

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was definitely worthwhile; I gained language confidence, a new appreciation for the cultures of México and Cuba, and most importantly, I gained so many new friends both from the U.S. and from Mérida.

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.

I really enjoyed both of the courses I took and thought that the professors did a great job with the curriculum. The homework load was a little intense but really helped increased my Spanish skills.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IFSA Mérida staff is supportive, resourceful, and really cares about all of their students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family and their home were absolutely amazing; I really felt like a part of the family by the end of the program. My host parents were wonderful and really knew how to support thier students.

* Food:

I loved the yucatecan food, and my host mother was a fantastic cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very immersed and integrated into the culture of Mérida and the Yucatan. The city puts on free cultural events almost every night of the week, and the program offers amazing excursions.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need healthcare services while I was abroad, but the system is good and very accessible. There are pharmacies on nearly every corner, and IFSA-Butler makes sure that those who do need a doctor get access to one quickly. Make sure to use plenty of bug spray and sunscreen in the summer.

* Safety:

Mérida is a very safe and friendly; I never felt unsafe during my time in the city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I absolutely loved this program, the city of Mérida and my time in Mexico. I feel much more confident with my Spainsh and hope to return to the Yucatan soon. The yucatecan culture is fascinating and the people are incredibly welcoming and friendly.

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)

It was very easy to live on a student's budget as all meals and program excursions were included in the program fee. The excursions and the restaurants we traveled to on our free afternoons or weekends were well priced.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There are many free cultural events in downtown Mérida during the week, and I would highly recommend them. Students receive great discounts at or free entrance to archeological sites. Eating meals at your host family's house also saves a lot of money.

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

We were definitely encouraged to use our Spanish, and we were not allowed to speak in English during our classes.

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? Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation
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? Making friends with the local students was a great, fun way to practice conversational Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The culture
  • The excursions
  • The classes
* What could be improved?
  • The students could be pushed more to only speak in Spanish.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had know that the host homes would not have air conditioning during the summer (it was tough to get used to, but definitely survivable), and I wish I had read more about the history of the Mayan and Yucatecan cultures.

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.'