Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Growth Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/16/2018 to 07/21/2018 with

IFSA: Merida - Medical Spanish and Public Health in the Yucatan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained language skills and a more intimate knowledge of the medical system in Mexico, but I also gained more confidence and independence, making this a hugely important experience in my personal growth

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were fairly simple in terms of the work expected of students, but they were rich with information and I feel like I came away from them with a good, well-rounded expectation

* 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 learned a lot and had amazing experiences with the program, but also had time to grow, learn, and explore on my own and with my friends I made through the program.

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? about $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? be aware of differences in exchange rates depending on where you go

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? level 3
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? Speak it as much as possible, consume media in that language

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Language Skills
  • Host family interactions
  • Group discussions
* What could be improved?
  • time management (timing with classes and excursions could make it hard to have time to eat)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can trust myself more now

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 Urbanite
A 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.